Staying healthy is a big deal; especially with all the junk food out there. Our schedules make it almost impossible for us to eat right too; many persons just grab a snack or two and head straight to work. What’s more? When they get home, they are too tired to grab a healthy bite. So, they simply consume more unhealthy food. This means that many persons are really maintaining an unhealthy lifestyle.
My friends and I are particular about health. This weekend, we decided to sit together, over a cup of green tea to discuss ways to ensure a healthy lifestyle. We came up with a list of healthy recipes which you can incorporate to your everyday diet. These recipes are quick, easy to prepare and affordable. They also contain the basic nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy and active.
I’ll share seven of these healthy recipes with you. But first, let’s get familiar with what makes a recipe, healthy?
What’s a Healthy Recipe?
Good question! We cannot talk about healthy recipes without clearly stating what a healthy recipe is. The truth is; many times, people think their diets are healthy but after some research and consultations, they find out that what they’ve been eating is everything but healthy. In fact, I remember having an argument with a colleague over how healthy burger is. The young man kept insisting burger was healthy, not until he read a few articles about burgers and bad cholesterol.
So, quick one; what is healthy about a healthy recipe? Experts describe healthy recipes as recipes that contain one or a combination of the following:
- Lean Meat
- Reduced fat or low-fat ingredients
- Unsaturated fats
- Whole grains
- Small amounts of high salt ingredients like bacon.
These healthy recipes are also prepared using low-fat cooking methods like grilling, barbequing, dry baking or baking. Microwaving is also a good method for preparing healthy recipes.
Here are seven healthy recipes you may want to try out for your next diet. Let’s get talking.
Recipe 1: Creamy Avocado Toast
This is one of the healthiest recipes you may want to try. It is quite easy to prepare, and it is rich in omega-3s. Now, a simple avocado toast is simply made up of toast, avocado, sea salt, and red pepper. The toast may be made from whole grains and this is usually advised by health experts because whole grains are rich in nutrients and fiber. In addition, the avocado is usually sliced or mashed. There are no specifications for the sea salt and red pepper.
You may choose to go the extra mile with your creamy avocado toast by topping it up with an egg and a bit of rich-tasting olive oil. Another good option for this recipe is combining avocado with feta, toast, and pomegranate.
This recipe has a rich and savory taste, and it is extremely healthy for you.
Recipe 2: Smoothie Hummus
Healthy snacking is the way to go! This dietary combination can provide all your health needs at a go. Smoothie hummus is a rich, tasting snack. Hummus is rich in protein and fiber. It can be eaten in a variety of ways too. For instance, you can dip your carrots or celery in it, especially when you need to grab a quick bite at work. You can also use it as a healthy substitute for mayonnaise, margarine, and butter, by spreading it over your toast or sandwich. What’s more? You can eat it plain; simply dip your fingers in the jar and enjoy this snack.
Preparing this snack is pretty easy. You just need to throw in a few ingredients and you are good to go. The basic ingredients for this recipe are chickpeas, tahini, and garlic, salt and lemon juice.
Recipe 3: Quinoa
This is another interesting recipe you may want to try. Quinoa seeds are rich in protein. They also have a rich and subtle flavor that can go with any dish of your choice. Preparing quinoa seeds is very easy. First, you will have to wash the seeds very well to remove any traces of bitterness. Then, boil the quinoa seeds together with the broth or water. You must put twice the quantity of water or broth as you have of the quinoa seeds.
Quinoa seeds can be added to all your diets. It can also be stored for as long as one week.
Recipe 4: Spicy Bean Chili
When we talk standard chili, the first thing that comes to mind is ground beef. However, your chili doesn’t always have to be beef. Having beans in your standard chili is just right; it gives you the protein that your body needs without any problems of saturated fat. What’s more? You can also add your chicken or turkey to the recipe to make it a complete meal.
In all, vegan bean chili is a healthy recipe option for you.
Recipe 5: Vegetable Soup
Vegetable soup is the way to go, especially in a cold weather. This recipe is extremely healthy. You can spice it with some protein by adding little beans or some chicken. You can also add some pancetta and a parmesan rind to the recipe for some flavor.
To prepare this, all you have to do is chop your vegetables and sauté them with some olive oil. If you are making use of chicken, you should sauté the chicken first before adding it into the chopped vegetables. You can enjoy this recipe with noodles too.
Vegetable soup is easy to prepare and it is rich in vitamins and minerals, thus, helping your body stay healthy.
Recipe 6: Veggie-filled Frittatas
Veggie-filled frittatas are a great way to start your day. I love enjoying this meal before heading off for the day’s job. This recipe comes in handy when you have to make breakfast for a large group of persons or when you have to use up left-over vegetables.
Veggie-filled frittatas can be made with goat cheese, mushrooms and herbs or artichokes, and leeks. It has a great taste and it is very healthy for you. This recipe is perfect for persons who wish to burn excess calories and fat.
Recipe 7: Pasta
Apparently, many persons have blacklisted pasta from the ‘health’ list. This is because many persons do not believe that pasta can be healthy. I used to think the same until a friend of mine introduced me to a healthy pasta recipe. Since that moment, pasta has had my heart.
To make a healthy bowl of pasta, there are some things you should note. First, you will need to make use of whole wheat pasta like brown rice. Whole wheat pasta is a lot healthier because it contains a variety of nutrients and fiber. Also, remember to add plenty of vegetables and some healthy protein sources like beans or lean meat. Do not make use of saturated fats like cream, cheese or butter.
Try combining your roasted broccoli and cauliflower with whole wheat noodles, cheese and a lot of vegetables. You will definitely love it.
Final Words…
Staying healthy is big business and the best way to maintain your health is by consuming a healthy diet. I have shared seven of these amazing healthy recipes with you. My favorite is the spicy bean chili. I love its spicy taste and the fact that is a perfect substitute for beef-based chili. Be sure to try these recipes and let me know which one is your favorite. Do you know other amazing recipes? Do share with me in the comments section.
