Sesame-Peanut Noodles Recipe opens in a new tab
Have you resolved to be more purposeful about the food you eat? Me too. But when the new year really kicks into high gear, I know I’ll be tempted to grab fast food on hectic days and busy nights. If I’m going to be consistent about making healthy choices, convenience is key.
Luckily, the healthy-eating experts at Whole Foods Market have been thinking about this convenience conundrum. They’ve come up with three ways to help you eat healthy and delicious meals on the fly.
Focus on easy recipes. I’m way more likely to cook when I know I can make a satisfying meal in less time than it takes to wait for pizza delivery. Thankfully, Health Starts Here® recipes from Whole Foods Market are loaded with time-saving shortcuts. For instance, the recipe for Sesame-Peanut Noodles opens in a new tab suggests that you boil the pasta and blanche the snow peas in the same pot. Another one of my faves, Avocado Salmon Salad with Kale opens in a new tab, requires less than 15 minutes of oven time (and using parchment paper to roast the salmon means there’s less mess to clean up after dinner). Discover more Health Starts Here recipes opens in a new tab.
Roasted Fish and Veggies with Quinoa and Pine Nuts Recip opens in a new tab
Skip the prep. A Health Starts Here recipe like Roasted Fish and Veggies with Quinoa and Pine Nuts opens in a new tab comes together so much faster if you grab pre-cut veggies from the salad bar and opt for par-cooked frozen quinoa. While you’re in the freezer section, grab some Engine 2® Plant-Strong® Tuscan Kale White Bean Plant Burgers to crumble over whole grain tortillas for Hearty Arugula Pizzas opens in a new tab.
Grab it and go. When you truly don’t have time to cook, look for the Health Starts Here logo on the salad bar, hot bar and prepared foods case. From hot soups and tasty veggie sides to hearty grain salads and spicy wraps, you’ll be sure to find loads of tasty and satisfying options. You’ll feel better knowing that prepared foods with the Health Starts Here logo follow these guidelines:
Put plants at the center of the plate. Health Starts Here foods may contain up to 3 ounces lean meat or fish and minimal eggs and dairy, but nutrient-dense plant-based foods are the real stars.
Go for whole grains. Health Starts Here foods feature whole grains with the option of up to 50% non-whole-grain flour.
Build flavor without excess salt and sugar. Health Starts Here foods contain a maximum 4:1 ratio of sodium milligrams to calories, and no more than 35% of calories come from added sugars.
Prioritize healthy fats from whole food sources. Health Starts Here foods derive no more than 35% of calories from added fat and less than 15% of calories from saturated fat.
As you can see, a lot of thought goes into making Health Starts Here prepared foods that you can grab and enjoy without having to think twice.
Do you have a tip for fast and healthy meals for busy days? Share your wisdom in the comments.
