Like you, I cook much more now since the whole #stayhome situation.

But here is the thing: I bet you kind of want to cook something new and be more creative in the kitchen. But, at the same time, you can’t be bothered or just have no energy or stamina to even think of cooking! Am I right?! I know how painful it can be to search for recipes and scroll through Instagram or Pinterest for hours… It’s like searching for a movie to watch on Netflix, never-ending and by the time you find something, it’s time to go to bed! It can be such a time-waster, right?  

I do have some staple standard meals I make on repeat and also love to go to some of my favourite food bloggers for inspiration when I feel like something new. How do you do it?

Below I am sharing ideas for meals you can prep quickly and for the whole family. I believe the kids can eat what we do and it’s nice to get them used to different flavours and textures. It saves you time and sanity! Plus, if you’re the one cooking it, you know exactly what’s in the food- so if you get your ingredients right, what can be any better for them? 

What can you expect

• I cook vegetarian at home, and often vegan, so most of my recipes recommendations will be in this direction
• with a little practice or swapping, you can add your own carnivore touch if you want
• all of the meals take a little time to prepare (30 min or less) and I bet you have most of the ingredients in your pantry

ONE DAY MEAL IDEAS

Here is the quick list and I expand it below: Banana Pancakes via Oatmeal Stories , Stir Fry via Minimalist Baker, Protein Date Cookies

Breakfast:

Banana choc chip pancakes via Oatmeal Stories

Serve with yoghurt of choice, 1 tbsp of nut butter and 1-2 types of fruit. Hemp seeds would be a great touch also, for extra protein and Omega 3.

Swap it: you can use raisins or dried apricots instead of chocolate.

Lunch:

One of the following: leftovers/salad+protein+seeds/veggie smoothie/sandwich

Leftovers are the best when you work from home. Zero waste and saving time- what can be better? Make sure you cook enough the day before.

• When it comes to a salad, include a green leafy base and any fresh or roasted veggies you can find. Don’t make it too complex it, as you’ll get overwhelmed and lose the eagerness to do it. 2-3 veggies will do.
• Add a simple dressing of olive oil and apple cider (and some sriracha if you like). Or go for olive oil, lemon, tahini, warm water and a bit of honey.
• For the protein, include either tofu/ tempeh, 1/2 beans or mix 2 tbsp of brown rice with 2 tbsp of lentils. if you’re a carnivore, a good quality organic peace of animal protein is your option also.
• For a healthy dose of fat, add 1-2 tbsp of roasted nuts or seeds. Toss a handful of them on a heated dry pan and roast for 2 min or until golden.

Dinner:

Easy General Tso’s tofu stir fry via Minimalist Baker

Make sure you serve with a portion of wholemeal/unprocessed grains and side of veggies. As recommended by Dana, brown rice and broccoli work great here. Also, give it a go with rice noodles and steamed kale, or brown rice and green beans.

Swap it: use a good quality organic animal protein instead of tofu.

Snack:

Chose from: fresh cut veggies (like carrots, tomatoes, peppers etc.) /nuts or seeds+small fruit/small protein smoothie/apple or seasonal fruit+nut butter/rice cracker+nut butter.

Tip: keep it simple and small. Snack only when hungry and try to aim for some protein and fat.

Treat:

Protein date cookies, healthy and delicious!

A mindful tip:

Don’t drink calories: water+green/herbal tea are your best friends

Do a quick check-in before you eat: ask ‘am I hungry or…?’ (e.g. thirsty, bored, stressed etc.)

I love looking up new recipes and am a little bit of a cookbook maniac, so it’s a pleasure to share these with you. Let me know if you find it useful!