Healthy Food Ideas (what I like to eat right now)

Hands down, healthy meal and snack ideas, are one of the most asked about topics from my followers. I can see why because it’s something that I am constantly changing in our diets. Before I transitioned to a healthier lifestyle, I was the queen of cheap and fast food items! The dollar menu was my jam and I could have carried less about the nutritional value. Now that I’m older and wiser (ha) I get to share the many things that I’ve learned along the way and what my go-to meal and snacks are right now.

A few years ago, when I started my blog, one of the first things that I did was a Healthy Living Series (to find this series, go to my ‘search’ tab and type in “health series.”) This series was made to break down how I transitioned over to a healthier lifestyle. I know that many of you were able to use the structure that I did to transition over as well. I’ve honestly moved away from writing blogs like that because they do take up so much of my time but I know that it’s something many of ya’ll are interested in and it’s IMPORTANT for everyone to know.

Living in the country definitely has it’s perks but meal choices outside of my home are not one of them. I know that not having a Panera Bread or Fresh Market down the road makes it a lot easier to stay strict about eating at home. Many of you aren’t limited to quick and easy meals to pick up so it’s a lot easier to steer off course. Even I find myself eating out A LOT if I allow myself too. It’s just something that draws us like a moth to a flame. So, I have to set boundaries with myself and say that once or twice a week I’ll have a vacation meal at my favorite restaurant or drive through. Sometimes that’s Kindbelly and randomly it’s Starbucks (yes, I do have one every now and then!) but I always give myself a LIMIT of 1 or 2 per week so I can stay on track with my food choices.

I shop once a month at Costco and every weekend at Walmart. Yes, you did hear me correctly, I said Walmart. I don’t have the luxury of living near a Kroger, Fresh Market or Aldi so Walmart has become my go-to and their variety of healthier and organic choices will surprise you. I’ve also found that the store manager is more apt to ordering different things outside of the normal for me if I make it a point to ask for them a few times a month. Walmart doesn’t have EVERYTHING I would like to get (like organic creamer — I end up using coconut milk and it works just the same) so I just skip it until I randomly make it to the beach and pick it up. So, for the most part, I am at home with all three kids so you can find me making healthy meals that are EASY AND QUICK to make. Healthy, easy and quick meals are the key words I use to find new recipes on Pinterest, haha! Here’s a few things that are on rotation in our house right now.

BREAKFAST

scrambled or fried eggs, fresh fruit and jelly toast
oatmeal with honey or maple syrup, nuts and fruit
granola cereal with coconut milk
greek yogurt with honey or maple syrup, nuts and fruit
blueberry zucchini muffins (from Costco)
Kodiak Pancake Mix pancakes with blueberries or bananas with maple syrup

LUNCH

salad with beets, turkey slices, cucumbers and guacamole
boiled eggs and avocado toast
chicken salad with half mayo and greek yogurt or avocado
fried eggs and vegetables
quinoa salad with fresh vegetables

DINNER

maple balsamic glazed chicken with baked sweet potato cubes
honey baked salmon with ZOODLES and corn
tacos with lettuce wraps and cilantro black bean quinoa
turkey and spinach meatballs with red sauce and ZOODLES
“chicken bog” with shredded chicken, chicken sausage and freekah
turkey burgers with cauliflower rice and stir fry veggies

SNACKS

pistachios
a protein smoothie
CLIFF Z Bars
Square Organics Bars
Fresh fruit
veggies and hummus
cucumbers and tomatoes with salt and pepper
sweet potato with honey and vanilla bean ghee