When you have a busy week, cooking is the last thing on your mind. So you order out frequently and also depend more on frozen pizzas and other tinned foods. As a result, healthy eating habits go out the window.
The good news is that you are not alone. Many busy Singaporeans are looking for fuss-free meals that require minimal effort and are also healthy at the same time.
Which is why we’re sharing our secrets on how to eat healthy without spending time in the kitchen. Plus, we’ve also listed easy recipes that any non-cook can try!
5 Ways Non Cooks Can Still Eat Healthy
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Keep your freezer stocked with veggies and fruits
Load up your freezer with frozen vegetables and fruits so you don’t have to worry about them going bad.
Most vegetables retain the same nutrients as when they were fresh so you don’t have to worry about not eating healthy. For instance, green beans that require no shucking, soaking or shelling.
The best part of frozen veggies is that they don’t pack the sodium which you may find in most canned items. You can add them in salads, soups and microwaved brown rice.
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Ready to eat boiled eggs
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Even though it doesn’t take a long time to boil eggs, its more convenient to keep prepackaged hard-boiled eggs handy.
They are high in protein, have low saturated fat, and minerals like zinc, copper and iron. They are a great option for breakfast and you can slice them onto your salad or toast in no time.
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Keep smart snacks around
Make sure to keep healthy snacking options around you. Throw the biscuits and crisps out of the window or just store them for occasional guilty pleasures.
Keep almonds, greek yoghurts and a snackable fruits like apples, carrots, bananas, grapes, and nuts, and veggies on hand. They are protein, vitamins, fibre and mineral-rich and won’t hamper your waistline either.
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Make a list of few-go-to meals
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When you are hard pressed for time, and you won’t be able to stick around the kitchen for long. So make sure to have few ingredients ready to make your meals in a jiffy. Here are 3 such options:
Precooked Chicken Strips: Keep some cooked chicken strips ready in your freezer. So next time you make a salad, just add it along with the vegetables or grill them.
Wrap: Cut some thinly sliced tomatoes and cucumbers or any other vegetables you prefer and add them to your wrap for lunch. Occasionally, you can also spruce up the flavour by adding some tangy dressing to it. Add a poached egg and then hold it together with reduced-fat mayo or hummus.
Beans salad: You can pop open a can of beans. Then add some chopped vegetables and avocados, add your favourite dressing and your meal is ready!
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Order healthy when eating out
It goes without saying that the easiest way of eating without cooking is to eat out. But when you are eating out, try to make healthy and informed choices.
- Choose healthy cuisine options over fast foods
- Give the fries and garlic bread a miss and opt for a bowl of healthy salads
- Go for grilled, baked and steamed dishes rather than fried items
- Don’t arrive at a restaurant too hungry. You will likely order more.
- Choose fruit juices or low-calorie soft drinks over alcoholic or fizzy drinks
- Be careful of the toppings to your food or salad. For instance, add more veggies rather than bacon or croutons. If you are adding candied nuts or dried fruit, then use them sparingly, because they do come with extra sugar.
Easy Meals For Non Cooks: 15 Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner Ideas
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Breakfast
- Fresh fruit smoothies
- Poached or scrammed egg on a toast
- Mashed avocado on a toast
- Overnight soaked oats or Chia pudding
- Peanut butter and banana smoothie
Lunch
- Chicken wrap
- Bowl of vegetable or chicken salad
- Bowl of ramen
- Avocado cucumber tuna salad
- Chicken sandwich
Dinner
- Baked fish and oven-roasted vegetables
- Grilled chicken breast
- Roasted vegetables
- Baked fish
- Fruit salad
These options are not just healthy, but are the perfect easy meals for non cooks. So the next time you try them you won’t feel guilty about what’s going in your tummy.
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