When people think of dieting, they often imagine replacing every meal with a salad. While that’s an option, it can get rather dull. We’ve put together a shortlist of foods that are yummy and hit the spot while still being nutritious! Each one can be used in many different ways, so they cut down on meal planning, too!
Cauliflower
This veggie is a wonder food. Don’t just take my word for it! Try slicing it in thin sections, adding a little olive oil and herbs, and roasting it in the oven. You can also dice it up and give it a good fry to replace your rice with any meal! There are many uses for it and many recipes online. You’ll never run out of fun and yummy ways to use this vegetable. There are also different varieties! Purple cauliflower can be found at your local grocery store and has an extra scrumptious crunch when roasted.
Zucchini
This versatile squash can be added to many different recipes to make them healthier. It can be used in meatballs in place of an egg, can be added to cookies and bread without messing up the taste, and even be sliced up to use as noodles! Zoodles are a great way to make that spaghetti a little healthier. Just like cauliflower, the possibilities are endless. It’s even yummy all on its own, as chips or dipped in the sauce!
Oatmeal
Whether you add it to your baked goods or boil it for breakfast, oatmeal is an excellent food to add to your diet. It’s multi-grain packed with nutritional vitamins and minerals, and it makes a great base for some of those sweet and savory flavors you love. Make a bowl and add some honey and fruits, or spice it up with garlic and herbs! Replacing sugary cereal and donuts in the morning with a bowl of oatmeal is a sure way to start your day on a healthy path!
Salmon
Salmon is packed with B12 and Omega-3s. It goes well with so many homemade sauces and feels a bit fancy on the dinner table. Try making your own teriyaki to baste it, or simply fry it in oil in a pan and add lemon, honey, and soy sauce for a great addition to your cauliflower rice. Salmon can be cooked on your stove, in your oven, or even smoked on your grill, and its fat content is so low, you don’t even need to count it. Just make sure your salmon is fresh. It’s easy to tell if your salmon is good to go. It should have only a very faint odor, and that odor should be pleasant.
Go forth, healthy cooks, and enjoy these versatile foods! Once you get in the habit of using them, you’ll be happy to know you’re eating healthy and giving your family a variety of extra vitamins!