It’s January. So far this year, I’ve had smoothies with blueberries and spinach, crisp salads, Spanish chickpeas and spinach, and ice cream.
I live a balanced life.
But if you are seeking to live a healthier lifestyle, the food you consume is the first place to start. Food has the ability to make us healthier or sicker. It can be delicious and satisfying, but it can also be harmful and addictive. I can honestly say that I’ve been on both ends of the spectrum, so I understand the battle.
This is a judgment-free zone, people.
I don’t find it helpful to “shame” myself or others into healthier eating habits. That never works, not long-term anyway. The best way I’ve found to encourage healthy choices in myself and in those around me is to cook delicious recipes that taste amazing and pack a big nutritional punch. When you cut out all the sugar, unhealthy fat, and preservatives, you have to put something good in their place. Otherwise, that siren’s call from the Oreos in the back of the pantry will drown out any good motivation. Don’t sabotage yourself by eating foods you hate. Get excited about what you’re eating for dinner!
You may be asking, “How can I do that?”
One easy way is to find a few healthy recipes that you truly enjoy. Until you have adapted your habits and tastebuds, stick to mostly those tried and few recipes. For me, I love black bean burgers. I have a killer recipe from Tupelo Honey‘s cookbook that I use frequently. When I need a nutritional reset, that recipe automatically gets put in the rotation.
Where do you find recipes like that?
This is where cooking blogs help. There are loads, and I mean loads, of cooking blogs on the internet, but I’ve narrowed it down for you. These blogs are my favorite go-to blogs for healthy recipe ideas. Many of these are friendly for vegans, paleo, and/or gluten-free diets. This post is not sponsored; this is just my pure, unadulterated opinion! I should also note that I haven’t visited every cooking blog out there because, well, I want to have a life. So, I am sure there are other amazing healthy cooking blogs out there! These are just good ones to give you a place to start.
Oh, and one more important note! Each of these blogs has a “jump to recipe” button. That was one of my must-have features. It’s not that I don’t love a good backstory, but sometimes you’re hangry
In no particular order:
1. Minimalist Baker
I love the simplicity of this blog. Each recipe either takes 1 bowl, has 10 ingredients or less, or takes under 30 minutes to prepare. Perfect for busy people and those who like things simple (that would be me!). There are vegan and gluten-free sections and a variety of dishes. One of my favorite dishes is the Quinoa Taco meat, the perfect protein-packed recipe for your next Taco Tuesday!
Get the recipe here.
2. COOKIE + kate
Aside from the beautiful food photography, this blog is bursting with fresh, colorful, and flavorful dishes. The recipes use ingredients that are easy to find in most stores. The simple design makes it easy to navigate and find recipes quickly, and I like the “favorites” tab to find the most popular recipes. We’re big fans of these Sweet Potato Fries, which we frequently pair with all sorts of entrees, including those Tupelo Honey black bean burgers.
3. Simple Vegan Blog
I should mention that I’m not vegan, but this blog could very well convert you. I like that the recipes are broken down by category (breakfast, dinner, dessert, etc.), so it’s incredibly easy to find what you want. And with recipes like tacos, jambalaya, and mac and cheese, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on any comfort foods. My absolute favorite recipe on here is the Spanish Spinach with Chickpeas. It’s full of flavor and protein and smoky goodness while getting in a good dose of greens. In fact, I’ve already made this recipe this year. I threw the leftovers in with some scrambled eggs the next day and had a fantastic breakfast scramble.
4. Real Mom Nutrition
This is one is for all the moms out there. When my girls were small, they ate anything. They ate loads of fresh fruit and veggies and whole grains.
Then, something happened.
I’m not sure what it was. It may have been school, or perhaps they got exposed to some gamma rays or experimental serum (just kidding).
Whatever it was, my children turned into picky eaters. Now they’re complaining about “green things” in their food. While my husband and I are completely comfortable saying, “suck it up, buttercup!” there are some days when I don’t want the struggle. I just want to make a kid-approved meal that isn’t overflowing with preservatives and sugar.
This blog is the answer.
Her recipes are lightened-up versions of kid-friendly foods, without the judgment or mom guilt. One that gets put in the weekly rotation is her Easy Crispy Broccoli. My girls inhale it, and I get the satisfaction of them enjoying a vegetable (I’ll be accepting “Mom of the Year” awards virtually).
5. Green Smoothie Gourmet
Those who know me know that my sweet tooth is OTT. I am all about the desserts, but I am not all about the sugar crashes or elevated blood sugar levels. This blog has a crazy amount of healthy dessert recipes. My favorite thing is that her recipes use real, nutritive foods. You’re not just swapping out sugar for artificial sweeteners. Your guests will never know they’re eating cauliflower, black beans, pitted dates, or quinoa. We recently made this Pumpkin Sheet Cake, and it was scrumdidddlyumptious!
Also, check out these Date Sugar Donuts.
I don’t want to live in a world with donuts.
This recipe could save us all.
Okay, that might be a slight exaggeration… but I’m not taking any chances.
Got another healthy food blog with amazing recipes?
Leave a comment below and share the love! And by love, I mean food.