We’ll all admit that sometimes, finding the time and energy to cook nutritious meals can be a challenge. However, good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the healthiest and most delicious meals can be prepared with just five ingredients and five simple steps. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of simplified nutrition and provide you with five easy and nutritious recipes to help you on your journey to better eating.
Why simplify nutrition?
Time-saving: With our busy schedules, we often find ourselves tempted by convenience foods that are less nutritious. Simplified recipes save time and reduce the need for extensive food shopping.
Cost-effective: Fewer ingredients mean fewer items to buy, helping you save money on your food shopping bill.
Reduced food waste: Simplified recipes help minimise food waste since you’re less likely to purchase ingredients that you won’t use.
Easy to follow: Simple recipes are accessible to everyone, regardless of cooking experience, making them ideal for beginners.
Health benefits: Focusing on whole, unprocessed ingredients in a simple recipe ensures that you’re consuming nutrient-dense foods, promoting better health.
Let’s dive into five nutritious and delicious 5-ingredient, 5-step recipes:
1. Avocado and chickpea salad
Ingredients:
1 ripe avocado
1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons of olive oil
Steps:
Dice the avocado and place it in a bowl.
Add chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Drizzle olive oil over the salad.
Toss to combine.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Quinoa and veggie stir-fry
Ingredients:
1 cup of quinoa, rinsed and cooked
1 cup of mixed vegetables (e.g., bell peppers, broccoli, carrots)
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of sesame oil
1 teaspoon of grated ginger
Steps:
Heat sesame oil in a pan and stir-fry the mixed vegetables until tender.
Add cooked quinoa to the pan and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
Mix in soy sauce and grated ginger.
Cook for an additional two minutes, stirring constantly.
Serve hot.
3. Greek yogurt and berry parfait
Ingredients:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
2 tablespoons honey
1/4 cup granola
A pinch of cinnamon (optional)
Steps:
In a glass or bowl, layer Greek yogurt and mixed berries.
Drizzle honey over the top.
Sprinkle granola on top of the yogurt and berries.
Add a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavour (if desired).
Enjoy your parfait!
4. Baked salmon with asparagus
Ingredients:
2 salmon fillets
1 bunch of asparagus
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lemon, sliced
Salt and pepper to taste
Steps:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place salmon fillets and asparagus on a baking sheet.
Drizzle olive oil over them and season with salt and pepper.
Place lemon slices on top of the salmon.
Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
5. Mango and spinach smoothie
Ingredients:
1 ripe mango, peeled and pitted
1 cup fresh spinach
1 cup almond milk (or any preferred milk)
1 tablespoon honey (optional)
Ice cubes (optional)
Steps:
Place mango, spinach, almond milk, honey (if using), and ice cubes (if desired) in a blender.
Blend until smooth and creamy.
Pour into a glass and enjoy your green smoothie!
Simplifying your nutrition with 5-ingredient, 5-step recipes not only saves time but also allows you to enjoy wholesome, homemade meals. These recipes offer a variety of flavours and ingredients, ensuring that you can maintain a balanced and nutritious diet without the fuss. So, take 5 and enjoy the benefits of simplified nutrition in your daily life. Your taste buds and your health will thank you!
