Hate to cook? Get the inside scoop on low-commitment recipes to eat healthy without the effort.
If you’re anything like me, the last thing you want to do when you get home from work is cook dinner. Not sure about you, but when I’m hungry, I want to eat right away. And there’s no way I’m going to spend hours preparing food just to eat it in 5 minutes and have a huge mess to clean up afterward.
That said, the alternative to not cooking doesn’t have to be delivery, takeout or packaged meal options, which are often laden with preservatives, unhealthy fats, sodium and sugar.
To prove it, we asked the experts for their top 5 tips on eating healthy when the last thing you want to do is cook. The result? Easy, no-cook meal options that taste amazing without the effort and mess!
#1: Try Prepared Meal Services
Prepared meals are the way to go for people like me, who want healthy precooked meals without having to plan, prep or shop. With a quick internet search, you’ll find 100s of companies selling healthy, pre-made meals using diet-friendly menus for any and all eaters.
From keto to comfort food and everything in between, there’s a prepared meal delivery service right for you. It’s up to you to find it!
#2: Stock up on Fruits and Vegetables
Make a quick fruit salad as a snack or stir fry fresh veggies for a quick and simple meal. Even better, grab a raw veggie crudité the next time you’re at the grocery store and serve alongside store-bought hummus or yogurt dip. This makes for a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack.
And don’t shy away from frozen produce—they have the same nutrients as fresh and can be retained for longer periods of time. Mix frozen fruit in a smoothie recipe or heat up veggies on the stove to use in salads, soups or over rice.
P.S. If you love fruit but hate cutting it, buy pre-cut pineapple, melon, mango, etc. Having fresh fruit on hand is handy for snacks, toppings or whenever the sweet tooth strikes!
Related: Foods to Enjoy All the Time, Sometimes and Rarely
#3: Think “Beans”
There are tons of options when it comes to beans—think kidney, garbanzo, green and cannelini. So the next time you find yourself contemplating what to eat, pop open a can of your favorite beans and stir in chopped veggies and avocado and drizzle with oil and balsamic vinegar. Eat plain, add to a salad or turn it in to a wrap—the choice is yours.
#4: Buy Ready-to-Eat Items
Not all pre-packed food is created equal, but some already-made choices are great additions to your diet. Eggs are one of them.
If you’re anything like me, you want to eat right now, so pre-packed items like hard-boiled eggs are a great choice. They boast loads of protein, are low in saturated fat and contain antioxidants and essential nutrients.
Slice them on a salad, make ‘em into a sandwich or munch as is for a nutritious and easy addition to any meal.
Here are some other ready-to-eat staples to consider:
All kinds of greens! If you want a meal in under 5 minutes, pre-washed and ready-to-eat salads are your go-to. Or throw them in a sandwich, smoothie or stir-fry—they sky’s the limit.
Pre-washed broccoli, carrots, cauliflower and more. They’re not only convenient, they’re ready to eat straight away. Eat straight from the bag or roast them in the oven for a deliciously healthy meal with minimal effort.
Roasted meats. Rotisserie chicken and pre-cooked roasted meats are a great way to decrease dinner prep time. Serve alongside a fresh salad for a low-carb and speedy entree when you’re low on time.
Also consider dried fruits, nuts, yogurt cups and plain popcorn as great grab-and-go food options.
#5: Spice Things up
No one enjoys a flavorless meal. One of the best ways to make your next meal magical is to spice things up. Seasonings and dried herbs can make a huge impact on any dish.
And let’s not forget about the serious health benefits of adding spices and herbs to your food. Spices contain powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. From lowering blood glucose and cholesterol levels to improving cognition and mood, spices should be an important part of every meal.
Pick up some of your favorite spices the next time you’re at the grocery store. Here are some of the more popular options: garlic powder, crushed red pepper, cinnamon, ginger, black pepper, turmeric, fenugreek and rosemary.
Related: The Healing Power of Spices
You’ve Got This
Let’s face it—adulting can be hard! The daily demands start to quickly add up, leaving you with little time to prepare healthy meals. But you feel better when you eat well, so it’s important to make healthy eating a priority. Use these 5 tips to make healthy eating a bit easier, especially when you don’t like spending time in the kitchen.
Need some recipe inspo? If you’re looking for more quick and simple meal ideas, start your free trial with Gymondo, where you’ll find 1000s of recipes that can be made in 15 minutes or less.
Especially if you’re cooking for one or two, precooked chicken strips are more handy than a whole fryer or even frozen cutlets. The post will be much easier to eat well if you have plenty of healthy options on hand. Our first and most important suggestion is to always plan ahead.
Great tips!