If you're a workin mama like me, do you struggle with quick, easy, and healthy dinners that will appeal to your whole family? I thought we might struggle with making healthy, kid friendly dinners on the 17 day diet. However, it's given us a chance to show our son that you're never too old to try something new.
Our son is a picky eater. He is not fond of vegetables. I think the textures of some of them turn him off. The veggies that he loves, he tends to wear out quickly of. So, we go through a rotation of broccoli (with cheese), green beans, cooked carrots. Since we've straightened out our fridge and pantry and got rid of most of the unhealthy fare, He's tried a few things. Unfortunately, he hasn't really taken to anything that we've made but, at least he is trying.
We got creative and the hubs tried his hand at eggplant Parmesan. One quick tip, if you've never eaten eggplant (or aubergine which sounds uber fancy), don't eat it raw, it will cause some uncomfortable tummy issues.
Eggplant, is full of fiber and very filling plus, when cooked properly, is delicious.
Another great recipe that is quick, healthy and super easy is turkey taco salad. This salad is SO yummy, you won't miss the tortillas (I promise!).
What you will need:
1 lb of ground turkey or chicken (depending upon what phase you are on, you could also use lean ground beef)
1 head of lettuce chopped
1-2 red, green, or yellow bell peppers sliced into thin strips (I've used all three and it really gives the salad nice color)
1 medium onion sliced into thin strips
Shredded Monterrey jack cheese 1/4 cup for each salad
Fresh salsa (you choose the heat)
1 packet reduced sodium taco seasoning (or you can make your own, see Pinterest)
1 Tbsp olive oil
Chop your head of lettuce. I usually use half a head split between the two of us.
Slice up the onion and peppers
Brown your meat and drain off any fat. Mix in seasoning packet with 3/4 cup water and let simmer and thicken.
In a separate preheated pan, add olive oil and the onions and peppers. Sometimes, I'll add a bit of Mesquite seasoning or chili powder for an extra kick. Saute the onions and peppers until soft and the onions are translucent.
You can plate this salad in any order you wish, this is just my method.
Generous helping of lettuce, fajita peppers, seasoned meat, diced tomato, shredded cheese and salsa.
** depending upon which cycle you're on, you could definitely add corn, and black or pinto beans.**
I honestly thought I'd miss the tortillas or the chips that we used to have on Taco Tuesday but, the first night we tried this dish, we were both extremely satisfied and enjoyed every last bit.
What kind of quick, easy, and healthy dinners do you have in your arsenal?
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