Easy and healthy meal ideas

Easy and healthy meal ideas

6th Jun 2012

Although the weather over the Diamond Jubilee weekend may have been a bit drizzly and damp for most of the country, many of us may still feel like we overindulged during the four days of celebrations.

Whether it was the tea and scones with clotted cream and jam, the sausages and buttery mash or the tasty alcoholic tipples that you enjoyed the most, now that it's back to business as usual, why not slip into your cotton apron and rustle up some nutritious meals that the whole family will enjoy?

A grilled chicken and chorizo salad, for example, is a quick and easy option for lunch or dinner that will help you towards your five a day.

Simply take some skinless chicken breasts and pound them flat with a tenderiser. Rub on a bit of fajita seasoning or some piri piri powder and put them under a hot grill - be sure to turn them over a couple of times while they're cooking.

Meanwhile, chop up some veggies like sweet peppers, spring onions, carrots, tomatoes and cucumber and place them on a big bed of your favourite greens - romaine, rocket and baby spinach are all great choices.

In a non-stick frying pan, quickly warm up a few slices of chorizo and add them to your salad, followed by the grilled chicken. Top with a balsamic dressing and serve up with some seasoned boiled potatoes or a crusty wholegrain bread.

Of course, if you're looking for something a bit more hearty for your post-holiday meal, a home-made spaghetti bolognaise is another option that doesn't take long to make, plus it's packed full of nutrients.

Start by frying up some lean mince. Beef is the standard favourite, but turkey is a low-fat option that tastes delicious. Throw in some finely chopped onion, bell pepper and garlic and then mix in a couple of tins of chopped tomatoes. If you want, you can add even more veg to the dish, such as courgettes, mushrooms, aubergine and carrots.

Some mixed Italian herbs will give the dish that Mediterranean feel and if you want to spice it up, add a little bit of chopped chilli. Finally, season to taste and pour the mixture over your cooked spaghetti.

Related Food and Health News

James Martin's summer recipe

James Martin's summer recipe

19th Jun 2013

With the weather heading in the right direction why not give James Martin's delicious smoked salmon quiche recipe a go as it is perfect for...

Will the new Mary Berry documentary fuel the nation's love of baking?

Make Mary Berry's honeycomb crunchies

14th Jun 2013

Mary Berry is the Queen of baking so why not try her delicious honeycomb crunchies this weekend for your family? 

You will need to...

National Glaucoma Week

National Glaucoma Week

12th Jun 2013

It's National Glaucoma Week so we've had a look into what exactly the condition is, what causes it, symptoms and how you can make sure you...