I'm on a diet right now and I want it to last. My big problem is I don't know how to cook so I usually buy lean Cuisine which I know is junk.
Could you guys/girls give me some really easy healthy recipes that taste good. Try to limit it to less than 5 ingredients. If it's too long, I get overewhelmed. Thanks.
Salad – top with any form of lean protein
Also, I'm trying to think of sides to go with main dishes. So far I have:
Baked Potatoes
Caesar Salad
Spinach Salad
Sweet Potatoes
Asparagus
Broccoli
Just buy plenty of boneless chicken breast, fish, shrimp, and lean cuts of meat. Then add a huge assortment of fresh vegetables. You can make quick and easy stir fry meals, or grill the chicken and fish You can even grill the veggies.
Nobody begins life knowing how to cook..it just takes a little practice, and following directions. Here's a healthy meal that will impress him..just read the directions and take your time.
***Chicken Piccata with Pasta***
6 ounces whole-wheat angel hair pasta
1/3 cup all-purpose flour, divided
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
4 chicken cutlets (3/4-1 pound total), trimmed
3 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 10-ounce package mushrooms, sliced
3 large cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup white wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 teaspoons butter
Directions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender, 4 to 6 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse.
Meanwhile, whisk 5 teaspoons flour and broth in a small bowl until smooth. Place the remaining flour in a shallow dish. Season chicken with 1/4 teaspoon salt and pepper and dredge both sides in the flour. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink in the middle, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate; keep warm.
Heat the remaining 1 teaspoon oil in the pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring, until they release their juices and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Add garlic and wine to the pan and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the reserved broth-flour mixture, lemon juice and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring, until the sauce is thickened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in parsley, butter and the reserved mushrooms. Measure out 1/2 cup of the mushroom sauce. Toss the pasta in the pan with the remaining sauce. Serve the pasta topped with the chicken and the reserved sauce.
Some other healthy side dish ideas…
whole wheat or whole grain pasta
brown rice
cauliflower
snap peas
green beans with garlic and olive oil
tomato and red onion salad
***Roasted Cauliflower***
Head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
Salt and pepper
Preparation
Pre-heat the oven to 425°. On a baking sheet, toss the florets with olive oil; season with salt and pepper and arrange in an even layer. Roast until tender and browned, 20-25 minutes.