Whether the New Year has inspired you to focus on healthy eating or you're just looking for a little refresh to your diet, we have shared many healthy recipes for snacks and meals over the years. We're making them easy for you to find all in one place in this recipe round-up!

overnight oats made with yogurt, from Shelf Cooking

There are many ways to help eat a little healthier at home! If you're feeling the itch to start making recipes that are a little higher in nutrients in vitamins, and a little lower in fat and sugar, we've rounded up our healthiest Shelf Cooking recipes for every meal of the day. But let's start off with a few basic tips for cooking and eating healthier in general!

First, check out this amazing post with tips on making healthy eating affordable! Read Eating Healthy on a Budget: 5 Easy, Smart Tips here!

Next, we put together over 25 ways that you can modify your existing recipes (the Shelf Cooking way!) to help easily reduce sodium, fat and sugar without sacrificing amazing taste! You can check out those Yummy Swaps here!

Chicken and veggies on a sheet pan for easy sheet pan recipes from Shelf Cooking.

A few more tips before we get to the 35+ recipes:

  • Plan Your Meals Ahead: Take a few minutes each week to plan your meals. Knowing what you'll eat in advance helps you make healthier choices and reduces the temptation to opt for fast food or unhealthy snacks on the go.
  • Batch Cooking for Convenience: Consider batch cooking on weekends. Prepare larger portions of healthy meals and store them in individual containers. This not only saves time during the week but also ensures you have nutritious options readily available.
  • Incorporate More Fruits and Vegetables: Make it a goal to include more fruits and vegetables in your daily meals. Keep a bowl of fresh fruit on your kitchen counter for easy access, and add extra veggies to your sandwiches, salads, and stir-fries.
  • Choose Whole Grains: Opt for whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa, and whole wheat bread instead of refined grains. Whole grains provide more nutrients and fiber, keeping you fuller for longer.

Alright, we got the basics covered. Let's pick out some YUMMY recipes to try this new year!


HEALTHIER BREAKFAST RECIPES


HEALTHIER SNACK/DESSERT RECIPES

cool whip fruit salad with bananas, from Shelf Cooking

HEALTHIER DINNER RECIPES

homemade broiled parmesan tilapia, from Shelf Cooking

MORE EASY & INEXPENSIVE MEAL IDEAS:

Oftentimes “healthy” ingredients cost significantly more than less healthy ingredients at the grocery store. But you don't need to buy special items with fancy labels to be healthy! There are plenty of meal ideas using ingredients you'd normally buy without the extra cost. Just be sure to keep your portion sized in check!

  • Vegetable Stir-Fry: Mix colorful vegetables with tofu or chicken and stir-fry in olive oil.
  • Quinoa Salad: Quinoa with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
  • Baked Sweet Potato: Top with black beans, salsa, and a dollop of Greek yogurt.
  • Grilled Chicken Wrap: Whole grain wrap with grilled chicken, lettuce, and tomato.
  • Vegetarian Chili: Combine beans, tomatoes, vegetables, and spices for a hearty chili.
  • Tuna Salad Lettuce Wraps: Mix canned tuna with chopped celery, onions, and a bit of mayo, then wrap in lettuce leaves.
  • Pasta with Marinara and Vegetables: Whole wheat pasta with tomato sauce and sautéed vegetables.
  • Egg Fried Rice: Brown rice stir-fried with mixed vegetables and scrambled eggs.
  • Cottage Cheese with Pineapple: Cottage cheese with fresh pineapple chunks.
  • Vegetable Omelette: Whisk eggs and cook with diced vegetables for a quick omelette.

Do you have any New Year's resolutions this year? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to share your favorite healthy meal or snack idea!

Here's some other great blog posts you'll enjoy: