If you have vowed to start the new year with a new you and are embarking on a healthy, fit lifestyle, then make sure you don’t compromise on taste where your new menu is concerned.
January is a difficult time to start a different regime. So close to the festive excesses, and with little to look forward to, many people it difficult to stick to their new routines. Give yourself the best possible chance by stocking up your fridge freezer with healthy, tasty options so that you are not tempted to go back to unhealthy ways.
Quick And Easy Family Options
Eggs – these protein-rich super foods are a great base for many dishes, from the flexible omelette through to a simple boiled egg. At only 90 calories per egg, they are great at any time of day.
Simple salads – some bagged salad is a great base for any number of different combinations to ensure you don’t get bored, just add whatever vegetables you have available or need to use up, and you’re good to go.
Turkey mince – you might think that the family has had enough turkey but substituting beef mince for turkey mince is far lighter in fat and calories. Use it in any old favourites like spaghetti bolognaise or shepherd’s pie.
Mushrooms – so easy to add to anything, mushrooms can add bulk, not to mention flavour, to many dishes, or even as the main feature themselves on a piece of toast! Using mushrooms to bulk out other dishes can reduce costs by using less meat, but also clocks up fewer calories.
Visit the Parents recipe ideas for more child-friendly suggestions.
Snacking
Popcorn – forget the toffee-drenched cinema fare and make your own low calorie option. Just ‘pop’ four cups of popcorn (don’t add oil or butter) and in a matter of minutes you’ll have a low cal, low fat snack.
Fish sticks – a very easy snack to have on hand, fish sticks (or crab sticks) are so light in calories you can afford to have a couple!
Olives – packed with vitamin E, known to reduce risk of heart disease and help various skin conditions, olives in brine rather than oil are a healthy option to stave off between meal cravings.
Fresh fruit and vegetables – we all know it’s good for us, and with the continued rise of the discount retailers and some quality markets around, it’s easier than ever to find a bargain. Try cutting some into easy, pre-washed pieces and storing in a plastic container within easy reach of children’s hands.
Check out the Love Food Hate Waste campaign for some ideas on store cupboard essentials.
This time of year is also great for grabbing a bargain so why not treat yourself to a new fridge freezer to store all this delicious food? There are some great discounts around on the high street, or online with retailers like www.fridgefreezerdirect.co.uk
The biggest challenge with sticking to a new regime is breaking the old habit, but stick with it and you’ll soon wonder how you ever lived any other way!
