Cooking every day can get people into a routine. If you make the same meals every week and want to give your loved ones a healthy change, these are a few smart meals to make for your family that work with any budget.
1. Veggie Wrap Burritos
Burritos are easy to make and freeze well, so they’re popular with families. You can prep them for on-the-go breakfasts or stick them in lunch boxes. You don’t need to banish the idea of making custom burritos for your family members just to make your diet healthier.
Swap your regular tortillas with wraps made with spinach or other veggies. You’ll minimize the carbs in each meal without swapping burritos for something entirely different. Veggie tortillas also freeze just as well as traditional wraps, so you won’t need to worry about the change ruining your meal prepping plans.
2. Homemade Turkey Chili
Chili is a quick, easy recipe to make when you need something to warm you up after a long day. If you replace the ground beef with ground turkey, your family can enjoy big bowls by the fireplace without compromising their health.
Turkey chili uses the same ingredients and takes the same amount of time. Pair it with sliced whole wheat bread for dipping or blue corn tortilla chips to increase your meal’s nutritional value and give everyone the chili they love.
3. Air Fried Buffalo Wings
Consider making buffalo wings in your air fryer when you’re getting ready to cheer on your favorite football team. You’ll reduce the amount of grease and fat your family consumes without cutting the meal out of your diet altogether.
Toss the wings in a bowl or bag with a few tablespoons of your preferred oil. They only need to cook for 25 minutes before they’re crispy and ready to eat. You can also reheat the wings in your air fryer if your family is too captivated by the game to finish them right away. They’ll be just as delicious as the first time around without frying them in more oil.
4. Squash and Pepper Risotto
Your family can enjoy a warm meal without increasing their carbohydrate intake by sitting down for squash and pepper risotto. The squash adds a natural sweetness to the dish, while the rice satisfies little ones who love more traditional foods.
Buy whole squash while they’re in season and dice them to prep for the meal. You can also find it diced and frozen at your local grocery store. Combine both in a pan with parmesan cheese and red peppers until they become soft enough to savor.
5. Roast Chicken and Potatoes
While running errands with your kids, they might point to fast food restaurants and ask for fried chicken combo meals. It isn’t great for anyone to eat that much fat and sodium all the time, so promise to make them roast chicken and potatoes when you get home.
Roasting chicken in an air fryer or oven makes it crispy without using excessive amounts of oil. You can also slice mini potatoes and toss them with your family’s favorite seasonings to make them more flavorful than fast-food fries. It only takes a few minutes to put together, which is why this recipe is a family favorite.
6. Whole Wheat Pancakes
Boxed pancake mixes cost only a few dollars, but they have tons of sugar and processed ingredients. Your family will be much better off eating whole wheat pancakes in the mornings.
Combine essential pancake ingredients like milk, butter and your sweetener of choice with whole wheat flour. You’ll have pools of batter sizzling on your nonstick griddle in less than a minute. The whole wheat will ground their blood sugar to prevent additional fat storage and health conditions like diabetes.
7. Sausage Pasta With Broccoli
When you’re craving the spicy kick of fresh sausage links, consider making your family sausage pasta with broccoli florets. You can pick healthier pasta options made with whole wheat or veggies to reduce their carbs and make it easier to digest.
Combine it with cooked sausage links sliced into bite-sized pieces and top with your favorite tomato sauce. Broccoli florets steamed or roasted will make the perfect side dish. Top everything with parmesan cheese and you’ll have the ultimate dinner packed with flavor.
8. Tex-Mex Quinoa Salad
Going to a Mexican restaurant is a treat. Making reservations multiple times a week isn’t very healthy. If your family wants to eat Mexican food this week, serve Tex-Mex quinoa salad.
Quinoa has a few notable health benefits. Besides being plant-based and containing amino acids, it’s also a good source of protein that will keep your family full longer. Combine it with ingredients like corn, beans, lime juice and taco seasonings to satisfy everyone’s cravings.
Make Smart Meals For Your Family
Now that you’ve read about a few smart meals to make for your family, consider what they’d love the most. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or people who are up for anything, you’ll quickly form a new diet routine with fresh flavors and ingredients.
