Healthy Dinner Ideas

One of the hardest parts of maintaining a healthy lifestyle is eating nutritious meals. As I've said before, what you do at the dinner table has a lot more to do with your six-pack than what you do in the gym. The American diet makes this task astronomically difficult. We eat too many calories, too much fat and way too much sugar. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 66% of Americans are considered overweight.

I've got the healthy breakfast down by now, that's easy enough; egg whites with chopped spinach and whole wheat toast with almond butter- usually gets the job done. I can typically get through the day with some healthy snacks like a piece of fruit, nuts and a nutritious lunch. It's dinner where the you-know-what hits the fan. I get home from class and have zero self control, I'm too lazy to cook or move and usually end up head first in [my roommates] bag of chips.

So in the event you share a similar epidemic, or hate to cook, or think you can't cook anything healthy that actually tastes good too, I have the perfect recipe for you. This is our family's go-to meal because it is basically nutritionally perfect, it fills you up, it tastes good, and you can eat pretty much as much as you want- naturally my favorite part!

You will need: (this feeds about 3 people....or one with left overs!!)
1-2 either red or green peppers
1-2 zucchinis
1-2 yellow squash
Olive oil
Chicken, shrimp or tofu, etc. (optional)
Spices to taste (cumin, crushed red pepper, paprika- just a few I typically use)
(Obviously you can get inventive with this and add mushrooms, broccoli, carrots, etc. but this is just a basic recipe if you are as clueless about cooking as I am)

Chop up peppers and toss in a sauce pan on medium heat and drizzle with olive oil. While they begin to cook (stir occasionally so they don't burn), chop up the rest of the veggies and put them in a separate pan drizzled with olive oil. Here is where you can cook your protein if you decided to do so or throw some brown rice on the stove (or quinoa if your feeling really adventurous. To make it taste better boil chicken stock instead of water and add a vegetable bouillon cube). Once contents are thoroughly cooked combine the veggies (and protein) and add spices. And that my friends, is one healthy (and easy) dinner!!

*This post is dedicated to my girl Makenzie who shares a love of eating (mostly healthy) and fitness but most importantly good laughs, great memories and the best friendship I could ask for....All together now.... awwwwwwww :) luv u girl!