
5 Easy Healthy Meal Ideas for the Week Ahead
Introduction
Making healthy meals at home during the week can be an overwhelming task. Between work, school and your social life, it’s no wonder that people resort to takeout or fast food! We’ve all been there. However, there are some easy ways to ensure that you’re eating well even when you don’t have a lot of time on your hands. Here are five of my favorite go-to meals for busy weeknights:
Veggie Pasta
Pasta is a great way to get in some carbohydrates and protein. Add in some veggies and cheese, and you’ve got a balanced meal that’s easy to make.
- Pasta (any kind of shape will do)
- Vegetables of your choice (broccoli, carrots, peppers)
- Cheese (I like parmesan or feta)
For the sauce: Olive oil Garlic Salt & Pepper Pasta sauce (I like to use marinara or tomato-based sauces) Parmesan cheese (optional) Boil the pasta according to the instructions on the package, drain and set aside. While waiting for your pasta water to boil, chop up your veggies and cheese. Place a large pan over medium heat and add olive oil, garlic and salt & pepper. Once garlic has become fragrant (about 1 minute), add in vegetables of your choice.
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are a great way to start your day, especially if you’re in a hurry or don’t have time for breakfast. They’re easy to make, they can be eaten cold or hot, and they can be made in advance so you have time to sleep in on weekdays.
Oats are a good source of protein, fiber and healthy fats that keep you feeling full longer than other grains like wheat or corn. The fiber helps keep blood sugar levels stable — especially important if you’ve got diabetes — while the protein keeps your muscles strong and prevents muscle loss as we age (otherwise known as sarcopenia).
The only downside is that some people don’t care for the texture of cooked oatmeal: It’s mushy! But if this doesn’t bother you at all -or even better–you love it just like my husband does then by all means go ahead with this recipe!
2-Minute Hummus
Hummus is one of the easiest ways to get a healthy dose of protein, fiber and healthy fats. It’s also delicious!
If you don’t have time to make your own hummus at home, there are plenty of options available in the grocery store. Look for brands that have no added sugar or preservatives (or if possible make your own). Some brands even come in single-serve containers so that it’s easy to grab on-the-go.
Hummus makes a great snack paired with veggies or crackers–you can dip them right into the bowl of hummus for an easy afternoon snack that will keep hunger at bay until dinner time rolls around again later tonight!
Slow Cooker Chicken Tacos
The slow cooker is your friend. It can make the simplest ingredients into something special, like these chicken tacos. Just toss some chicken breast, salsa, and taco seasoning in a slow cooker and go about your day until dinner time (or lunch). With only four hours on low or two hours on high needed for this recipe, it’s a great option if you have other things going on during the day but still want something easy to eat at night. Plus: no need to heat up an oven or stovetop!
Taco recipes are all over Pinterest; this one has been pinned more than 300K times! If you want to add some extra flavor or texture to these tacos (or any other taco recipe), try topping them with avocado slices or shredded cheese–and don’t forget about lettuce as well!
Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
Grilled cheese sandwiches are a classic, but they’re also easy to make healthy. For example, you can use whole-grain bread and low-fat cheese to reduce the amount of calories and fat in your sandwich without sacrificing flavor.
If you want your grilled cheese to be extra healthy, try using veggies like tomatoes or spinach instead of meat! This way you’re still getting a filling meal that won’t weigh you down later on in the day.
These five meals are easy to make, quick and healthy.
These five meals are easy to make, quick and healthy.
- They’re also easy to store, so you can put them away for later or eat them as leftovers for lunch the next day.
- Here’s what you’ll need:-Whole wheat bread
-Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, provolone and more!)
-Butter or margarine
Conclusion
We hope you’ve found some inspiration for easy healthy meals to make during the week. Whether it’s tacos, hummus or grilled cheese sandwiches, these options are simple and delicious. But most importantly, they won’t take up too much time in your day!
If you’re looking for more meal ideas, check out our recipe collections for more inspiration. And don’t forget to share your favorite easy healthy meals with us in the comments below!