Healthy Can Be Tasty Too

(2 recipes included)

Why does it always seem like 'work' when trying to incorporate healthy meals and snacks into your routine? I feel like this is what stumps most people when wanting to change their eating habits to a healthier lifestyle. There is a misconception of what is healthy and the stigma that comes with the word 'healthy'. Healthy is often portrayed as hard to do, expensive and time consuming. Well, lets talk about those things here!

It's so hard to eat healthy 'all the time'. It is one of the simplest and hardest things you will do. It's a choice, a daily, weekly, monthly choice. You can choose to grab a bag of chips or an apple. Ugh, an apple, I've already had 6 this week. Then, grab a banana or yogurt or a hummus pack or some veggies or a protien bar...there are more options than you realize. It is a choice, simple but hard. We have provided a couple options below to help you on your healthy eating journey.

I just can't afford to eat healthy. Yes. You. Can. If you look at your monthly habits on how often you eat out, shop, you will be surprised. Before you go to the grocery store, try sitting down and planning out your weekly meals. From that plan, generate your grocery list, you will be surprised how much further your money will go. Plus, you will be able to eat a lot healthier by cooking at home and preparing your meals and snacks. 

So I bought all this healthy stuff...now what do I do? This is the part that will take a little time to plan, wash, cut, prepair, and portion. When you get home from the store, do this immediately or at least at night so it is easier to get up and go in the morning. If you do not, it will seem harder than it is and you might not complete this part at all. But you are on a new path of new beginnings, new eating habits, new results! So, you wash all, yes all, the fruits and veggies. Cut everything up and portion it out. Cook the meat you need to cook. Use containers that are durable and easy to clean. Write on your calendar each meal you plan on eating through the week. This will keep you on track and organized, and ultimately it will feel to easy because it is all prepped and ready to go.

Experiment with new recipes, have a family cooking night, invite a friend over to eat with and chat. It doesn't have to be a chore if you change your perspective of the task at hand. You got this! 

Healthy Meal Ideas

Healthy Smoothie - Iced Coffee Protein Shake

This smoothie is great for those busy mornings when you need a healthy meal and a pick me up!

Slow-Cooker Mediteranean Chicken & Chickpea Soup from Eatingwell.com

Ingredients

1½ cups dried chickpeas, soaked overnight

4 cups water

1 large yellow onion, finely chopped

1 (15 ounce) can no-salt-added diced tomatoes, preferably fire-roasted

2 tablespoons tomato paste4

cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 bay leaf

4 teaspoons ground cumin

4 teaspoons paprika

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

¼ teaspoon ground pepper

2 pounds bone-in chicken thighs, skin removed, trimmed

1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and quartered

¼ cup halved pitted oil-cured olives

½ teaspoon salt

(Optional serve with Basmati Rice)

Preparation

Drain chickpeas and place in a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add 4 cups water, onion, tomatoes and their juice, tomato paste, garlic, bay leaf, cumin, paprika, cayenne and ground pepper; stir to combine. Add chicken.
Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.

Transfer the chicken to a clean cutting board and let cool slightly. Discard bay leaf. Add artichokes, olives and salt to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Shred the chicken, discarding bones. Stir the chicken into the soup. Serve topped with parsley (or cilantro).

(Optional- serve rice in the soup or on the side)