Are you one of many who resolved to be healthier, hit the gym, and only eat nutritious foods during 2013? Now that we’re a week into the year, how are those resolutions coming along?
If you’re like me, you can already hear your weaknesses calling your name. (For me, that’s pizza and ice cream.) When you feel yourself reaching for the phone to dial up your favorite Chinese takeout spot, think again, and try one of these healthy recipes!
Breakfast
Sugary cereals and breakfast bars will do no favors for your waistline. Instead, make a steaming bowl of oatmeal and doctor it up to your liking. This recipe by Skinny Taste calls for almond milk, water, spices, and her skinny pumpkin butter. As for me, I love to put heart-healthy dark chocolate in my oatmeal.
Prefer savory over sweet for breakfast? These breakfast burritos use egg whites, whole wheat tortillas, fat-free cheese, beans, and salsa to create a delicious breakfast with a Mexican twist.
Lunch
One reason diets tend to not work is because people feel like they must eat boring salads day in and day out. Stop grabbing that same old bag of mixed greens and try a delicious chopped salad! This one by Ambitious Kitchen tops a bed of romaine lettuce with protein-packed chicken and chickpeas, grilled sweet corn, tomatoes, avocados, goat cheese, and cilantro. Yum.
Yes, you can still eat chicken salad, even if you’re on a diet. Rather than full-calorie mayo, Epicurean Mom makes her chicken salad with non-fat Greek yogurt and reduced fat mayo. Nutritious ingredients like carrots, peas, and asparagus make this chicken salad unique. Eat yours on whole wheat bread for a no-guilt lunch!
Dinner
Big, juicy burgers are definitely tempting, but don’t jive with your resolution. For just as much flavor, try Fit Foodie Finds’ Black Bean Quinoa Veggie Burger. Full of vegetables and wholesome ingredients, this tasty meal will satisfy your craving. Eat yours on a bed of spinach leaves like Fit Foodie for extra healthy bonus points!
Sometimes you just need a delicious pasta for dinner. Pasta can be healthy, assuming you don’t pour on those cream-based sauces (even though they’re oh-so-good!). Instead, make this veggie-packed chicken pesto pasta from Delicious by Dre. This recipe is perfect for a big family, or you could reheat the leftovers for your lunches!
Sides
A lot of people don’t care for veggies because they’re blah. Yes, they are boring if all you do is boil them. Instead, take notes from A Spicy Perspective and make perfectly seasoned oven roasted vegetables. This recipe includes brussels sprouts, butternut squash, and red onion (although you could use any veggies) seasoned with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and sage.
There’s nothing better than a pile of buttery mashed potatoes, unless you’re on a diet. Picky Eater Blog shares a just-as-tasty, but much-more-healthy version of mashed potatoes that includes a russet potato, cauliflower, skim milk, 2% Greek yogurt, and light butter. She adds lots of flavor with garlic, chives, and fresh herbs.
Dessert
Do you have a sweet tooth that’s hard to satisfy? These Almond and Dried Cranberry Cookie Bites by Healthy Food for Living are gluten-free, paleo, and vegan! With almond butter, honey, and cranberries, these tasty little treats are much healthier than the buttery cookies you binged on over the holidays.
It doesn’t get much more classic than a slice of apple pie, but we know just one slice packs quite the calorie-laden punch. Luckily, Win, Lose, or Blog shares a delicious apple pie substitute, and all you need is an apple, water, cinnamon, and a bowl!
What foods and recipes are keeping you on track during 2013?
So pull one more all-nighter before your umpteen-hour road trip, and study up on the best pickup lines, party fails, playlists, style pieces, and shades for spring break. We’ve even prepared you for the downright characters you’re sure to meet on the beach — for some of ‘em, don’t say we didn’t warn you!
