With the many responsibilities we have in our day-to-day lives, it’s not uncommon for cooking dinner to fall to the bottom of the priority list. Researching recipes and compiling grocery lists can seem overwhelming sometimes, but before you order a pizza or takeout, there are some easy alternatives that may surprise you.
PartnerMD’s in-house wellness team loves to help our patients design meal plans and healthy dinner solutions, so we wanted to share a few of our favorite ideas.
Here are five of our favorite healthy dinner recipes that you can make in 30 minutes or less:
You know those rotisserie chickens you see all the time at the grocery stores? Pick one up and you're halfway to making a variety of meals. Start by shredding up the chicken and keeping it in your fridge for a quick source of protein to your meals. Once you've got chicken easily accessible in the refrigerator, there's a huge list of quick and healthy ways you can utilize it.
Lettuce wraps are a great way to experiment with different fillings until you find one that works well for you. Use a large, sturdy lettuce leaf like a Boston or bibb lettuce so you get more of the "wrap" feeling.
Dice the celery, onion and carrot and sauté in a pan with the coconut oil. Once the onions are translucent, add in the shredded chicken to heat through. Add a pinch of the red pepper flakes if you like it spicy. Once the chicken is heated, add the teriyaki sauce to coat. You can also create your own sauce with some fresh ginger, garlic and a little low-sodium soy sauce. Serve inside lettuce leaves.
Other Lettuce Wrap Ideas
The Asian chicken recipe above is just one way you can create a quick and healthy dinner. Looking for some more inspiration for how you can add variety to this idea? Here are some more ingredients you can use to fill up your lettuce wrap:
We love making a single batch on the weekend that can be repurposed multiple ways throughout the week.
Mix all ingredients together and enjoy. You can add a scoop onto a bed of spring mix or spinach for a filling salad, make it into a sandwich between two slices of multigrain bread with some vegetables or serve it alongside a fruit salad.
Salad doesn't have to be boring. Start with a good base of spring mix and shredded chicken and mix up the rest of your ingredients to keep things interesting. The Thai salad below gives you a little sweet with the addition of mandarin oranges. Look for orange sections in juice, not heavy syrup.
Mix all ingredients and enjoy.
If you want to add some crunch to this salad, try adding thinly sliced jicama.
Mix all ingredients and enjoy.
This easy meal can be served in a bowl or with a lettuce leaf if you're in the mood for a wrap.
Mix all ingredients together and serve with a dollop of yogurt in place of sour cream.
Although it may seem difficult at first, preparing meals that are quick and simple but still healthy is easily attainable with a little creativity and planning. Whether you're trying to lose weight, maintain your current weight, or just need some inspiration, these recipes are here to help. With options like these incorporated into your routine, you’ll be on track to a healthier lifestyle with ease.