The problem with focusing on healthy meals isn’t the “healthy” part. It’s the meals. When I’m in cooking mode and creating lots of wonderful dishes (healthy or otherwise), it’s easy to over-eat just because the food is there.
I love cooking for my family, but sometimes the healthiest choice I can make… is not to cook at all.
When I Don’t Cook
Now that everyone in my house is an adult (wow — my youngest just turned 18!), I don’t feel like I have to always be the one putting dinner on the table. Sometimes I just let my family fend for themselves.
When I’m not cooking big meals, here’s what I do instead:
- Quick Shake: A chocolate Shakeology with a spoonful of peanut butter or sometimes mixed with café latte flavor. (not advertising them, it’s just my favorite protein shake because I like their vegan option!)
- Simple Tuna on Toast: Easy, satisfying, and I’ll share my favorite quick recipe below. My favorite toast is a whole grain sourdough; hearty and healthy!
- Hummus on Toast with Side Salad: I love a good hummus (like a sun-dried tomato hummus), and my favorite salad includes cold beets, walnuts, goat cheese crumbles, with a champagne vinaigrette.
- Shrimp or Cod with Veggies: Toss a frozen piece of cod or some shrimp in a pan with a splash of olive oil and water. Add chopped veggies once the seafood thaws. Skip the butter if you’re keeping it light. Season however you like — teriyaki for something bold, or just paprika, salt, and pepper. Serve it over leftover rice for a complete, fast meal.
My Approach: Balance, Not Perfection
What I’ve learned is that it doesn’t have to be about food all the time. Instead of making every single meal a big event, I focus on:
- One big meal per week. Something hearty, like my Spinach–Ricotta Lasagna Roll-Ups (A Healthier Take on Lasagna: Ricotta, Spinach Filling & Lasagna Rolls – Money-Meals-Magic).
- Leftovers for creativity. I repurpose big-meal leftovers into quick, fun dishes during the week.
- Light bites the rest of the time. Quick shakes, toast, or seafood with veggies keep me nourished without the pressure of cooking full meals every day.
Wrap Up
Healthy eating doesn’t always mean spending hours in the kitchen. Sometimes it’s about giving yourself permission to keep it simple, enjoy what you make, and not let food take over your week.
So, here’s my question for you: What’s your go-to when you don’t feel like cooking?
🐟 Quick & Simple Tuna on Toast
Ingredients
- 1 can tuna, drained (choose low-sodium if possible)
- 1–2 stalks celery, finely chopped
- 1–2 tbsp Vegenaise (or light mayo)
- Fresh herbs, chopped (parsley, dill, or chives work great)
- Whole grain sourdough bread, toasted
- Tomato slices and/or fresh greens (like spinach, arugula, or romaine)
Directions
- In a small bowl, mix tuna, celery, herbs, and Vegenaise until well combined.
- Toast slices of whole grain sourdough bread.
- Spread tuna mixture evenly over toast.
- Top with tomato slices and/or a handful of greens.
- Serve open-faced or as a sandwich — simple, fresh, and satisfying!
FAQs
Is overeating healthy food bad for you?
Yes, anything overdone is probably not a good idea. They say everything in moderation. This comes to any type of food. Yes, more so with food that isn’t healthy, but even healthy food can be overdone.
What healthy foods are easiest to overeat?
It really doesn’t matter what it is that you are eating, anytime you go into mindless eating, it’s going to be easy to overeat. I advise taking a couple bites then pausing. How did that taste? Do you want another bite? Take your time with each bite and really enjoy it. If you stop enjoying the bites, you have probably had enough.
Is it okay to eat large portions of vegetables?
Vegetables should be the largest serving on your plate. It’s hard to overeat vegetables because they can be so filling, but it’s still possible. If you take a small plate, fill half with veggies, then split the other side between protein and carbs, that is considered a balanced meal.
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