[ad_1]
One of the hardest things about healthy eating is coming up with new ideas for what to cook. After a while, chicken breast and salad start to feel like old friends—and that’s because you’re eating them so often. Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to get inspired again. Thinking up new ways to serve healthy staples can help you stay on track and stop you from getting bored. A huge part of staying motivated is having the right tools, which is why we’ve compiled some inspiration to stock your creative toolkit and get your imagination flowing when it comes to healthy dinner ideas.
What to Eat for Dinner
The first step to healthy dinner ideas is deciding what to cook. When it comes to dinner, there are two main categories of food: meat and everything else. Meat is a great source of protein, vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc and B vitamins. Everything else—such as vegetables and legumes—is high in fibre and other nutrients, but usually contains less protein. If you eat a healthy, balanced diet, you don’t need to worry about getting enough protein. “If you get all your protein from animal sources, you’re going to increase your risk of developing certain cancers, and you’re going to increase your risk of heart disease,” says dietitian Alisa Fleming. If you eat a diet rich in plant proteins (legumes, nuts, seeds and grains), you’ll probably get enough protein.
Healthy Chicken Recipes
Chicken breast is a great source of protein and vitamins, but it can get boring if you eat it all the time. To add a new spin on this old favourite, try serving it with a sauce such as peanut sauce, sriracha or harissa. Slow-cooked chicken breast is a great recipe to try if you find yourself with a little extra time on your hands. Cooked on a low heat in the oven or in a slow cooker, the sauce soaks into the chicken, leaving it incredibly flavourful and juicy. If you’re looking for a healthier take on chicken nuggets, try baking cornflakes chicken bites. They are crunchy on the outside and moist inside and make a great side dish or snack.
Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
If you’re vegetarian, creativity when it comes to dinner ideas is even more important. There are many ways to bulk out vegetarian dishes so that they feel more substantial and are less likely to leave you feeling hungry an hour later. Try adding: – Beans – Quinoa – Whole-grain pasta – Oats – Whole-wheat couscous – Whole-wheat pizza dough – Chickpeas – Corn – Potatoes – Whole-wheat tortillas – Vegetable stir-fries – Couscous – Brown rice If you’re having problems thinking of vegetarian dinner ideas, try looking for inspiration from other cultures. Mexican, Indian and Asian-themed meals are usually very hearty and easy to make.
Healthy Dinner Recipe Ideas with Tofu
Tofu is a versatile vegetarian protein that can be used in a wide variety of recipes. There are many ways to cook tofu, but you can avoid the dreaded soggy texture by following this simple method. To make a tasty tofu stir-fry, simply coat the tofu in some soy sauce and sesame oil before frying it. Then, mix the tofu in with some stir-fried vegetables, brown rice and soy sauce. For an easy tofu curry, try this recipe.
Healthy Dinner Recipe Ideas with Beans
Beans are a great source of both protein and fibre, and they’re simple to cook. If you’re looking for dinner ideas, try mixing some beans with vegetables, whole-wheat pasta, or a whole-grain wrap. If you have a bit more time, you can try making a bean stew. Add lots of vegetables and herbs for flavour, and serve with rice or a whole-grain wrap.
Healthy Dinner Recipe Ideas from Around the World
Even if you’re not cooking from a certain culture, there are lots of healthy dinner ideas out there. Many traditional cuisines rely heavily on vegetables and grains, so they make great vegetarian meal ideas. If you’re looking for healthy dinner ideas from around the world, there are plenty of recipes online. You can also try visiting your local library or bookstore for recipe books.
Bottom line
There are many ways to keep your dinner healthy and tasty, but the key is to think in advance. Planning your meals and snacks for the week will help you stay on track and avoid last-minute snacking or unhealthy takeout. There are plenty of healthy dinner ideas out there, and with a little bit of creativity, you’ll never be stuck for what to cook again.
[ad_2]