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Essentials for a Fast Healthy Meal

 Essentials for a Fast Healthy Meal

Filling your fridge with healthy perishables makes whipping up nutritious meals a pleasure, not a chore. Fill your fridge with these 10 versatile ingredients.

1. FRESH FRUIT

Try to choose in season varieties,  not only is it more nutritious, it’s much cheaper. Spend five minutes a few times a week to chop or slice fruit and store in clear containers so it catches your eye when you need quick snack on the fly.

2. READY-TO-EAT PROTEIN

For those days when you don’t have time to make a meal from scratch, having ready to eat proteins will quell hunger without resorting to unhealthy snacking or takeout. Pre cook quinoa, chicken breast or smoked salmon, it will be easy to use make a lunch salad. Fish like salmon also cook fast if you are looking for a fresh high-protein dinner option. A carton of free-range eggs make opting for a healthy, protein-filled breakfast an easy choice.

3. VEGETABLES

Always have a few veggies on hand for when you’re craving something crunchy and savory. Baby carrots, celery, and cucumber can be eaten on their own or with a healthy dip, such as hummus, avocado or pesto. Consider single serve bags of baby spinach, arugula or kale a must have. It’s easy to pair leafy greens with lunch or dinner, or make it into a standalone meal by adding a small portion of grilled chicken or lean steak. Include healthy carbs such as sweet potato and pumpkin and load up on zucchinis, which can be grated into omelettes, frittatas dish or spiraled into ‘pasta’.

4. FRESH HERBS

Fresh herbs add flavor and freshness to almost any recipe Your go to staples include parsley, thyme, coriander or mint To extend their shelf-life, wrap them in a damp paper towel before storing.

5. GREEK YOGURT

On average, Greek yogurt has twice the amount of protein found in regular yogurt and can be used as a healthy swap for sour cream on tacos, salad dressings or a sweet alternative to ice cream, topped with fresh fruit for dessert.

6. HUMMUS

Keep a tub on hand for a high-protein snack alternative to slabs of cheese or a fistful of potato chips. Better still, whip up your own by placing a can of chickpeas, 2 tablespoons of tahini, two garlic cloves and quarter cup of extra virgin olive oil and blend in a food processor. 

7. CHEESE

Whether it’s feta, mozzarella, ricotta, cheddar or haloumi, if you’re into cooking or snacking with cheese, then this collection is for you. Team ricotta with fruit and toast for breakfast, grilled haloumi is delicious in salads, top wholegrain crackers with sliced cheddar and top homemade pizza with feta or mozzarella

8. MILK OR MILK ALTERNATIVES

Milk ticks all the post-workout nutritional boxes. It contains carbohydrates to help top up muscle glycogen stores, quality protein to aid muscle repair and calcium and electrolytes to optimize hydration. Mix milk into your morning muesli, add to smoothies, or drink up as a post-workout help replenish fatigued muscles. Not into cow’s milk? Plant-based varieties, such as soy, almond, or rice milk can be used to replace milk or any dish that requires a creamy texture. Opt for calcium-enriched where possible.

9. FROZEN VEGETABLES

Keeping a bag or individual serves of frozen vegetables in the freezer allows for an easy choice on any given night – especially when you don't have the time to make multiple trips to the supermarket each week. Not only do you avoid wasting food, but you're still getting as many nutrients (if not more) as their fresh counterparts. Corn, cauliflower, broccoli, edemame, or green beans are versatile staples. Just be careful not to overcook so they retain their crispiness.

10. FROZEN FRUIT

Just like frozen veggies, frozen fruit is both a nutritious and versatile ingredient, especially when their fresh counterpart is not in season. They work well in smoothies, pancakes, baked goods like muffins or sweet potato brownies or skewers. Think mixed berries, bananas, or pineapples.

 

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