I love food. I love sharing healthy meals with family and friends; I love experimenting in the kitchen to create easy and delicious recipes; I love that food really matters in how we look, feel and think.
But while I’d love to say we always sit down to a “perfect” meal, truthfully, there are times where I’m just as rushed as you are. I find myself serving the same staple meals over and over. And food prep becomes another item on my to-do list.
Regardless of whether you’re a gourmet cook or take out is on speed dial (and you’re using your oven for storage), this can happen to you. In fact, most people struggle to keep things fresh and interesting.
Variety matters when it comes to getting all of the nutrients your body needs. This is really important. But, variety also makes food more fun and exciting which is key when it comes to sticking with dietary changes.
The good news is, breaking boring food habits doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are just 2 little tricks to make food exciting and delicious again.
Tip #1: Hit The Books:
I love going through my favorite cookbooks for either new recipes or recipes that I haven’t used in awhile.
Here’s what I’m excited about:
- It’s All Good by Gwyneth Paltrow: Home cooked favorites, made healthy, Gwyneth’s book is not to be missed. Plenty of family-friendly recipes, I use it weekly.
- Clean Food by Terri Walters: The change of seasons inspires me. Terri Walter’s book is the perfect resource for seasonal foods with options for gluten-free eating as well.
- The Gluten-Free Almond Flour Cookbook by Elana Amsterdam: If you’re eating a stricter diet, Elana is my go-to resource. Her recipes are paleo-inspired, but great for anyone looking for healthy alternatives to gluten, dairy, and refined sugars. I use all three of her cookbooks, but this is my favorite.
Tip #2: Spice It Up:
If you’re not into cooking new recipes, try spicing up what you’re already preparing or eating. Here are some ideas:
- Experiment with healthier side dishes like whole grains or new vegetables to replace the potatoes and steamed broccoli.
- Find new ways to prepare your go-to meals. If you eat rigatoni with meat sauce, for example, try linguine with shrimp.
- If you’re ordering takeout, try something new! Find a new and healthy restaurant in your area that delivers. Or, add a healthy side to your existing order.
Your Simple Action Plan:
Find a favorite cookbook and get inspired by great images and recipes. Choose just one new recipe a week. Then, master your favorite new meal and make it a staple.
If new recipes aren’t for you, decide how you can spice up your existing meals. Adding a side dish or changing an ingredient or two are often just enough to make your meals interesting again.
Need some help getting out of a food rut? Struggling with a nagging health challenge? I’d love to help. Find out about working with me privately, here.
