We all know that, in the beginning of the year, everyone is trying to tackle their health and wellness goals. We also know that if the healthy food we’re eating doesn’t taste good, we are more likely to not succeed in maintaining our goals. This article will focus on seven recipes that taste so good that you’ll question whether they’re healthy and keep your palette entertained and on the road to success.
Please remember that it’s okay not to always “stay on track.” Life is too short not to allow yourself a piece of cake or a glass of wine. If you are struggling with your health goals and may need assistance, please consult your medical care provider or a nutritionist.
1. Spinach Mushroom Quiche with Almond Crust
Quiche is one of those foods that can be eaten at any time of the day. It can take on a savory craving or a salty one. Pack it with veggies if you love them or just meat for the carnivores in your home. This recipe is my go-to, but as mentioned above, you can play around with your filling depending on what you’re craving. The almond flour crust is a lower-carb option and provides a nice nutty flavor. If almond flour isn’t your jam, you can use a pre-made deep dish pie crust. (Bake in the oven at 350 for 10 minutes before filling).
2. Air Fryer Stuffed Mini Peppers
You’ve got a group of friends coming over, and you want a yummy snack available that many will enjoy and also will keep you on track with your hand outside of the potato chip bag. These are super easy to make, and the crispness the air fryer puts on the cheese makes them delectable.
Ingredients:
- Mini Multi Colored Peppers
- Cream Cheese
- Shredded Cheese of Choice
- Everything Bagel Seasoning
Directions:
- Cut mini peppers in half and remove any seeds
- Preheat air fryer to 350 degrees for 3 minutes
- Fill Peppers with cream cheese
- Top with Shredded Cheese
- Place in Air Fryer for 5-6 minutes
- When cheese is crisped and bubbling, remove peppers
- Top with everything bagel seasoning
- Enjoy!!
3. Spaghetti Squash Pizza
Spaghetti squash is one of those versatile vegetables that you can achieve many different flavors from depending on what you pair it with. When you’re craving pizza, this recipe may just scratch that itch.
Ingredients:
- Spaghetti Squash
- 1 C. Marinara
- ½ cup Mini Pepperoni
- 1 C. Shredded Mozzarella
- ¾ C. Ricotta
- 2 tbsp. Parmesan
- Salt
- Pepper
- Oregano
- Parsley
- Olive oil
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Cut spaghetti squash in half and remove as many seeds as possible.
- Drizzle the inside with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Place skin side up on a nonstick baking sheet and bake for 30-40 minutes until skin is fork tender.
- While the squash is cooking, mix ricotta, sauce, parmesan, and shredded cheese in a mixing bowl.
- Stir in mini pepperoni and season with seasonings to taste.
- When squash is done, remove from oven. Flip the squash over. Using a fork, form shreds with the squash into an empty bowl, removing any additional seeds.
- Once all squash is in a bowl, press any additional water out using a pot lid or a cheesecloth.
- Mix in the cheese and pepperoni mixture.
- Place in a baking dish and put back in the oven until the cheese is melted.
4. Energy Balls
These little grab-and-go snacks are nice to have around the house when you need something quick and protein-packed as you’re running out in the mornings or after a good workout. Making a big batch at the beginning of the week and storing it in the fridge allows you always to have a quick grab option. They’re insanely easy to make, as well.
Ingredients:
- 2/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 tablespoons honey
Directions:
- Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
- Form into balls about the size of a golf ball and set on some parchment paper.
- Let sit in the refrigerator for an hour before eating.
Energy balls can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
5. Turkey Skillet
This protein-packed, healthy, and easy meal can be thrown together in less than 30 minutes and satisfies a craving for Mexican food. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day as well.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 sizeable sweet potato
- ½ diced yellow onion
- 1 can reduced-sodium black beans, drained
- 1 pack low sodium taco seasoning
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Optional toppings:
- Sour cream
- Avocado
- Feta cheese/Goat Cheese
Directions:
- In a skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil.
- Add onion and cook until translucent.
- Add in ground turkey, salt, and pepper, and cook through.
- While the turkey is browning, take sweet potato and poke with a fork all throughout. Microwave for 4-6 minutes or until tender
- Slice sweet potato into chunks and remove skin. Add into the skillet.
- Add black beans to the skillet.
- Sprinkle with ½ packet of taco seasoning + 2 tbsp water (more seasoning if you prefer)
- Heat through
- Add into bowls and top to preference
6. Trail Mix
Having a snack you can throw into your bag is a key to success. In the event you get stuck at work and are in need of some sustenance until you can get home, this trail mix can hold you over as it’s packed with healthy fats and fiber. I’ve also heard when you’re in need of energy, chewing something crunchy can help you feel more alert. Worth a shot, in my opinion. This recipe is easy and can be divided up into individual baggies you can grab as the week goes on. Mix and match ingredients to your personal preference.
7. Shrimp Boats
A healthy seafood night with a fresh and crisp shell. Cook extra shrimp to have for other recipes throughout the week.
Ingredients:
- Large shrimp, peeled, deveined, tail on
- ½ C. chicken broth
- Lime juice
- Garlic, peeled and minced
- Romaine lettuce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Avocado
- 2 tbsp. Butter
Dressing:
- Sour Cream
- Fresh Dill
- Salt
- Pepper
- Sprinkle of Chili Powder
Directions:
- In a saucepan, melt two tablespoons of butter and add minced garlic.
- Add in shrimp and chicken broth and cook through.
- While the shrimp is cooking, combine the dressing ingredients in a separate bowl.
- When the shrimp is done, remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.
- Line pieces of romaine lettuce on a plate and place shrimp on lettuce boats.
- Top with avocado, sliced cherry tomatoes, and dressing.
We hope these recipes help you explore fun new ways to be healthy and satisfy cravings. Do you have a go-to recipe for when you’re seeking some wellness inspiration? Let us know in the comments below!
Featured image via Ella Olsson on Pexels
