Mackenzie Pagels ‘21, Lyon Life Editor-in-Chief
Over the course of the pandemic, eating balanced meals has been a struggle for many people. Some may have a hard time producing home-cooked meals that are easy while also nutritious. If you feel as if you are falling down the wrong path with your eating habits, do not fret. Here are some affordable and healthy spring meals that can be made in under 30 minutes that will help you with your frustration of what to cook next.
Penne with Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes
This spring recipe can be eaten for lunch, dinner, or as a quick snack when on the go. Eating it either hot or cold, this pasta is filling, but also contains vegetables needed to fulfill the daily diet requirements. If you are looking to add more protein to your diet, this meal can easily be prepared with chicken or salmon. The total prep and cook time for this delicious pasta is only 15 minutes and can be found on Foodnetwork.com, a recipe courtesy of Food Network chef Giada De Laurentiis.
Smoothies/Smoothie Bowls
With the growing popularity of smoothie bowls, check out fitfoodiefinds.com to view their best smoothie recipes for the springtime. Smoothies are a great snack or breakfast when blended with fuel foods such as Greek yogurt or chia seeds. You can either make one to take on the go, or blend a thicker consistency to form a smoothie bowl and top it with granola and fresh fruit. Fitfoodiefinds.com and other health food sites have an endless amount of smoothie recipes for those looking toward losing weight or just looking for a refreshing pick-me-up.
Brown Butter Bars
Perfect for a small breakfast or a quick on-the-go snack, these protein bars take no more than 20 minutes to make and pair perfectly with your morning coffee. Made with rhubarb, nuts, and seeds, these bars are packed with plenty of protein to give you energy throughout the whole day. This recipe can be found on bonappetit.com along with many other similar protein-based snacks.
Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas
Courtesy of Foodnetwork.com, this spring dinner recipe is perfect for a family lunch or dinner. With sauteed peppers and onions, this dish can be eaten on its own or paired with jasmine rice or chips and salsa. The veggies can be wrapped in a tortilla or eaten by themselves for a low-carb alternative. With vegetables and protein, this meal is guaranteed to fill you up and leave you feeling properly satisfied.
When looking for healthy meals this spring and summer season, make sure to check out any of the websites and blogs mentioned. Any of these yummy meals can be prepped a day or two ahead in order to have food on the go when in a rush. These four recipes are just a few of many amazing meals that are affordable, easy, and healthy in order to help you get in shape for the coming season. Happy eating!
Lyon Life 