Ok, so you’ve finally got into the habit of making healthy meals – Congratulations! But now, weeks or months in, you are beginning to feel stuck in a monotonous (and boring) routine of endless salads and green juices. While it is easy to be attracted to a healthy lifestyle, keeping things fresh and interesting is not an easy feat. That’s why, in this article, we share some ways you can add some flavor (pun intended) to your meals. If you’re determined to make healthy food at home but seem to have run out of options, read on!
Try a New Supermarket
As they say, “Variety is the spice of life.” This is especially vital when starting a new healthy diet routine. You can (and should) make your daily food intake more than something to tick off on your to-do list. Endeavor to make each meal an experience. How? By planning and preparing out-of-the-ordinary food. To do so, you may need to venture away from your local supermarket. You have no doubt tried all the healthy edibles that your regular supermarket has to offer. So try a different store and get some inspiration.
You’ll be surprised by the variety available outside your usual grocery store. For example, try a Farmer’s market in your area for fresher and more nutrient-packed fruits and veggies. Go online and search for stores in your town or city specializing in foods and ingredients not commonly sold in your area. You might even discover your next favorite fruit or vegetable. [i]
For more inspiration, check out our article, The Top 10 Nutrient-Rich Foods.
Time to Go International!
We usually associate home-cooked meals with a specific set of flavors and recipes that have probably been passed down through the generations. However, experimenting with international flavors can be fun, healthy, and good for your mind and body. It has become easier than ever to discover various kinds of ingredients from across the globe. There are numerous mouth-watering recipes, all just a click away. So go online and see what healthy recipes you can find and look for an accompanying video that gives you a step-by-step guide on making the meal. Don’t be shy to try something new.
Go Green (literally)!
If you are health-conscious and regularly prepare your meals at home, then there is a good chance you already eat at least one green leafy vegetable. However, you may be limiting yourself to lettuce, kale, broccoli, or spinach. Did you know that there is more to this green universe of wholesome goodness? There are collard greens, Swiss chard, dandelion greens, watercress, and so many microgreens! The best thing is, they do not all taste the same. It is time to don the chef’s hat and get creative!
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Making Healthy Meals – The Easy Way
Have you ever tried a meal kit? By meal kits, we do not mean those nasty ready-to-eat meals that come in plastic containers, which need to be heated before you eat. We refer to a new offering provided by several businesses that understand you and take care of all your grocery shopping needs. After signing up, they send you well-planned ingredients and meal plans, thus forcing you to get innovative with your meal preparations.
After years of shopping for yourself and getting more or less the same ingredients every time, this is a great way of getting out of that rut and discovering something new. It is hassle-free and liberating. With more time on your hands, you can explore new dishes with the tailored ingredients that you receive. All you have to do is give them a call or go online and subscribe. There are several creative plant-based meals you will discover that show just how interesting eating healthy can be. [ii]
You Probably Already Have It
If you have a library membership, check out all the genres your library offers. You are bound to find one on food and cooking. If you are lucky, you might find both traditional and modern cookbooks. Have a look around your home; you probably already have an old cookbook that someone gifted you years ago. Dust it off and see if there is anything that catches your eye. If you’re feeling up to it, tweak the recipes a little. Who said that you always have to follow the rules?
Here is an easy salad recipe that packs some flavors that you may not have thought of:
Slice a fennel bulb and a shallot thinly. Cut an orange into small blocks and combine the three in a bowl with olive oil and organic apple cider vinegar or juice of fresh lemon. Finish with some green olives and baby arugula. Delicious!
Healthy Meals
At the Budwig Center, we provide a recipe book for all our patients, giving them a plethora of healthy meal ideas. In our Budwig Kitchen, we do demos of different meal combinations. Education is the key to good health. Many of our patients have returned home with renewed motivation to make preparing and eating healthy meals a way of life.
Learn how to make the Budwig Mix in this video: