Healthy meal ideas

Having a list of healthy meal ideas on hand is a great way to set yourself up for success with your healthy eating plan. I like to keep track of all my favorite healthy recipes in a binder so I have them on hand when I need to plan and prepare a meal. Here are some healthy meal ideas for your collection:

Taco salads
I love taco salads because they are a great way to eat lots of fresh veggies along with healthy beans. Use romaine lettuce as a base, then top with chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, cilantro, chives, corn, olives, salsa, and guacamole. I love using salsa and guacamole as a topping, but feel free to add a little dressing if needed (just make sure it’s a healthy option).

Homemade soup
Soup is a great way to pack lots of nutrient-dense foods into a meal. I love using tomatoes, spices, and ingots for the base of the soup. And then I add various types of beans and whatever veggies I have on hand. The most common vegetables I use are: onions, carrots, celery, zucchini, green beans, peas, cabbage, and / or squash.

Munchies
This is a meal that is a bit out of the box, but is great for parties or movie nights. I make great snack trays, and if you plan ahead, you can make it fun and healthy at the same time! Some of my favorite snacks include a large vegetable platter with cucumbers, bell peppers, celery, broccoli, and cauliflower, served with hummus or a homemade Greek yogurt ranch dressing. Other items may include small slices of cheese, veggie pinwheels, black bean dip with homemade baked tortilla chips, and / or chopped fruit.

Baked potatoes
Preparing a baked potato bar can be a great way to have a healthy meal, just be careful what toppings you add to your potato. I’d rather have a healthy chili available, because it’s a great way to add flavor and sauce without heaping the butter and sour cream. Other healthy potato dressings include: chives, salsa, guacamole, and / or a little cheese.

If you are running out of healthy meal ideas, remember that most recipes can be adjusted to be healthier. Try cutting back on fat, adding more fruits and vegetables, and cutting down on unhealthy ingredients to make any meal healthier.