Tips! Simple and healthy recipes for a healthy lifestyle

Have you decided to make this year your healthiest yet? Then you are not alone! Starting to exercise and eat healthier is probably one of the most common New Year's resolutions, but did you know that one in four people break their promises within a month? So what is the secret to succeeding with a healthier lifestyle? Balance!

Excluding all treats, forcing yourself to eat things you don't actually like, or tackling complicated recipes is not a long-term solution. That's why we have gathered some simple and delicious recipes that make it easier to maintain your new habits – without giving up halfway!

3 quick and healthy breakfasts

Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, so make sure to start your day the right way! Eating breakfast is an important step to keep you full all the way to lunch and reduce snacking. Here are three simple and nutritious breakfasts that are just as good for weekdays as they are for weekends when you want to treat yourself. 

1. Banana pancakes with maple syrup

Banana pancakes are super easy to make and have a perfect balance between sweetness and healthy ingredients. Top with maple syrup and maybe some fresh berries for a luxurious breakfast you will crave.

2. Filling overnight oats with fruit topping

Overnight oats are the equivalent of oatmeal that is easy to prepare the night before. Top with fruit to taste for a truly fiber-rich breakfast that keeps you full for a long time.

3. Delicious smoothie bowl with berries

Choose your favorite berries for your smoothie bowl and mix them together. A breakfast full of antioxidants and vitamins that gives you energy. 

Recipe for a healthy lunch for work and meal prep 

A good lunch is important to keep your energy up throughout the day, and with the right preparations, it's easy to avoid fast food. Feel free to prepare lunch for the whole week that you can eat several days in a row or cook a few different recipes for a varied lunch. Having the food prepared is a simple trick to choose a healthier option when your stomach starts to growl and your energy dips. Try one of the recipes below!

Simple oven omelette with tomato and spinach

Making an omelette in the oven is both convenient and time-efficient – you don't have to stand by the stove and can instead let the oven do the work. Bake the omelette in a baking dish or cook it directly in the lunch box to minimize both dishes and work. The recipe is adjusted for one portion, but it's easy to double or multiply the ingredients based on how many lunch boxes you want to prepare.

Ingredients: 

3 eggs
3 tbsp milk
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp grated cheese
1 dl fresh spinach
60 g cherry tomatoes
60 g shredded ham

Do this:

1. Preheat the oven to 200 degrees. 

2. Whisk together eggs, milk, and spices in a bowl. 

3. Pour the egg mixture into a greased baking dish or food container. 

4. Cut the tomatoes and distribute them in the dish. Sprinkle the cheese on top and add the spinach, stirring so that they end up under the eggs. 

5. Bake in the middle of the oven for about 15 minutes and serve preferably with a fresh salad. 

Fresh Asian noodle salad with shrimp and chili 

This noodle salad is both fresh and flavorful with an Asian touch - just as good to eat warm as it is cold!

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

250 g pak choi
1 red pepper
2 garlic cloves
1 lime
1 tsp granulated sugar
2 tbsp Japanese soy sauce
2 tbsp oil
2 stalks of spring onion
1 can of shrimp in brine (approximately 550 g)
1 pack glass noodles
Coriander (optional)

Do this:

1. Rinse pak choi and spring onion and slice them.

2. Share, core, and chop the chili into small pieces. Peel and chop the garlic and squeeze the juice from the lime into a large bowl. 

3. Add chili, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, and oil to the lime juice and mix. 

4. Let the shrimp drain in a sieve and cook the glass noodles according to the package instructions in the meantime.

5. Drain the noodles in a colander and then mix the pak choi, noodles, and shrimp with the dressing. 

6. Top with spring onions and coriander to taste. 

Tips on healthy snacks that keep you full 

The key to reducing sugar cravings and keeping your energy up is to eat food that keeps you full. Therefore, make sure to eat regularly throughout the day, and don't forget the snack! A boiled egg is a simple option, full of protein and easy to prepare and take with you. Nuts and fruit are also great - full of fiber and healthy fats. Want something more substantial before your workout? Mix cottage cheese or quark with berries and nuts for a filling snack. Another tip is to prepare your own energy bars, convenient to have ready when you need an extra energy boost. 

Recipe for a quick and healthy dinner 

For those who train in the evening or after work, dinner is an important meal to replenish essential energy and get the nutrients the body needs after a workout. 

It's not that hard to eat healthy, but it's important to get into the routine of incorporating vegetables into meals and thinking of raw ingredients instead of convenience foods. These dinner recipes are not only really delicious, but also easy to prepare and healthy!

When the day starts to come to an end and energy levels need to be replenished, a quick and healthy dinner is worth its weight in gold. Dinner is an important meal, especially if you have exercised or had an active day. Try to focus on protein-rich ingredients, vegetables, and whole grains for a good meal that helps the body recover. Try these dishes like zucchini fritters or a lentil stew for a delicious, quick-cooked dinner full of nutrients!

Crispy zucchini fritters 

These crispy pancakes made from zucchini are the perfect dinner when you want to get some extra greens. Easy to make and super tasty!

Ingredients (for about 8 pancakes):

350 g zucchini
3 spring onions
150 g feta cheese
1 dl wheat flour
3 eggs
½ tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
Rapeseed oil for frying
1 garlic clove
2 dl plain yogurt

Do this:

1. Grate zucchini on a grater and place in a colander. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible and let drain. 

2. Trim and slice the spring onions into thin slices.

3. Whisk together eggs and wheat flour in a bowl. Add the grated zucchini, spring onion, salt, pepper, and crumble in the feta cheese. Mix all the ingredients into a smooth batter. 

4. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry the pancakes until they are nicely colored on both sides. Place the pancakes aside on paper towels when they are done and let them drain. 

5. Press the garlic in a bowl with food yogurt and mix. 

6. Serve the freshly fried zucchini fritters with the garlic sauce. 

Hearty red lentil stew with sour cream

A hearty lentil soup made with red lentils is a quick and healthy meal that satisfies even the hungriest, perfect both as everyday food or as a starter at a dinner party. 

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

1 yellow onion
3 carrots
1 tbsp oil
2 garlic cloves
2 dl dried red lentils
1 pack crushed tomatoes
1 l vegetable broth
½ tbsp red wine vinegar
2 dl sour cream
Salt
Pepper

Do this:

1. Chop the onion (save time with an onion chopper) and grate the carrots coarsely on a grater. Sauté the onion and the grated carrots in oil in a saucepan and press in the garlic. 

2. Add lentils, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, and red wine vinegar to the pot. Let it boil for about 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Add 1 dl sour cream and blend the soup with an immersion blender or another mixer until it becomes smooth. 

4. Serve and top with an extra dollop of sour cream.

Do you want more tips on healthy food? Read our article on how to keep your healthy New Year's resolution here!

Do you want more inspiration? Read all articles here