We've all been there. You finish work, you are tired and hungry, and the last thing you want to do is cook an elaborate meal. Or maybe you’ve been chasing a toddler or two around all day and you need to feed your family a nourishing crowd pleasing meal. Whatever your life circumstances may be - save money, improve your health, and avoid takeout by stocking your kitchen with these staples for simple and streamlined nutritious meals. Having these staples on hand makes throwing together a tasty and healthy meal easy and accessible. These are my "go-to" staples and the meals that I create with them - week after week.
Read moremeal prep 101
Meal prep is key to setting yourself up for eating success. Spend a few hours prepping on a Sunday, and reap the benefits all week long. Your wallet and your waistline will be grateful.
Sure, it’s easy to pick up Pad Thai or call for some sushi, but restaurants are notorious for adding on the salt, oil, and butter in favor of flavor and not necessarily your health. Start a routine of meal prepping on your day off, and enjoy simple and accessible meals all week long.
Read moreradish ready meal prep - pumpkin seed granola + super seeded crackers
As I continue to get into the mindset that I will soon have a tiny human to care for, I am channeling a lot of my energy toward meal prep. Meal prep is a great tool, regardless of your family status. It encourages healthy eating and helps you save money on takeout. Start a routine of meal prepping on your day off and enjoy simple and accessible meals all week long. I kicked off my "radish ready" mini-series last week with hearty turkey and kale meatballs and super green pesto. This week I continue with pumpkin seed granola and super seeded crackers.
Read moreradish ready meal prep - turkey and kale meatballs + super green pesto
My husband is notoriously anti-freezer foods. He is also convinced that he will be willing and able to cook our meals in the early days of baby radish. I truly admire the sentiment and hope that it is true because he is a fantastic cook. But, just to play it safe and to prepare for days where we are just too tired or overwhelmed, I am meal prepping some freezer-friendly dinners. Today kicks off a mini-series on crunchy radish where I am sharing what I am meal prepping while we wait for our little friend's arrival. First up - turkey and kale meatballs and super green pesto.
Read moregoji granola from good clean food
Granola has become one of the many dishes that I batch cook on a Sunday and lean on for quick meal assembly throughout the week. It is super easy to make, very adaptable depending on what is in your pantry, and can serve as a tasty snack, or as a yogurt, smoothie bowl, or oatmeal topper. Granola is one of those things that has healthy connotations but, more often then not, it is loaded with tons of sugar and other additives that tip its integrity from virtuous to vice. This goji granola, on the other hand, is full of clean protein from nuts and seeds, fiber from rolled oats, and antioxidants from the mighty goji berry.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: how to sustain your healthy eating all year long
Whether you followed my clean up plan to a " T", or used it as a spring board to set yourself up for success the first week into the New Year, the question of how to sustain the positive momentum is quite valid. Most people give up on their resolutions by mid-January due, in part, to setting severe protocols. If your goal is to work out everyday, abstain from alcohol for a month, or go gluten and dairy-free for life, living in extremes is not sustainable or particularly enjoyable. Life is about balance and being in control of your eating habits.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 7
You made it to day seven. Congratulations! Hopefully you have noticed that eating cleanly and resetting your system does not have to boring, bland, or limiting. Making vegetables and whole grains the primary focus of your plate is a simple and incredibly nourishing way to lead a clean and a balanced diet. Day seven closes out with baked oatmeal, turmeric cauliflower and lentil salad, and carrot noodles with peanut sauce!
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 6
Protein + veggies first thing in the morning is a fantastic way to get your day started on a healthified track. Adding in anti-inflammatory turmeric pared with black pepper gives your meal an extra nutritional boost. Starting your morning with a healthy and fortifying meal encourages you to continue making healthy and mindful choices for the rest of your day.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 5
I love dishes that encourage a myriad of interpretations and allow you to utilize what you have on hand. Baked oatmeal is one of those meals. I've made versions of the bake with fresh and frozen berries, depending on seasonality, and have added bananas, apples and pears as well as various types of nuts and unsweetened coconut flakes.
Read morecrunchy radish clean up: day 3
Kick off day three with a nutrient-rich and filling smoothie full of protein and a sneaky handful of greens. Smoothies as opposed to juices contain the whole fruit and vegetable, adding fiber and reducing the amount of waste that is generated from juicing. Continue day three with a menu that leans on your leftovers and includes a creamy nutritious turmeric red lentil soup, crunchy poppers, and gingery stir-fry.
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