Making time for a healthy, freshly cooked meal every night of the week can be a challenge when you’re a busy person. Fortunately, there are plenty of tasty meals that can be made quickly without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s a look at some quick and easy meals for busy weekdays.
Breakfast Dishes
Many of us rush out the door without eating breakfast, but breakfast is still the most important meal of the day. Start your day off with one of these delicious and fast breakfast dishes.
• Overnight oats: With a few minutes of preparation, you can have a healthy breakfast ready to go. Simply mix together oats, non-dairy milk, yogurt, and your favorite fruit and spices. Let the mixture sit overnight in the fridge and you’ll have a delicious breakfast ready in the morning!
• Fruit and yogurt parfait: This is a great way to make a delicious breakfast in a few minutes. Layer yogurt, fruit, and your choice of crunchy granola or nuts. You can serve it in a traditional parfait glass or eat it on the go.
• Avocado toast: Avocado toast is a delicious and easy breakfast. Mash up one half of an avocado and spread it on your favorite toast. Add a few sprinkles of salt and pepper and you’re set.
Lunch Ideas
It can be hard to make time for lunch, but it’s important to fuel our bodies during the day. Here are a few tasty and fast lunch ideas.
• Salad wrap: If you’re in a rush, you can easily pack a salad wrap. Start with a wrap or pita pocket, then fill it with your favorite salad ingredients. You can also add your favorite protein such as tuna, hummus, or even slices of hard boiled egg.
• Soup: Soup is a great way to get a filling and nutritious lunch. Make a big batch on the weekend and you can quickly heat up a serving each day. Herb and vegetable soups are especially delicious and good for you.
• Leftovers: Make a big dinner the night before and you can quickly reheat the leftovers the next day in the microwave. This is an easy and fast way to get a tasty lunch.
Dinner Dishes
Most of us are too exhausted at the end of the day to put together a complicated dinner. If you need a fast dinner for busy weeknights, try one of these tasty dishes.
• Pasta: Prepare a classic pasta dish with whatever ingredients you have on hand. Simply cook the pasta, sauté some vegetables, add garlic and/or herbs, and toss everything together with a bit of oil and nutritional yeast.
• Omelette: Omelettes are surprisingly easy to make and they’re packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals. Simply beat together a few eggs and pour them into a heated skillet. Add your favorite omelette fillings such as minced onion, mushrooms, spinach, diced bell pepper, shredded cheese, and herbs.
• Buddha bowls: A Buddha bowl is a quick and tasty meal made from a combination of grains, greens, protein (such as beans, tofu, tempeh, seitan, or nuts), and vegetables. Simply prepare the ingredients and combine them into a bowl. Drizzle on some of your favorite dressing and you have a delicious meal in no time.
Snack Ideas
Snacks are important for keeping your energy up throughout the day. Here are a few fast and healthy snack ideas.
• Fruit and nuts: Everyone loves fruit and nuts! Kids and adults alike can enjoy a healthy and filling snack of fruit and nuts such as almonds, cashews, or walnuts.
• Hummus and veggies: Hummus is a great source of protein and fiber. Serve it up with some sliced carrots and cucumbers for an easy and nutritious snack.
• Energy bars: When you’re in a rush, an energy bar can provide a quick snack. Look for bars with minimal added sugar and plenty of whole grain oats and nuts.
Enjoy Healthy and Delicious Meals All Week
Weekdays can be busy and hectic, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on taste or nutrition. With a bit of preparation, you can enjoy tasty, healthy meals every night of the week. Try one of these easy meal ideas for busy weekdays and you’ll be enjoying delicious and nutritious meals in no time!