Healthy Meal Ideas

Healthy Meal Ideas
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A big part of staying healthy is eating the right foods. However, this can be difficult when planning out your menu for the day. Fast food is easy and convenient, but according to the National Institutes of Health, it is usually loaded with high amounts of fat, calories, sugar and sodium. Learning how to create healthy, balanced meals for yourself is key to staying healthy.

Breakfast

Getting your body started off the right way at the beginning of the day can be done through a healthy breakfast, according to the Mayo Clinic. Choose whole grains, lean proteins and plenty of fruits and vegetables. A great breakfast meal could include an egg-white omelet with green peppers and mushrooms, along with low-fat yogurt, a slice of whole wheat toast and a side of cantaloupe. You'll be getting plenty of protein through the eggs, a full serving of vegetables on your omelet, healthy carbs in the toast and a serving of fruit thanks to the cantaloupe.

Lunch

Your midday meal keeps you charged during the middle of the day and gives you energy to complete all the tasks you have on your plate during the day. A healthy lunch on the go doesn't have to mean stopping at the drive-thru. You can pack a healthy lunch to eat on the run by choosing a lean cut of meat such as turkey breast, along with whole grain bread, light mayonnaise and lettuce and tomato for a healthy sandwich. Instead of chips, pack a sandwich bag full of fresh veggies like carrot sticks, celery and cucumbers. Take along a small portion of fat-free salad dressing to dip your vegetables in to give them some flavor. An apple or orange is an effective way to pack along a full serving of fruit.

Dinner

Toward the end of the day, you want something that tastes good and is filling after a long day of work or running errands. Throw a lean, healthy protein on the grill. Try seasoned chicken breast, or even a lean type of fish like halibut or flounder. Roast up some potatoes or asparagus with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon, along with a side of brown rice to add vegetables and carbs to round out your meal. For dessert, splurge a little and have a bowl of fresh raspberries with dark chocolate drizzled on top.

References

Article reviewed by Roman Tsivkin Last updated on: Apr 20, 2010

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