Easy, No-Cook Foods

Thanks for joining me again today! Today, I’m going to give you some of my favorite easy, no-cook foods, and some recipes that will take you no time at all in the kitchen.

I try to start every morning with a fresh homemade smoothie. It’s fast (preparation takes about five minutes), and filling. And, you can change the flavor profile of your smoothie every day, based on the fruits and veggies that you have in your refrigerator.

  • The base of my smoothie is always the same — I start with one cup of reduced fat plain Greek yogurt, or plain kefir.
  • To that, I add 1 tablespoon ground golden flax, 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, and 2 ice cubes.
  • After that, I fill the blender with any fruit that I have on hand, including strawberries, bananas and mango.
  • Sometimes, I’ll also add a handful of spinach, and a few baby carrots. Vegetables like that don’t change the flavor very much, but add a ton of nutrients and vitamins.

Healthy Family Meals

Healthy living is more than just eating foods that are good for you. It’s also about taking care of the relationships in your life, and nurturing them as much as you nurture your body. I’m a big believer in family meals, and eating together with the people you love.

Although finding the time to prepare meals and eat together as a family may seem difficult, once you get into a routine that works for you and your family, it will be like second nature. Everyone in the family should be expected to pitch in, and help prepare meals. Young children can begin by setting the table, and as they get older, can be trusted to chop vegetables, stir sauce, or make the salad. Not only will you cut down on preparation time, but you’ll also spend more time together as a family.

My Favorite No-Cook Dish

I love salsa, and I love to make it myself. What’s great about homemade salsa is that you can use any ingredients you have on hand, and create a completely different recipe each time you make it.

One of my favorite recipes is my Tomato Cantaloupe Salsa. This is great served with grilled chicken or fish. Or, for a really easy meal, pick up a roasted chicken at the grocery store, add a side of brown rice and this salsa — it’s quick and delicious.

4 large plum tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 1/2 cup chopped cantaloupe
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
2 fresh Serrano or Jalapeño chilies, seeded, minced
Juice of one or two fresh limes, (about 2 tablespoons)
1/4 cup packed chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 teaspoon salt

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients. Stir to combine and serve immediately.

Thanks for reading! Don’t miss tomorrow’s edition, when I give you the final steps to living a more healthy life.