Are you new to cooking or looking for simple ways to eat well for one? Our team at Live Lighter have put together some tried and tested tips to make some great recipes that are ready in a flash.
Frozen vegies are your friend
Frozen vegies are affordable, pre-cut, and just as good for you as fresh. Toss them into a stir-fry, bulk up a curry or casserole, or serve them as a quick side.
Eat eggs
Scrambled eggs with baked beans or a curried egg sandwich work a treat or try a hearty cheese and spinach omelette. Eggs are quick, versatile, and satisfying.
Microwave rice makes things easy
Ready-cooked rice sachets are a lifesaver while you're still trying to figure out the rice cooker. Pair this with vegies plus shredded meat, tin tuna, flavoured tofu or a fried egg for an instant, balanced meal.
Cook once, eat twice (or more)
Meals like soups, curries, pasta sauces, and stews freeze beautifully. Make larger batches, portion them into containers or freezer bags, and save them for those nights you don't feel like getting out the saucepan.
Choose quick-cook grains like couscous
Couscous is one of the fastest grains to prepare. Just add boiling water, cover, and it's ready in minutes. Perfect as a base for vegies, tinned fish, beans, or grilled meat.Pep up your Ploughman's lunch (or dinner)
A balanced snack plate can be just as nutritious as a cooked meal and it's a great way to use what you already have. Just make sure to include each of the three key players – protein foods (meat, dairy, beans, eggs and nuts/seeds), fruit or veg and wholegrains. Keep it simple or dress it up, it's up to you.
Easy Recipe idea: BBQ Chook & Slaw
Need a feed fast? A quick stop at the supermarket for a juicy roast chook and some ready-made slaw is a great start. It's a low-cost, low-effort meal that is way more nutritious (and fast!) than fast food. Customise it to suit your taste and with what you've got hanging around. It's a low-cost, low-effort meal that hits all the marks for taste.
- Get a pre-cooked BBQ chicken and a bag of ready-chopped coleslaw from the supermarket.
- Pour the coleslaw in a bowl & top with shredded chicken.
- Add whatever you like – avocado, crumbled feta, beans, or tinned corn are all great additions. Or pop it all in a wholegrain roll or a wrap for a tasty, filling meal.
Pro tip: Making your own dressing is going to elevate your salad 1000 per cent. A mix of yoghurt, mayo and lemon juice/ vinegar is a nice bright and creamy option.
If you're looking for more great easy to make and healthy recipe ideas, head over to the LiveLighter website.
