Healthy Can Be Easy: 10 Minute Meals & Tips!

by Nicole on June 21, 2012

Food! With all the craziness going on around here, it seems like this blog has morphed into something new…or just transitioned into other things besides food. I started this blog when I was 24, so it’s natural that in 3 years it has grown with me. My life has certainly changed in the past 3 years and in many ways I had no clue I’d be in this very position I’m in.

The theme of my life for the past 5+ months has been gratitude. I am SO grateful for being in the position I’m in even though there are some truly hard days. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t give thanks. So know that I don’t take this life for granted.

My point is that even though now I post about pregnancy, home things, products I love, my roots are still food & fitness. I still cook the majority of the week and put together random meals. Right now I’m all about convenience….as I’m sure I will be for the next um…forever? This is why I haven’t posted many recipes lately, because I’m just throwing together things last minute. We do a lot of grill meals to make clean up easy too.

So I thought today I’d show you some things I’m doing to make my life easy and some meals I’ve thrown together for some possible healthy meal inspiration.

Trader Joe’s (no surprise to you) has many things to make life super, super easy. (I’m sure you can find most of these things in any food store!)

1. Soyaki marinade: I use this either once every week or every other week. It’s perfect for a chicken, fish or a stir fry. Super easy and delicious.

2. Cooked lentils: Find this in the refrigerator section. It’s a great source of protein to throw on salads, wraps, in stir frys, etc. I love these.

3. Frozen brown rice: I haven’t personally bought this one, but I’ve heard rave reviews. I just may buy this soon.

4. Pre-cut veggies & fruit: Trader Joe’s also has great veggie packs (in the refrigerator section) that you can either throw on the grill or cook. I’m also a fan of shredded carrots & brussel sprouts. You can throw them onto anything and add a boost of veggies. Also I love organic bagged broccoli and cauliflower that’s already cut up for you!

This gives a new name to convenience food. You do not have to sacrifice healthy, just to make it easy. Walk around your local food store and see what ways you can make your life easier.

Even More tips: 

1. Cook in bulk. Make big pots of grains. Cook enough protein for 2 meals (dinners & lunches).

2. Make life easier and pack healthy snacks (portioned nuts, fruit, Kind bars, Pure Bliss Eats snacks, etc.)

3. Get some of those Vega energizing smoothie packs!

Easy Meals I’ve been making:

fresh mozzarella & tomato on foccacia bread (in panini press) with a side salad

ground turkey cooked in tomato sauce with shredded carrots, zucchini, eggplant over brown rice pasta

asparagus, broccoli, shredded carrots, organic tofu over quinoa

chicken sausage, kale, cauliflower and fresh mozzarella over corn spaghetti with loads of pecorino romano

So there it is. Healthy IS  easy. Stop making excuses and start making 10 minute meals. If you want more specific directions on any of these thrown together recipes, feel free to email me! :)

Hope you found some inspiration in my meals. Share your favorite easy meal of late!

I’m off to see baby again in another ultrasound and meet clients! Have a wonderful day! 

Related Posts with Thumbnails

{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }

[email protected] June 21, 2012 at 9:55 am

Those look great. I love Trader Joe’s for some convenience help. They are my go to ‘quick meal’ shopping spot. I think once you get in the routine of throwing together a quick meal, you realize that it’s not so hard.
[email protected] recently posted..It Will Be Summer – And We Will Enjoy ItMy Profile

Reply

Amanda @RunToTheFinish June 21, 2012 at 10:30 am

ok i have definitely not heard of frozen brown rice! I’m intrigued!
Amanda @RunToTheFinish recently posted..Green Smoothie ExcusesMy Profile

Reply

Jamie @ couchtoironwoman June 21, 2012 at 12:49 pm

Looks yummy! I love mozzarella and tomato paninis, so good!
Jamie @ couchtoironwoman recently posted..The Power of ProteinMy Profile

Reply

Tina @ Best Body Fitness June 21, 2012 at 1:45 pm

Easy meals are the only way I do things. These are some great ideas. I agree there are many ways to make prep for easy, healthy meals. We love starting with things like pre-cooked chicken sausage and building upon that with fresh produce and whole grains.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness recently posted..You Can’t Out-Exercise A Bad DietMy Profile

Reply

StoriesAndSweetPotatoes June 21, 2012 at 7:16 pm

Yes it can be easy! Cook in bulk and freeze! I don’t understand those people that don’t like leftovers, “leftovers” are pretty much all I eat! ;) Great tips!
StoriesAndSweetPotatoes recently posted..Things I’m Loving LatelyMy Profile

Reply

Meredith @ DareYouTo June 21, 2012 at 8:09 pm

Great tips! Frozen veggies are definitely a lifesaver when you’re in a pinch. Just made a deliiicious stir fry two nights ago using frozen veggies. Win!
Meredith @ DareYouTo recently posted..Heed the HeatMy Profile

Reply

Charissa June 21, 2012 at 11:45 pm

I can’t wait to try the Vega smoothie packs…hopefully I’ll get them soon!
Charissa recently posted..Creative Wishes…My Profile

Reply

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv badge

Previous post:

Next post: