How to Cook Healthy Dinner Recipes for You and Your Family -

The number one mistake I see patients make when trying to cook healthy dinner recipes is overcomplicating meal planning. Cooking healthy dinner recipes does not have to be difficult. With my tips, you will have confidence that what you are putting on the table is healthy and delicious!

What is a healthy dinner recipe?

As a Registered Dietitian, I often see patients who are confused from all of the gimmicks. If you are struggling with your weight, inevitably you have tried a host of “healthy” eating plans. Does Paleo, Low carb, or High fat, sound familiar? It seems as though the advice on what to eat changes daily and no one agrees. It’s enough to make anyone give up and grab a donut! What if I told you it really isn’t complicated at all. Using USDA’s MyPlate as the guide, a healthy eating routine can be developed and sustained by the entire family.

See below for quick and easy access to a healthy eating plan that’s just right for you. Use the widget below from the MyPlate Plan to show your food group targets – what and how much to eat within your calorie allowance.

Your food plan is personalized, based on your:

Age
Sex
Height
Weight
Physical activity level

The Simple Truth About Preparing Healthy Dinner Recipes:

There are 2 main steps to preparing healthy dinner recipes.

STEP 1: MEAL PLAN: Planning meals to prepare at home is a good way to improve your food choices. Planning can also help you avoid less healthy drive-through meals. A good place to start is to use the widget above to help you get an idea of the number of calories you need to maintain or to lose weight. Work with a registered dietitian for a more comprehensive assessment and individuated care plan.

STEP 2: CREATE A SHOPPING LIST: Once you’ve planned your meals, make a grocery list. While shopping, choose healthier ingredients for the meals you will prepare at home. Here are some ideas:

Use low-fat cheese and low-fat, low-sodium soups.
With sharply flavored cheese, such as cheddar and parmesan, you can usually reduce the amount in a recipe without sacrificing flavor.
Try a non-stick cooking spray or a small amount of cooking oil for sautéing instead of a solid fat.
If you’re using ground beef, look for a low-fat variety or try using skinless ground turkey breast. Once you’ve browned the meat, drain to remove excess fat.
Check out frozen vegetable side dishes. Avoid ones with added cream, butter, salt, or cheese sauces. You can steam these vegetables quickly in the microwave.
Add beans to vegetable soups and chili to improve the nutritional value.
If you are making enchiladas, rinse a can of black beans and add these to the ground meat.

So what can you do?

Now that you know the simple truth about eating well, you can start to include the two main components of healthful meals:

Whole foods: Make whole, wholesome, plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, lentils, nuts, seeds, and water) the basis of your diet. If you like, feel free to add some meat or dairy as supplemental elements. Here are a few of my favorite plant-based dinner recipes from your very own as well as some favorites from around the globe. Quick tip: Replace meat on your shopping list with beans and lentils, and save money while improving your health.

Protein: Get a good mix of proteins, both animal (unless vegetarian) and plant. Eating a variety of proteins will ensure that you get all of the amino acids (building blocks of protein) you need. Here are a few of my favorite healthy dinner recipes that feature lean proteins from animals like chicken, turkey and fish.

Below you will find 45 healthy dinner recipes from all over the world. Which will you try first? If you would like more help with meal planning, you are in the right place! Every Thursday afternoon, we post a week’s worth of healthy dinner recipes. You can save these recipes and create free shopping lists too – All for FREE! See previous weeks’ examples here, here, here, and here.

Ancho Lentil Chili

This Ancho Lentil Chili is packed with nutrients and comforting flavor and is perfect for weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings. It can be made ahead, and leftovers taste even better! Vegan adaptable.

What is a healthy dinner recipe?

The Simple Truth About Preparing Healthy Dinner Recipes:

So what can you do?

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