So, you’ve moved out of your parents house and you’re now responsible for stocking the fridge and making sure you remember to eat three meals a day. Easier said than done.
I am guilty of a few things here: first, I still live at home, so I am speaking solely to the fact that I move into my boyfriend’s house from time to time and deem myself responsible for feeding us. Second, I wouldn’t consider myself a particularly healthy eater – I enjoy fast food and savoury snacks way too much. However, I am a fitness junkie, and when I decide to cook a meal, I try to make it as healthy as possible, so I assume this is what it will be like when I am out there on my own.
What I’ve learnt is that cooking is like anything in life: the more you practice, the better you will be at it. When I was a student I could barely make Kraft Dinner, but since I’ve moved home I have utilized the countless cookbooks and made effective use of the kitchen.
Here are some ideas as to what you can make for your first few healthy meals:
Breakfast:
Greek yogurt and homemade granola: a lot of the granola cereals that you find at the grocery store are extremely high in fat and sugar, which is why it is better to make your own. Plus, it is an easy way to learn how to follow a recipe when you’re starting to experiment with cooking. Add some sliced bananas or any berries to make this breakfast even more hearty. Click here for my suggested granola recipe.
Avocado and egg toast: I am very defensive when it comes to avocado, as it is up there with one of my favourite foods. A lot of people will tell you not to eat it because it is fattening, but what they do not know is that it’s fat substance has increasingly positive health benefits. Use a whole wheat or flax seed piece of bread as opposed to multigrain (sometimes, multigrain breads contain more enriched wheat flour than actual whole grains, resulting in minimal health benefits), and spread half of an avocado over it. Cook an egg however you like it (I usually do sunny-side-up, poached or scrambled) in cooking spray (or even water…) instead of butter or oil. Put the egg on top of the avocado layer and voila – you have a nutritious and healthy breakfast! Sometimes, I add chili flakes on top for a spicy flavour.
Lunch:
Tuna or chicken salad: this really is a no brainer. But here are a few things to remember: there is close to no nutritional value in lettuce. Instead, try to substitue with my favourite superfood – kale. The less cheese the better, and it is almost always healthier to make your own dressing (try a lemon vinaigrette or just virgin olive oil mixed with balsamic vinegar). Throw in as many vegetables as you can and choose a protein – tuna (with no mayo – you won’t need it once you add your delicious homemade dressing) or grilled chicken.
Avocado and cottage cheese: slice up a whole avocado and mix it in a bowl with cottage cheese, simple as that! Add a litle bit of salt and pepper and this really does make for a filling and delicious lunch.
Dinner:
Chicken or Shrimp Fajitas: not only is this dinner idea healthy and tasty, it’s a fun activity as well. Use whole wheat, soft tortillas, and lay out small bowls of the following: lettuce, cooked vegetables (my suggestions would be peppers, onions), guacamole (homemade – soften your avocado, chop up tomatoes, add some cilantro, garlic, and lemon juice), and salsa or pico de gallo. If you’re aiming to be healthy, I would choose between low-fat versions of either sour cream or cheese. Serve with grilled chicken or sauteed shrimp (using cooking spray or water again). If you are trying to go completely carb-free, nix the tortillas and make a fajita salad with all of the same ingredients. Get on your sombreros and enjoy!
Quinoa Macaroni and Cheese: I know what you’re thinking – how can Mac-N-Cheese possibly be healthy? Well, quinoa as a supplement for noodles is a very good choice, as it is high in protein and not a carb (common misconception). Of course, too much cheese can take away from the healthiness of the dish, but if you only use the recommended amount, it will keep the meal light in calories and fat. Here is an idea for a recipe.
I hope that these suggestions help you on your start to healthy eating. If you happen to try any of my recommendations, let me know how they turned out!
*image courtesy of prevention.com
Posted by thedreamcatalogue | Filed under Taste.