Deliciously Nutritious Meals for Your Fitness Journey
Hey all you health lovers out there! If you’re anything like me, then you understand the struggle of finding that optimal balance between eating healthy, and enjoying it! Too often we hear the words “healthy food”, and typically associate it with bland salads, or let’s face it, just plain boring! Healthy food can be colorful, exciting, and yes, delicious!
Let’s roll up our sleeves, and get straight into some easy, recipes for healthy eating, that will not only satisfy your taste-buds, but also fuel your fitness journey. These recipes are family-friendly, easy to meal prep and whether your goal is to bulk-up or slim down, you will want to keep these in your back pocket!
1. Colorful Quinoa Salad:
This dish shines in terms of flavor and nutrition! Quinoa is a complete protein (you get all nine essential amino acids), and when you add in some colorful vegetables, you not only have a stunning meal on a plate but one that’s nutritious (YAY!)!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups vegetable broth (or water)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced.
- A bunch of fresh parsley, chopped Juice of
- 1 lemon Olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.
Instructions:
- Rinse the quinoa in cold water and cook it in the vegetable broth following the package instructions.
- In a large bowl, mix your cooked quinoa with diced veggies and parsley.
- In a separate container, whisk lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Drizzle over the salad when ready to eat. Mix and enjoy!
Personal Touch: I like to add feta for a little extra taste – or avocado if I am feeling a little luxurious. If you want to make this salad, definitely double it! This salad is great for leftovers.
2. Pizza Bites with Zucchini:
I’ll be honest; I was skeptical about zucchini being a substitute for pizza, but those little bites are a game changer! They are low carb, gluten free, and super fun to make with kids (or even for yourself on a Friday night).
Ingredients:
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced into thick rounds
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- Optional toppings pepperoni slices, mushrooms, olives, fresh basil
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Lay zucchini rounds out on a lined baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spoon a little marinara on top of each zucchini round and top with mozzarella cheese and toppings of your choice.
- Bake for approximately 15 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
Personal Touch: I love trying lots of different toppings! You could even make a Hawaiian version with some pineapple (shhh, don’t tell the pizza purists!).
3. Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats:
If your mornings feel like a frantic rush, overnight oats are here to save your breakfast. Not only is this breakfast quick and easy to throw together, but it also keeps you satisfied until lunch! Who doesn’t love peanut butter and banana? It’s a match made in heaven!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup almond milk (or your preferred milk)
- 1 ripe banana, mashed
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (or almond butter)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional)
- Toppings: sliced banana, chia seeds, sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Combine oats, almond milk, banana, peanut butter and honey in a jar or bowl.
- Stir together, cover, and refrigerate overnight (or at least 4 hours).
- When you wake up, give it a stir, add toppings and enjoy!
Personal Note: I often prep a few jars at a time. This is a huge time saver during busy mornings. You can also change the flavor profile by using different fruits or nut butter!
In Conclusion
Recipes for healthy eating does not have to mean giving up on taste, and my hope is that these recipes prompt you to think outside the box and get creative with nutritious meals in your kitchen! It is important to remember that food is more than just fuel; it is a way to show love—love for yourself, and your body. So get to making some of these nourishing meals…and you won’t even miss the takeout!
Please check back for more fitness tips and recipes for healthy eating as we embark on our journey through a healthier and happier lifestyle together! Happy cooking!
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