What To Cook For Dinner When You Are Running Low On Time

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When it comes to food and our nutrition, we all have the same tired excuse: “I don’t really have the time to cook after work.”

Now, that may be true to some extent, but the reality is that most of the time we don’t opt for the healthier meal simply because we are not informed enough. So often, we revert to our standard patterns – sometimes we go for delicious but greasy takeout, and sometimes we just don’t eat at all.

Neither of the two options is a preferable one and that is why we should take time and learn about healthy meals, especially when it comes to dinner time.  Here are just some of the possibilities and variations that you could use and keep your last meal of the day lean and hearty at the same time.

 

Lots-Of-Greens Omelet is a perfect option for everyone that comes home late after work and doesn’t really feel like going out of their way in the kitchen. It is easy, quick and you really can’t make a mistake when it comes to an omelet – pretty much anything you put in your pan will work just fine. Whether it’s spinach and tomato, mushrooms and scallops, chives and some lean cheese, this can easily be your go-to dinner, especially because it is perfectly suited for family time at the dining table. Add some lettuce with balsamic vinegar and almonds, and you get an amazing source of protein and vitamins in one serving. Another little secret – if you want to surprise you family with some crunchiness in your favorite omelet combination, just add almonds in the egg mix too, and you will feel the difference in both taste and texture.

 

Brown-Rice Stir-Fry will take a bit more of your time, but the results will definitely be worth it. If you are trying to lose weight or want your family to focus more on healthy wholesome foods, stir-fry is a lifesaver because there isn’t a person that dislikes it. The method is quite similar to the omelet, because of the freedom you have to mix and match ingredients in you wok to your liking. We suggest brown rice, simply because it’s packed with all the goodies like vitamins and protein, although most people dislike it due to its long cooking time. When it comes to stir-fry though, you can prepare all your other ingredients while the rice is cooking (note: cook it for 40 minutes, never taking the pot lid off), and then just mix together before you serve it. If you choose to cook this meal for dinner, we suggest you reach for fresh or canned veggies like carrots, celery, garlic and cauliflower, top it with some good protein source like edamame or tofu, and don’t forget the seasoning which can vary from soy sauce to ginger, or even better, get them together and they will combine to make a firework of taste on your palate.

 

Tuna Sandwich is another great solution, but we do mean tuna sandwich, NOT tuna melt, no matter how tempting it is. Tuna is an exquisite source protein and healthy fats, not to mention how fulfilling it can be.  Now, the key is to keep it light, which means leave out the mayo, if at all possible, and if you can’t imagine tuna sandwich without it, choose the light version. Onion is amazing with tuna, as are tomatoes and cucumbers, maybe with some lettuce on the side. Put it between two slices of rye bread and you’re all set.

 

If you have a sweet spot for pasta, you can eat it for dinner too, just make sure it’s whole-wheat.  One of your go-to recipes could be simple ravioli with fresh or frozen vegetables, and we warmly recommend broccoli as one option. Both pasta and veggies will cook quickly. Combine them with a drizzle of olive oil and Parmesan, some good seasoning, and it’s a match made in heaven. You get a satisfying and healthy dinner at no time.

Our busy lives take toll on our bodies in an infinite number of ways, which is why slacking and excuses aren’t an option. As long as you have the will, you will find a way to eat well while not spending too much money or time, and in that way remain healthy for a long time.

Monica Nichols is a 32-year-old fashion designer and freelance writer from Omaha, Nebraska. She's been writing for www.diet.st since 2014, and in her free time she likes making pottery and playing with her pet cat.

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