Veggies, lean meats, and yes, a little bit of chocolate.
This year, I’m really taking my physical health seriously. I’ve been going to bed earlier, aiming for a high step count daily, and yes, eating cleaner. I’m the first to say that all things should be done in moderation, but even that should be done in moderation!
I’ve had an on-off relationship with healthy eating for a very long time. As a kid, I hated salads. Then I went vegan in college… and still hated salads. Can you call a tofu burrito bowl with rice, beans and guacamole a salad? It sure was vegan, but there was not a leaf of lettuce in sight. Truthfully, I love a good arugula, spinach spring mix, but lettuce and I still don’t super get along.
I’ve learned to love a lot of vegetables, but there are some that I’ve loved since day one. There’s also plenty of fruits and protein sources that I’ve picked up along the way!
Below, I’ve compiled a list of a few of my favorite go-to meals that are packed with nutrients, vitamins, and are sure to boost your mood!
1. Reeses Cup Smoothie. When it comes to breakfasts, my sweet tooth comes out in full force. I’d take a plate of pancakes over biscuits and gravy nine times out of ten. Even if I go the savory route, I’ll do chicken and waffles, extra maple syrup, please! My Reeses Cup smoothie is creamy, chock full of vitamin D, and is super easy to make. And yeah: it’s just chocolatey enough to feel more like dessert! Kick start your day, or refuel after a workout! Here’s a link to my recipe page for how to make this one.
2. Chickpea Curry. This one is for all you carb lovers. Toss some chickpeas, potato, a few spices in a pan with some broth. Serve with rice or a naan (or both, if you’re feeling it), and you’ve got a filling, comforting dinner that makes GREAT leftovers.
3. Salmon and veggies. If you watch any Hollywood star talk about bulking up or otherwise adding muscle for a role, you’re gonna hear about rabbit food and a whole lotta chicken breast. Truth be told, I don’t love chicken. Something about biting into a chicken breast reminds me of how weird it is that we eat birds. Think about it for a minute. Anyway, ethics aside about eating animals, salmon is a go to lean protein for me. It’s a bit more flavorful, and you can accomplish a greater variant of healthier options with it than with chicken, at least in my experience. Pair it with your favorite cooked veggie! I love sautéed spinach and asparagus. They both pair well with a good cooked salmon… as does a nice baked potato!
4. Acai Bowl. This is an often calorie dense option, but you can’t really go wrong with something that’s almost entirely fruit! Imagine a fruit smoothie, but more fun. You just blend your favorite frozen fruits with a bit of acai (or pitaya! Dragonfruit bowls are often pink and super pretty if you’re looking for a nice Instagram pic).Top with granola, more fruit, peanut butter, even some cacao nibs! A slightly fruiter breakfast or lunch treat than the Reeses Cup Smoothie, but it still satisfies your sweet tooth.
5. Kale Salad. There it is! A single salad… just no lettuce. I mean it! I can do a good mixed green. I like to massage a little EVOO with some garlic into a mix of kale, sautéed mushrooms, and some sun-dried tomatoes. Top with Pecorino Romano cheese (or Nutritional Yeast, if you’re keeping things dairy free) et voila! A nice hearty salad for all to enjoy. You’re kale-ing it!
There’s plenty of tips and tricks to making the more indulgent foods in your life a bit healthier (stay tuned for that)! For the days in between, give some of these meals a try. Even better, go explore and find something new! You may just find a new favorite. I know I have!