Trying to stay healthy as we hit the colder seasons is one of the biggest challenges we face. When the weather gets cooler our over-riding instinct is to fill our diets with bread and pasta to warm the cockles and fill us up for winter.
The important thing to remember is that humans don’t hibernate – and this means you don’t need to fill yourself up with fatty and unhealthy meals for the winter.
There are so many amazing dishes to enjoy every day that are nutritious and filling, and today we want to share those with you. Enjoy these easy healthy recipes that will provide you with flavour and fun without the calories.
Veggie Koftas
If you have ever seen any nutrition talks, you might be aware that having a few days away from meat each week can be beneficial for a number of reasons. These easy veggie koftas will provide you with spicy and zesty pittas that feel like a cheat meal without the animal fats.
Ingredients:
- 500g meatless mince
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 spring onion
- 4 pitta breads
- 100g natural yogurt
- 1 small bunch mint
- 1 cucumber
- ⅓ jar jalapeño slices, plus some of the vinegar
- 1 beef tomato
- 1 tbsp coriander
- Hot sauce
Method:
- Mix your meatless mince and cumin in a bowl. Chop up and add spring onion. Form the mince into small sausage shapes a couple of inches long. You can get up to 16 out of this much mince.
- Chill in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Chop your tomato, half of your cucumber, and jalapeño slices and add to a bowl. Add some vinegar and coriander to create a spicy salsa.
- In another bowl, add your yogurt. Chop mint finely and add to the yogurt.
- Grate the remaining half of your cucumber and place on a plate. Add salt and leave for 10 minutes. Pat most of the moisture off and add to your mint yogurt.
- Add some oil to a frying pan, then place your meatless mince in the pan and fry until golden on all sides.
- Heat up your pittas in the toaster.
- To assemble your koftas – open up the pittas and add a dollop of yogurt. Add 2-3 koftas, then spoon over your salsa. Finish with some hot sauce.
Balsamic Chicken And Vegetables
This simple lunchtime meal is ideal as a meal prep idea and will be a great way to stay healthy and lean during the week. Not all recipes have to be complicated and this is the perfect example of a simple recipe that will do the trick and fill a hole.
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- Balsamic glaze
- 1 butternut squash
- 2 carrots
- 1 zucchini
- 1 eggplant
Method:
- Season your chicken, wrap in foil, and cook for 1 hour. Shred.
- Chop up your vegetables and add to a baking sheet with salt, pepper, and oil. Roast for 1 hour.
- To serve – add some of your chicken and veggies to a bowl and drizzle with balsamic glaze.
Salmon And Cauliflower Rice
Salmon is a superfood and it is always a great choice to have once a week to improve your diet. This salmon dish is super easy and it pairs amazingly with cauliflower rice to provide you with the hearty and low calorie meal.
Ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 250g cauliflower rice
- 400g red kidney beans
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1 small bunch coriander
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
Method:
- Mix the lime juice, honey, garlic, coriander, and soy sauce in a bowl.
- Add the salmon to this mixture and marinate for 1 hour.
- Add the salmon and marinade to a foil lined baking sheet, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. Uncover and bake for 2-3 minutes more.
- Rinse and drain your kidney beans, add them to a pan with cauliflower rice, and sauté for 5 minutes.
- Serve your salmon, beans, and rice and enjoy!
Zucchini Meatball Boats
Everyone loves a good meatball, and if you are looking for a healthier way to enjoy this family classic – we have the ideal solution for you. All the meat and none of the carbs – you can enjoy this meal as a midweek treat without any guilt!
Ingredients:
- 500g lean beef mince
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp Parmesan, plus extra for serving
- Salt and pepper
- 2 zucchini’s
- 1 tbsp mixed herbs
- Olive oil
- 1 tsp chilli flakes
- Tomato sauce
- Grated mozzarella
Method:
- Slice your zucchini lengthways in half and scoop out the seeds. Add to a baking dish with oil, chilli flakes, and mixed herbs. Roast for 15 minutes and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix your mince, Parmesan, egg, breadcrumbs, and some salt and pepper. Form into small meatballs.
- Place the meatballs onto a baking tray and broil for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
- Fill your zucchini boats with meatballs and then top with some tomato sauce. Add grated mozzarella and bake for 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbling.
- Serve with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Easy Turkey Chilli
Turkey mince is much healthier than beef mince, and by making the switch to turkey for this simple chilli you can save yourself a lot of fat and calories while still enjoying the sane flavours.
Ingredients:
- 500g Turkey mince
- 1 white onion
- 1 red chilli
- 2 jalapeños
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp hot chilli powder
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp tomato purée
- 1 tin red kidney beans
- 1 tin black beans
- 1 tin chopped tomatoes
Method:
- Chop your onion finely and add to a pan with oil. Sweat for 8 minutes.
- Add your turkey mince and brown on both sides.
- Chop up your chillis and add to the pan along with all of the spices. Cook out for 1-2 minutes.
- Add a tbsp tomato purée for richness, and then add in your beans and chopped tomatoes.
- Bring to the boil and then simmer for 45 minutes.
- Serve with rice, salad, or on a jacket potato!
Enjoy these healthy recipes and be leaner this winter.
*collaborative post
