Sherrie Castellano is a certified Health Coach, food writer and photographer based in St. Louis, MO. She writes the vegetarian, and naturally gluten-free food blog With Food + Love.
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Photo Credit: Sherrie Castellano/ LIVESTRONG.COM
If you talk to anyone remotely interested in food and nutrition (who doesn’t like to eat?), they’ll probably give you their own rundown of what clean eating means to them — the dos and the don’ts. While there’s no official definition of “eating clean,” the general premise is built on eating primarily whole foods close to their natural states. Avoiding highly processed packaged goods with ingredients that sound more like a lab experiment and include corn syrup, hydrogenated oils or substantial amounts of sodium are a no. Concentrating on eating healthier, whole foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruits and nuts are a great big yes! Here are 10 easy, clean-eating recipes that you can make in 15 minutes or less!
Photo Credit: Sherrie Castellano/ LIVESTRONG.COM
1 Spring Vegetable Bowls With Lemony Dill Vinaigrette
Want to create your very best lunch salad? Start here. Using a few fresh ingredients, you can transform your basic salad into a bright flavor bomb. CALORIES: 415
Get your day started or tackle your afternoon slump with this beautiful bowl of berries, antioxidants and brain fuel. It’s loaded with healthy fat and plant-based protein sources to keep you feeling fuller longer. CALORIES: 265
Roasted radishes are your low-carb best friend. Radishes, traditionally known for their robust bite, are magically transformed in the oven with a little bit of oil, sea salt and loads of fresh herbs. Eat these as a side, or top them with a poached egg for a healthy, low-carb breakfast. CALORIES: 73
Kohlrabi -- a vegetable people don’t know what to do with. Sliced raw, it’s somewhere between the texture of a crisp apple and the taste of broccoli stem (broccoli stems are tender and delicious when the tough outer skin is removed, by the way). Julienne and toss them with a citrusy vinaigrette and you’ll be hooked. CALORIES: 125
Eggs are great for breakfast, lunch or dinner. This scramble is so easy and flavorful that you’ll be putting it in your rotation for all three. The Southwestern spices give the plate an extra flavor boost that’ll excite your taste buds and keep “healthy” interesting. CALORIES: 409
Keep dessert simple with very ripe mangoes topped with zesty coconut cream. It is incredibly satisfying (and pretty too) and sweetened just slightly with honey or maple syrup. And it’s the best way to use nature’s candy. CALORIES: 185
Eating pasta can often make you feel weighed down. Pro tip: Make that plate a 1:1:1 ratio of pasta to veg to protein. The penne-cauliflower-white bean combination is hard to beat and incredibly easy to make in under 15 minutes in just one pot. Add in some fresh herbs for extra flavor and brightness. CALORIES: 219
If you haven’t hopped on the energy-ball train yet, now is the time to start! Powered by mainly oats, flax and nut butter, these balls are chock-full of protein, fiber and healthy fat. And they’re sweetened naturally with an extra-ripe banana, a touch of maple syrup and crunchy cacao nibs for an added boost of energy and antioxidants. CALORIES: 157
Carrot noodles are totally on trend. They cook wicked fast and are incredibly satisfying, but without all the carbs and heaviness of a typical pasta dish. Bonus! Carrots are in season year-round, making them a particularly affordable choice. CALORIES: 145
Use a quality vegetable broth -- either homemade or a low-sodium store-bought version -- and you will be surprised at how easy and flavorful this dish is. The robust ginger and garlic flavors shine through without being too overbearing, while offering a plethora of immunity-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. Sip it by itself for a comforting snack, or add in your favorite vegetables, sprouts and maybe even a soft-boiled egg for a full meal. CALORIES: 30
Which of these clean-eating recipes is your favorite? Do you have a go-to at home? Share your recipes, thoughts and ideas with us in the comment section below.
