As the new year is in full swing, so are those resolutions we made. Top of that list is committing to a healthier lifestyle – especially eating healthy. We resolved not to use the word “diet” this year! “Diet” food usually equals bland, no fun, hard to make, weird ingredients. Right? Wrong. We’ve gathered up a delicious list of 30 recipes that will keep you on track for a healthier 2014.
Breakfast Strawberry Banana French Toast Casserole
The fruit is not just a topping; it is tossed into the French toast mix for a fresh, sweet take on a classic breakfast recipe. Get the recipe at Jeanette’s Healthy Living.
Healthy Waffles Recipe
Spare the frozen waffle packages, because this dish will be all you need. A homemade waffle mix of spelt flour, milk and applesauce—yes, applesauce—makes you happy to be on a diet. Top it with fresh fruit or pure maple syrup to complete perfection. Get the recipe at Chocolate Covered Katie.
Whole Wheat or Gluten Free Pop Tarts®
Pop Tarts® can be delicious, but also have a lot of calories and sugar. These homemade tarts give you options on how to make them, and will help you feel light and fast. The perfect on-the-go breakfast. Get the recipe at Deliciously Organic.
Instant Oatmeal Packets
The options are practically limitless with this recipe. You can add any type of oat, fruit, grain or nut to make it exactly the way you like it. This also includes recipes for your own hot, instant, or refrigerated no-cook oatmeal. It also lasts for months so this can be made well in advance. Get the recipe at The Yummy Life.
Hash Brown Egg White Nests
The key to a balanced diet is portion control. Hash browns, eggs, ham and cheese are all solid choices but it is possible to have too much of a good thing. This dish allows you the comfort of a full stomach without overindulging. The hash browns act as the “nest” while the fillings give you the energy to start your day right. Get the recipe at Skinny Taste.
Two Ingredient Healthy Pancakes
Gluten, grain and dairy free, this delicious recipe is only 277 calories, and leaves a lot of room for imagination. Toss in banana, cinnamon, or blueberries as a third ingredient. Thanks toTop With Cinnamonfor this recipe.
Gluten Free Breakfast Bars
In an increasingly hectic schedule, we always look for something quick and easy. Throw the desire for something healthy in there, and options become limited. But these homemade breakfast bars are simple to make and last weeks. The sunflower seeds, raisins, and almonds pack in so much energy you may not even need coffee. Get the recipe at Elana’s Pantry.
Strawberry, Chamomile and Quinoa Smoothie
A healthy foods list would be nothing without a smoothie option; they are all rage these days. But you don’t have to spend ten bucks in a smoothie shop where they mispronounce your name every morning. Simply make your own drinkable goodness using this recipe. Get the recipe at She Knows.
Lunch Bacon Avocado Cups with Balsamic Glaze
Avocado isn’t just good for your stomach; it’s good for your hair and skin too. The balsamic glaze gives it a mouthwatering flavor, and everyone loves bacon. Get the recipe at Primally Inspired.
Toasted Coconut Tilapia with Pomegranate Salsa
The coconut is what makes it healthy, the ingredients are what make it flavorsome. Chopped tomatoes, onion and cilantro will make you forget you’re on a diet. Get the recipe at How Sweet Eats.
Green Goddess Grilled Cheese
With avocado, fresh kale, and baby spinach, this recipe has so much green between two slices of bread there’s a chance grass might grow on your tongue. But the melty mozzarella cheese keeps that at bay. It’s so good you will probably make two. Get the recipe at Taste Spotting.
Chunky Moroccan Soup
Great for the cold January days, this soup is hearty and robust. It is simple to make, and can last all week, so you can take some with you for lunch at work. The only thing that will go hungry is the office vending machine from a lack of your money. So long candy bars. Get the recipe at She Cooks She Eats.
California Veggie Sandwich
If there were any more vegetables on this sandwich you would probably turn into one. But the combination of creamy goat cheese and avocado add a delectable flavor to an already tasty sandwich. Get the recipe at Martha Stewart.
Rosemary Hummus Turkey Wrap
Sure, you may have had a lot of turkey over the holiday season. But these wraps will eradicate your mid-day hunger without making you sleepy. You can substitute with chicken, if turkey makes your eyelids droopy. Get the recipe at She Wears Many Hats.
Greek Quesadillas
This is a quick, easy to make lunchtime meal to help break up the monotony of sandwiches. Using fresh veggies such as spinach, black olives and sun-dried tomatoes, this meal is perfect for a Saturday afternoon. Get the recipe at A Couple Cooks.
Healthy Mexican Sweet Potato Skins
Sweet potatoes are delicious enough, but throw in some cheese, sour cream and black beans, and you’ve got a delightful lunch in your mouth. This recipe makes enough to have leftovers, and you would never guess it clocks in under 200 calories. Get the recipe at Pinch of Yum.
Dinner Salmon Patties
Salmon, full of those Omega-3 acids, is probably one of the most healthy seafood options out there, and this dish lives up to that expectation. The lemon juice adds a crisp flavor to this breaded wonder. Get the recipe at Eat At Home Cooks.
Low-Carb Calzone
I bet you never thought you could eat calzones while dieting. This recipe lets you choose between blanched almond flour and coconut flower, both of which have far fewer calories and carbs than a traditional calzone. Get the recipe at Maria Mind Body Health.
Rosemary and Dijon Pork with Arugula Salad
Even though it may be a salad, this recipe bursts with flavor. Minced garlic, onion and grape tomatoes create a unique profile of taste that is also easy to make. Thanks toVerses From My Kitchenfor the recipe.
Lemon Garlic Shrimp Over Cauliflower Mash
This fresh seafood recipe is a low-carb version of shrimp and grits. With garlic, parmesan and oregano, this dish is a great example of not having to sacrifice taste for a lower calorie meal. Get the recipe atShe Cooks He Cleans.
Vegan Stuffed Shells With Roasted Eggplant
The sight of the word vegan can be a huge turn off for some people. If you are one of those, don’t let that deter you from this recipe. The roasted eggplant and tomato sauce make the tofu nearly undetectable. With so many pasta dishes that are high in trans fats and calories, this is a nice stray from those heavy plates. Get the recipe at Minimalist Baker.
Burrito Bowl
Those restaurant burrito bowls are so good sometimes, and when trying to eat healthy can be tough to avoid. But when preparing it yourself, you can avoid the ingredients with high sodium and cholesterol, while still having all the options to make it your way. Get the recipe at Dinner: A Love Story.
Roasted Veg Tacos
Roasting the vegetables helps bring out big flavor in this recipe. The juices from the zucchini, squash and red pepper combine to make your taste buds come alive. Get the recipe at Naturally Ella.
Blackened Chicken and Cilantro Lime Quinoa
This meal gives you everything you could want while trying to eat healthier foods; low sodium, calories, and gluten-free. The paprika and cayenne pepper give it a little kick, while the cilantro balances out that spice with its own mouthwatering freshness. Get the recipe at Sarcastic Cooking.
Snacks Summer Zucchini Bites
It’s January, but you can make it feel like June with this recipe for Zucchini Bites. Zesty zucchini mixed with fresh parsley and shredded cheddar make for a perfect mid-day snack. Get the recipe at The Way To His Heart Blog.
Homemade Peanut Butter
Peanut Butter in all forms is always a delicious choice for a snack. But it can be high in sugar, and too much of it can leave you feeling weighed down. This recipe uses naturally salted peanuts and is easy to make. It will keep you going between meals and it is a healthier alternative to store-bought brands. Get the recipe at Bright Eyed Baker.
Crispy Smashed Potatoes
Sometimes, given a hectic work schedule, we just don’t have time for lunch. But where to find a snack that’s filling enough to last through dinner, tastes good and is good for you? That’s where this recipe comes in. You can make as many servings as you like on Sunday night to get you, or anyone else in your family, through the week. Get the recipe at Love Grows Wild.
Dessert Vegan Pumpkin Pie
Homemade pie can be a bit of a challenge, but the key is to just have fun with it. These recipes are all scrumptious in their own way, and give you no reason to feel guilty. Get the recipe at Oh She Glows.
Healthy Homemade Fortune Cookies
Let’s face it; we all have the occasional sweet tooth. And there are plenty of recipes out there that allow you to satisfy that craving in a healthy fashion. This recipe is low in fat, sugar and is vegan friendly. Unlike its Chinese restaurant counterpart, this is sweet not salty, and does not use any artificial flavorings or dyes. It makes for a perfect post-meal dessert. Get the recipe at Desserts With Benefits.
Easy, Homemade, DIY Fruit Leathers
You loved them as kids, and now you can love them again. Those fruit roll-ups were always so delicious, but there was a limit. This simple recipe allows you to use any fruit you like, and keeps for months. Plus, since you are using natural fruit and no artificial flavors, it qualifies as a fruit serving while satisfying those sweet cravings. Get the recipe at Choosing Raw.
Being Healthy Can Be Fun
From breakfast to dessert and everything in between, it is possible to eat healthy for all of your meals. Bookmark these recipes and your guide to a more fit 2014 is at your fingertips.
Which ones will you be making from our
