Let’s just start this post with the obvious truth: I like good food, but I’m also lazy. Well, whaddya know, good food can be super simple. In fact, I think it’s the best. Sure, there’s a time and place for an elaborate meal, but for me, that is on holidays and when my mom is cooking.
Simple…it means different things depending on who you ask. It could mean “takeout” or “frozen meal” or “one pot dish.” For me, simple means minimal ingredients and minimal attention. 95% of my meals are made either 1) at the same oven temperature with one or two baking sheets or 2) in one sauté pan. The microwave is always there for backup.
To put my money where my mouth is (or was…because I already ate the food) I’m linking up to WIAW to show yesterday’s simple, healthy meals.
WIAW: When Cooking is Simple
Breakfast
Breakfast is becoming the most elaborate meal of the day. By that, I mean chopping is involved. I take one pan and sauté kale, carrots and any leftover vegetables from dinner. Today was zoodles, lucky me! I put the carrots in first because they take longer to soften. Meanwhile, I microwave a Japanese sweet potato. I know people prefer them baked, but I prefer the texture microwaved or chopped and roasted.
After the vegetables are done, I fry an egg. Start to finish it’s under 10 minutes, which IS a lot for some people in the mornings, I get that. Thankfully, I have the luxury of taking my sweet time lately.
Lunch
Leftovers are my lunch go-to’s. Well, that’s if there are any. Today was a good lunch day. I took the protein from dinner the previous night (salmon) and put it over some greens with an avocado and blueberries. Boom. But even the salmon pictured here was super easy to make: season with lemon and dill, bake at 400 for 20ish minutes. I mixed this in a bowl with dressing after the picture because eating salad off a plate is not my thing.
Snack
Lately it’s been handful’s of Paleonola granola or an RXBAR. Today I had some Chocolate Fix Paleonola and a few sips of Gingerade kombucha.
Dinner
When I’m cooking for myself I pre-heat the oven to 400, season some chicken (breasts or thighs) and bake for about 20 minutes alongside a vegetable. This all happens 20-30 minutes before I want to eat. However, when I get cRaZy I buy stuff to put in the crock pot for a more well-thought out meal. I bought a whole chicken, seasoned it with rosemary, lemon, salt and pepper (my go-to spices) and put it in the pot along with rainbow carrots, not chopped or peeled. Those carrots look hideous here, by the way. I set the crock pot on low for 6 hours.
When we were ready to eat, I microwaved two sweet potatoes and my mom made a salad to serve with the chicken. I could seriously eat a sweet potato with every meal…it’s a problem.
Ugly “real-life” picture coming at ya…
Snack
I will likely have a few spoonfuls of Maisie Jane’s crunchy almond butter. I’m typing this after dinner so the possibilities are endless. Slight exaggeration.
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Can you cook for me? I’m in my third trimester and gotten so lazy with meals but that all looks so good!
I can imagine that I would be feeling the same way! Wish I could send over some meals :)
Your meals sound a lot like most of mine. Simple and delicious! And sweet potatoes usually happen about twice a day around here, no shame ?
Ellen @ My Uncommon Everyday recently posted…I’m Just Really Grateful
I’m going to turn into a sweet potato one of these days ;)
Looks like my kind of meals…So good…so easy…so healthy! I am going to make some salmon tonight, as I am craving it big time! Have a wonderful day! XOXO
ACKTIVE LIFE recently posted…Grab Your Jump Rope And Let’s Workout
I could eat salmon every day too, along with sweet potatoes. Enjoy! xo
simple food is the best kind of food! My go-to dinner is chicken, veggies and a sweet potato, so simple and delish :)
rachel @ athleticavocado recently posted…Simple Almond Lime Cilantro Crusted Salmon {Paleo + Whole 30 Approved!}
So, can I come over tomorrow for dinner?!
Throwing a bunch of foods into a saute pan and sauteing them is my typical simple dinner. I usually saute sweet potatoes and kale and then scramble two eggs for a quick dinner that fills me right up!
Brie @ Lean, Clean, & Brie recently posted…Dairy Free Peanut Butter Brownies
That sounds like my kind of meal!
Simple for me means foods that are naturally ready to eat. Fruits, veggies, nuts, things like that. No prep necessary and super good for you. My meals don’t take too long to make because I’m usually hungry and don’t want to take the time hahaha
You take such beautiful photos!
Ellie recently posted…WIAW [Vegans Are Family]
I feel you. Hanger is a no-go so the faster the meal the better!
Mm… I think you reminded me to get some more Paleonola. :) I also love doing leftovers for lunch. It’s so simple and straight forward. Do Japanese sweet potatoes taste the same as regular potatoes? I saw one on someone else’s blog this morning too! <3
Emily recently posted…WIAW: Blanket Forts, Friends, and Food
I think they’re better than regular sweet potatoes! More starchy and hearty…that’s the best I can describe them :)
I’m all about the simple too, which means either quick and easy to prepare OR easy to make ahead. Something I was spoiled by during my post-bar free summer was that luxury of taking my sweet time to enjoy a long, drawn out breakfast/brunch where I would often cook up fancier omelets, or do pancakes, etc. Now on weekdays I breakfast at work, and even on weekends my boyfriend and I like to go out to breakfast/brunch at the diner as a treat – and cooking in a little apartment kitchen just isn’t the same anyway. I haven’t had pancakes since Christmas at my parents’ house. It’s something I look forward to if I get a weekend at home now :)
Alyssa @ renaissancerunnergirl recently posted…WIAW #55: Eggs All Day
I think I could really cut down on my breakfast-cooking time if needed (make things the night before), but I’ll take advantage of this luxury while I can. I didn’t like cooking as much in my Miami apartment because it was so small, so I understand your feelings there!
My go-to meal is chicken (just posted my how-to on my blog this AM!) or sautéed shrimp with roasted veggies and TJs 3-minute rice. So easy and fast!
Sara @ Oats & Rows recently posted…The Best Chicken Recipe You’ll Ever Make: Step by Step with Photos
I had sauteed shrimp the other night and loved it. So easy and a great change from chicken!
I was just thinking last night about how much I miss my mom’s cooking. One of these days, I’ll be home for Sunday night dinners every week so I can take leftovers back with me haha My go-to meal is a grilled chicken salad with roasted potatoes. Grilled chicken cooked by Trader Joe’s ;)
Sarah @pickyrunner recently posted…“But I don’t like yoga”
Yes, yes you will! And I’m already excited for you to have that in the future. I need to go to TJ’s more often because people always have great finds.
Wait… so you are saying that there are times when cooking isn’t simple??? I thought that is what restaurants are for :D
Susie @ Suzlyfe recently posted…30 Minute Step by Step Meal Prep Power Bowl (Running Coaches Corner)
Seriously. I don’t know any other way!
I’m the same way – leftovers, one pan, or all in the oven. I don;t have time or energy for anything else! I love the summer when I can just throw things on the grill, too!
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood recently posted…What I Ate Wednesday: Day in the Life, 23 Months + 6 Weeks
YES! Grilling season is so awesome.
Japanese sweet potatoes are da bomb. They don’t sell them anywhere here except Whole Foods, and now I don’t live near it so I miss having them regularly.
They are my favorite type, more so than purple sweet potatoes I think. I stock up because I’m afraid my WF will run out one day.
Simple for me = always a microwaved sweet potato. Nothing better!
Glad I’m not alone :)
I’m with you on sweet potatoes. I could literally eat them with every meal every single day. Simple dinners and meals are generally the only way I cook haha. Roasted or sauteed veggies and then some sort of chicken, shrimp or salmon. I have no patience to cook something complicated during the week (or ever?) haha. Baking on the other hand is something I’m starting to enjoy even though it typically has more than 5 ingredients.
Amanda @ ExploringLifeAndThings recently posted…Currently: April
Sometimes I think I’ll cook something fancy on the weekends…nope. Maybe one day ;)
I am all about the simple cooking! I love making easy, quick meals that are healthy & filling- for me that means oats, lots of salads, potatoes, stir fry, and veggies!
kerri mcgrail recently posted…WIAW: Fueling for Optimal Running Performance
A stir-fry is another great option!
I need more simple meals in my life!! I’m more of a breakfast and dinner person, and a ‘through the day grazer’ because I often can’t be bothered cooking lunch! Least favourite meal of the day! Favourite meal probably consists of some kind of delicious and easy salad, and a piece of protein, preferably salmon or chicken! And breakfast foods I can whip up the night before like overnight oats or chia pudding!
Georgie @ Healthy Pears recently posted…Healthy Chocolate Coconut Bounty Slice
Lunch is my least favorite meal of the day to cook. Although sometimes it’s dinner, depending on the day. Those everything-but-the-kitchen-sink salads are my favorite!
I love one pot meals, they are super simple and usually delicious! I have a few of go to recipes like that. They are great also when you have guests over :)
Olena @ candies & crunches recently posted…Running Wisdom & Giveaway Winner
I agree! Plus the combo of flavors (usually) makes the house smell great with minimal effort.
Simple means not taking too long to cook or prepare and using a few dishes as possible. I don’t have a dishwasher in my flat this year, so I have grown to appreciate recipes that are just ‘throw everything in the pot and roll’ kinda thing.
Megan recently posted…What I hate about the fitness industry…
Not having a dishwasher would definitely impact what and the way I choose to cook. In that case, one-pot is the BEST way to go!
Simple to me generally means not a ton of ingredients!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks recently posted…WIAW – Tuesday in San Francisco
Yep, five is enough for me!
Yes please the easier the better! I just got this cookbook called Sheet Pan Suppers and it’s all meals you can make on 1 sheet pan…amazing!
Diana @ Live Lean Eat Green recently posted…La Jolla Half Marathon Race Recap
That sounds right up my alley! One pan is the best.
This looks a lot like when my husband is out of town :D
No one to impress but yourself :)
I love your “formulas” for easy and healthy meals! Your WIAW posts and Insta food pics always look incredible and it’s awesome that you’ve figured out simple ways to cook your delicious creations fast.
Liv @ Healthy Liv recently posted…Getting Started with Essential Oils
I think I’m finally finding my way with simple + healthy cooking. I was so overwhelmed by it earlier in college but now I’ve got a science down.
simple definitely means the same thing to me – minimal ingredients and prep. i need it to be quick, easy and filling. it’s hard thinking of meals all the time, i definitely resort to take out too often. your lunch looks good, i like the idea of taking the protein and putting it with greens, don’t know why i never thought of that (normally i would have an exact repeat of the meal it was leftover from, so like chicken and veggies or whatever, and that gets boring 2 days in a row for me).
kristen recently posted…Checking in with my eating
The salad + protein is my go-to for lunch! It takes out the guesswork :)
I am all for simple meals and cooking – for me that means real food ingredients and not too much time spent creating said meals. I love making delicious dinners, however, if it takes more than half an hour it’s pretty much a given that I’ll only make it once and never again :P
Kristy @ Southern In Law recently posted…Recipe: Healthy Caramel Banana Upside Down Cake (Gluten Free & Vegan Option!)
30 minutes or less is key! Unless it’s roasting vegetables and then I’ll give it 40 ;)