How to Eat Healthfully, Even When You're Sick of Cooking

Here’s what to do when you just can’t make another meal.

For many of us, the thrill of making sourdough starters and slow-roasted meals has been replaced with kitchen burnout. When the pandemic first hit, people were actively seeking ways to make food more exciting since so many of our favorite restaurants were forced to shut down. My social media feed was filled with impressive food photos and I felt the urge to try out recipes I had bookmarked years ago. It was all going great … until it wasn’t. I quickly became exhausted and noticed that other people were over it too. As chaotic as this past year has been, it’s important to find flexible ways to nourish ourselves and the good news is that there are ways to do this quickly and efficiently. Here are a few things that can help.

Make meals that involve minimal cooking.

You don’t need to turn on the stove every time you want a satisfying, nutritionally balanced meal. Aim for two to four different food groups per meal (think carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber) and include foods that require the least amount of kitchen labor. Shelf-stable items like canned tuna and beans are incredibly helpful for adding a boost of protein to meals. One of my favorite throw-together meals is mixed greens with chickpeas, boiled eggs, avocado and dressing. Other ideas include sliced bread with hummus and vegetables or quesadillas with black beans and cheese. All of these can be made in less than 10 minutes and cover different food groups. In the mornings, smoothies can be a quick, easy alternative for breakfast- just keep in mind that fruit blended with juice or water is not enough nutrition for one meal. Consider blending fruits with yogurt, seeds or nuts, and/or milk for increased satisfaction.

Head on over to FOOD NETWORK to read the full article! How to Eat Healthfully, Even When You’re Sick of Cooking