Are you too tired to cook?  Don’t opt for toast or a bowl of sugary cereal! Here are a couple ideas for super quick healthy dinners when you are too tired to cook.  These meals take minimal time to prep – 5 to 10 min and your body will thank you.

ALWAYS EASY SALAD WITH MEAT:

5 min prep!

What you need:

Put some bagged green salad of your choosing on a plate

Add a couple of fun toppings – like sprinkle on a tablespoon of your favorite nuts…almonds, pecans, walnuts, hazelnuts, sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.  Use whatever you have on hand.  If you don’t have any nuts, plan ahead for the next time and put in a few choices in your pantry.

The same goes for dried fruit – add 1 tablespoon of raisins, golden raisins, diced dried apricots or cranberries for interest….or crumble on some feta or queso fresco or pre-shredded mozzarella cheese.

Open a can of tuna or chicken or crab…..or used some leftover meat from another meal.  The idea is to have something for protein instantly available when you are too tired to cook meat.

Add some healthy dressing and enjoy.

QUICK DINNER IDEA #2 

Cheese Omelette with Sauteed Vegetables

This idea can take 10 min.  Spray a small skillet with non-stick spray. Use as is or add a drizzle of olive oil and a little diced onion (1-2 tablespoons) – slice 1/2 zucchini and 3 mushrooms and add to skillet on medium high heat for 2 min.  Add salt and pepper to taste and a tablespoon of water to steam the veggies and cover for 3-5 minutes while you beat 2 eggs and one extra egg white in a small bowl with a tablespoon of water.  Fine grate 1 oz. of your favorite cheese (or use 1 ounce of pre-grated cheese).

When veggies are crisp tender, put them on the plate.  Add 1 teaspoon of butter to skillet and return to the heat on medium high.  When butter is sizzling, add the egg mixture.  You can quick scramble or make an omelet if you know how.  Add the cheese before you fold the omelet in half or add cheese to scrambled eggs when almost done.  Adding cheese too early causes whey to separate out and you miss out on the melty cheese experience.  Add the eggs to your plate and enjoy.

This quick dinner is a legal meal on the Healthy Lifestyle Eating Plan and you will feel so much more virtuous than resorting to a bowl of sugary cereal!

Bon Apetite!