How often do you agonize over what to cook when you need something quick, then wind up ordering out? Today was a day that I worked with what I had since I had been up since 5am, taught one of three fitness classes for the day and did my own strength workout. I was going to be burning more calories later, so I needed a good meal and I was short on time. I did not have anything cooked in the house and did not want my quick staples of soup, salad or cereal. Maybe you can relate . . . you do not like to cook BUT, you still want to eat healthy while keeping it quick and simple. Here are some tips.
A complete meal should always include a carbohydrate, protein and some healthy fat. For my complex carbohydrate, I found a steamer bag of vegetables in the freezer because I always keep them in the house. When I consult my clients, I tell them that fresh vegetables are good, but if they get lost in the refrigerator, it is money down the drain. If you buy steamer bags of any favorites such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, you will always be ready in a pinch and potentially save some money.
My protein was a marinated Ahi Tuna steak I found at Trader Joe's. These are found in the frozen section and when you are ready for them, put them in the refrigerator to thaw for a few hours or do a quick thaw by any means necessary. I also found the Chimichurri Wild Pacific Salmon as another option. These are both fatty fishes with Omega-3, which is an essential fatty acid the body needs to help keep your heart healthy. I cooked the tuna on the stove in a pan for 4-5 minutes on each side. The base of the marinade is olive oil.
Finally, I added a starchy carbohydrate to my meal for needed energy later. This is the easiest side to fix because all you have to do is boil water or vegetable broth, put the contents in the pot, let it sit for 5 minutes and you are done. Another quick option, if you have up to 15 minutes, is quinoa which is a very healthy grain that contains a good amount of protein.
These are just a few tips when you think you do not have time to cook a healthy meal when short on time. I prepared a microwave steamer bag of green beans, Trader Joe's Ahi Tuna and couscous in less than 10 minutes. It will probably take you longer to drive to your favorite take-out spot, order your meal and get home. Be Well!
A complete meal should always include a carbohydrate, protein and some healthy fat. For my complex carbohydrate, I found a steamer bag of vegetables in the freezer because I always keep them in the house. When I consult my clients, I tell them that fresh vegetables are good, but if they get lost in the refrigerator, it is money down the drain. If you buy steamer bags of any favorites such as green beans, Brussels sprouts, or carrots, you will always be ready in a pinch and potentially save some money.
My protein was a marinated Ahi Tuna steak I found at Trader Joe's. These are found in the frozen section and when you are ready for them, put them in the refrigerator to thaw for a few hours or do a quick thaw by any means necessary. I also found the Chimichurri Wild Pacific Salmon as another option. These are both fatty fishes with Omega-3, which is an essential fatty acid the body needs to help keep your heart healthy. I cooked the tuna on the stove in a pan for 4-5 minutes on each side. The base of the marinade is olive oil.
Finally, I added a starchy carbohydrate to my meal for needed energy later. This is the easiest side to fix because all you have to do is boil water or vegetable broth, put the contents in the pot, let it sit for 5 minutes and you are done. Another quick option, if you have up to 15 minutes, is quinoa which is a very healthy grain that contains a good amount of protein.
These are just a few tips when you think you do not have time to cook a healthy meal when short on time. I prepared a microwave steamer bag of green beans, Trader Joe's Ahi Tuna and couscous in less than 10 minutes. It will probably take you longer to drive to your favorite take-out spot, order your meal and get home. Be Well!
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