Foods and Meals that Help me Eat Healthier

I of all people, know that it takes work, planning and preparation to eat clean. My general goal when it comes to food is to try eating as many nutrient rich, healthy foods, while limiting processed items. I think about food as fuel for my body, versus using it to get thin. Here are a few of my favourite healthy foods and meals:

1. Breakfast shakes.

Shakes are an easy way to start my day off right. I manage to consume 2-3 servings of fruits and veggies before 9am because of shakes. I prepare three shakes a head of time, so they’re sitting in the fridge waiting for me. Ease and simplicity in the morning is important to me, as I’m often on the road by 6:30am. I don’t want to have to think about what to make for breakfast this early!

2. Zucchini.

I love the fact that the taste of this veggie turns into whatever flavour you’re cooking with it. This makes it an amazing and healthy food that can be added to Mexican, Italian, Indian or Thai inspired dishes. After being seasoned and toasted, zucchini forms a savory, healthy snack that fills me up at night when I get the munchies.

3. Bananas.

When asked what form of sugar is best for us, many doctors and nutritionists will say fruit. This is because of the fibre and nutrients fruit contains, and the fact that it is often eaten very close to its natural form. I go ‘bananas’ for bananas because they are the perfect, healthy way to add sweetness into a baked good. They are also a key ingredient in many of my shakes. To me, no other fruit adds the level of sweetness or creamy consistency that bananas add.

4. Rice wraps.

This is a delicious meal that makes it is sooo easy to get 3-4 servings of veggies in. I also love that it’s quick (can be made in under 20 minutes) and easy to make.

5. Stir-fry (including curries).

This versatile meal is also packed with veggies. The sauce varieties can you create for your stir-fries is never-ending – peanut sauce, curries, teriyaki, sweet and sour – the list goes on. This variety makes stir-fries taste so different, you could eat this type of meal every night of the week.

 

So there you have it, these are the five healthy foods and meals that I enjoy on a regular basis.

 

6. What about my favourite unhealthy meal!?!

Those of you who know me, know that I believe in the 80/20 rule. 80% of the time stick to your healthy eating habits, but the other 20% of time go enjoy your life! I know that restricting myself of all tempting foods will lead to me craving them more so I do have less healthy meals that I sometimes enjoy. My favourite less healthy meal is…my Mom’s lasagna of course!!!

I will never be able to make it like she does because the only veggie she puts in it is mushrooms. I need to fill a homemade meal with veggies or I can’t justify taking the time to cook it. This meal is definitely a sinful one for me!

Please let me know what your healthy and not so healthy favourite foods are. I would love to work with you on achieving a healthy balance in a food plan that works for you.