Time. That’s what we’re after — to slow down and get more of. And to make the most of when we do have it.
Just the thought of whipping up a meal can seem a tall task. While cooking may never be something you look forward to, it doesn’t have to put a damper on your day.
Take advantage of these easy 10-minute recipes for a better all-around experience. That means less time spent in the kitchen, but not at the cost of tasty food.
Poached egg and avocado toast
If you normally skip breakfast, you might want to reconsider. This one’s super simple and boasts plenty of nutritional benefits. A good, energy-supplying bite in the morning can set the tone for the rest of your day.
Eggs can help you lose weight, have lots of protein and aren’t as cholesterol-heavy as some believe.
The good thing about poached eggs as compared to scrambled or fried is you don’t need to use butter, milk or oil to prepare them. In other words: Fewer calories!
Avocado toast is hot right now. Celebs love it, and for good reason. Avocados are an excellent source of vitamins C, E, K and B6. They’re great for your heart, your eyes, preventing cancer and more.
And if you choose healthier bread (Ezekiel bread or 100% whole wheat), you’ll be kept full longer.
Oatmeal
Oatmeal, or porridge, isn’t the flashiest, but it’s incredibly nutritious. It gives you the carbs and fiber you need, in addition to many vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
Zooming in on fiber, oatmeal contains both soluble and insoluble fiber.
For a more fun, colorful bowl of oats, go for unsweetened almond milk and some fruits and nuts on top.
Blueberries promote healthy bones and skin, lower blood pressure and protect against heart disease and cancer. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
Almonds and walnuts add that crunch factor, as well as fat, fiber and protein. You can realistically have this one ready in under 5 minutes.
Zucchini pasta
If you have a spiralizer, fantastic. If not, a julienne vegetable peeler or a mandoline, or even a standard vegetable peeler, work too.
This is the low-carb alternative you’ve been waiting for. Zucchini noodles are low in carbs and calories, which is essential for normalizing blood sugar levels.
Not only that, zucchini noodles have vitamin A, B and C, along with potassium and fiber. And they’re gluten-free!
If zucchini’s not your favorite, go for yellow summer squash, butternut squash, beets, turnips or carrots instead. Here’s a more in-depth look at “zoodles” and why they’re so appealing.
Tofu stir-fry
If you haven’t heard, tofu is extremely healthy.
Tofu is a good source of protein and contains all nine essential amino acids. It is also a valuable plant source of iron and calcium and the minerals manganese and phosphorous. In addition to this, it also contains magnesium, copper, zinc and vitamin B1.
This site recommends extra firm tofu, which doesn’t have as much liquid as other forms and is ideal for cubing.
With some garlic gloves, ginger, honey and assorted vegetables (onions, carrots, soy beans), this has the makings of a delicious lunch. This is a go-to dish I revisit several times a month.
If you’re a vegan, you’ll love it.
Stuffed peppers
As a side, these are second to none. Sweet bell peppers packed with either ground chicken or turkey, some herbs and cheese — they don’t disappoint!
I’m a big fan of this spinach artichoke quinoa version. Spinach strengthens your bones, vision and immune system, while also providing loads of energy and, because of its high vitamin A content, fights bacteria and viruses.
According to Healthline,
Artichokes are low in fat, high in fiber, and loaded with vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, vitamin K, folate, phosphorus, and magnesium. They are also one of the richest sources of antioxidants.
Similarly, quinoa is considered the “Mother of all grains”. Fiber, iron and antioxidants are just a few superpowers to its name.
Try out this recipe for a fast, mouthwatering meal!
Garlic honey shrimp
Stir-fry some shrimp and mix with honey, soy sauce, ginger and garlic marinade. Serve with steamed broccoli and brown or wild rice and you have yourself a restaurant-quality meal.
Shrimp is low in calories but offers protein and healthy fats. It boasts antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for heart and brain health.
You can’t go wrong with broccoli, a vegetable with vitamins K and C, and fiber, potassium and folate. And if you switch white rice for brown rice, you’ll be well on your way to a more nourishing diet.
It’s quick and full of flavor. What’s not to like?
