Easy Recipes: The First Step to a Healthy Lifestyle
Updated: May 4
What are Easy Recipes?
A recipe can be considered easy if it requires minimal preparation, simple techniques, and a short cooking time. Additionally, recipes with fewer ingredients and basic cooking equipment tend to be easier to follow.
One-pot recipes or simple meals that can be sauteed on the stovetop are generally all very easy to follow. Look for recipes with a completed time of 45 minutes or less. We like to aim for 30 minutes from start to on the table.
What Makes Healthy Easy Recipes?
A healthy recipe typically includes nutrient-dense ingredients such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. It also tends to limit added sugars, unhealthy fats, and excess sodium.
Additionally, portion control is also an important factor in creating a healthy recipe.
Where Can You Find Easy Recipes?
There are many websites and apps that offer easy meals, such as Allrecipes, Tasty, and Epicurious. You can also find great recipe ideas on social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram.
You might also find a few simple recipes suggested at the bottom of this article or under the healthy section of simplylivinghappy.com
Ingredients or cooking techniques to watch out for when trying to eat healthier
When trying to eat healthy, it's important to be mindful of ingredients and cooking techniques that can negatively impact your health.
When in doubt, simple recipes are better. The fewer steps and fewer ingredients the better, just make sure they're quality ingredients.
Here are some things to watch out for:
High amounts of added sugars
chemical-sounding or hard-to-pronounce items on the ingredient list
Trans fats and hydrogenated oils
Excessive salt or sodium
Deep-fried or breaded foods
High-fat dairy products
Large amounts of red meat
Cooking methods that involve high heat, such as frying
Instead, focus on a diet rich in whole, fresh foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Choose cooking methods such as steaming, baking, or sautéing with minimal added oils.
Surprisingly Healthy Cooking Methods
Some surprisingly healthy cooking methods include steaming, poaching, grilling, roasting, and baking. These methods help to preserve the nutrients in your food while minimizing the use of added fats or oils.
Another way to cook easy meals is by microwaving. Yes, we said it. Buying frozen veggies that can quickly be microwaved is a great way to make fast healthy food.
Microwave options have come a long way from the pre-made '90s TV dinners you might remember. Was anyone else raised on Kid Cuisine? I shudder at the thought of them now, but how could any kid resist the molten hot brownie though?
There are still pre-seasoned and pre-prepared meals that tend to have a lot of undesirable added extras however, many better options are available. Just make sure to check the label so there aren't any surprises.
Healthy Microwave Items to Try
Frozen broccoli florets
Frozen mixed vegetables
Frozen grilled chicken breast
Frozen blueberries
Frozen strawberries
Microwave brown rice
Microwave stir-fry noodles
Microwave instant oatmeal
Closing
Finding easy recipes that are also healthy can be tricky and a little overwhelming. But if you follow these tips and are mindful of detrimental ingredients you will be well on your way to a healthier lifestyle.
Look for simple recipes that include nutrient-dense ingredients with limited added sugars or salts, and easy cooking methods.
When you're starting out it is always good to have a few easy recipes ready so you can make fast healthy food when you're limited on time. This will help reduce the temptation of picking up take-out or preparing something less nutritious.
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