There was a time when eating healthy meant having to forgo flavor. Thankfully, those days are long gone. All over the world, people are realizing the amazing benefits to the mind and body that come from choosing healthy foods instead of processed snacks or fast-food meals. And the more people who embrace these choices, the more options they create for the rest of us. Now, it’s easier than ever to eat meals that don’t make you sacrifice convenience or flavor for the health benefits they provide.
If you’re interested, but not sure where to start, here are a couple ideas to get you going.
Power Punch Smoothie – This is one of the quickest, easiest, and most flavorful ways to add some amazing nutrients into your diet while also curbing your appetite for unhealthy snacks. The options are nearly endless, and the recipe is so simple to tweak based on your taste. Here is a foundation to get you started.
Fill a blender with:
- ¾ of a blender of a mixed leafy Power Green medley
- 1-2 bananas (preferably very ripe and frozen)
- Frozen mixed berries
- Tablespoon (ish) of Chia Seeds
- Water (2/3 of the blender)
Blend thoroughly. Keep refrigerated and drink throughout the day whenever you’re hungry or need a quick pick-me-up.
Customize to taste by adding celery, kale, apples, peaches, and anything else that sounds intriguing.
Super Salads – Many of us grew up thinking of salads as a side dish, but by super-sizing them and adding a creative flair to the leafy greens, you can create a multitude of meals that will never lose their flavor. Here’s one example:
- Mixed green base (or whichever lettuce mix you prefer)
- Cut up strawberries
- Cashew pieces
- Cut up red onion (optional)
- Toss with a strawberry vinaigrette dressing
- Top with feta cheese
Once again, the variations of this quick and easy salad recipe are nearly endless. Experiment and see how little changes will keep your family coming back for more.
For those of you who might still be wary of adding more nutritious foods to your diet, keep in mind that eating healthy isn’t an all-or-nothing endeavor. Adding a flavorful smoothie or a Meatless-Monday recipe to your weekly menu doesn’t mean you have to completely change your entire eating habits. But chances are, once you experience how easy and delicious it can be to eat foods that are better for your mind and body, it won’t take long for you to make them the rule instead of the exception.
