Fast food doesn't have to mean unhealthy food. There are a lot of choices for those looking for a diet that helps weight loss go just a bit faster.But great cooking also shouldn't take too much time and effort. The solution? Fast foods that are both delicious and healthy. Here are five easy and quick meals you can prep for your family and friends -- all under 20 minutes.
1. Piadina Wrap With Turkey Breast & Feta Cheese
Time: 10 minutesPiadini wraps are a bit like soft tacos that you can fill with anything. Buy your meal ready-made so that they just have to be heated up over a dry pan. For a low-fat meal, use white-meat strips, such as turkey or chicken. Chopped cherry tomatoes or a squeeze of ketchup or honey mustard add the juiciness.Another healthy variant: Spread hummus, add meats, and then pile with bell peppers, chili flakes, and a squeeze of lime juice.
2. Muesli and Yogurt Bowls
Time: 5 minutesUse homemade or store-bought unsweetened Greek yogurt. Top with your favorite cereal mix or a handful of dry oats, plus raisins, nuts, seeds, and dried or fresh fruits. Berries and currants go great with a dollop of honey to sweeten your muesli mix.Healthy Tip: Keep a variety of ready-made mixes of granolas, nuts, and tasty seeds in jars on your kitchen counter top. This way, you can grab on the go without worrying about a lot of meal prep.
3. Pan-Fried Salmon and a Side of Spinach
Time: 15 minutesSalmon doesn't need to cook longer than a couple of minutes on each side. And frozen spinach can be thawed quickly, making this a proper meal on any night to delight and nourish your family. Serve with lime wedges, salt, and pepper.Healthy Tip: Salmon is a known source of Vitamin D and one of the best brain foods for kids.
4. Flank Steak With Green Beans and Instant Couscous
Time: 20 minutesSeason your steak with salt and pepper, then cook no more than 5 minutes. Meanwhile, blanch your beans and cook boxed couscous according to package directions. You can fluff it up with a tiny bit of butter, plus a sprinkle of pine nuts and feta cheese. Serve hot.Healthy Tip: Couscous is a great source of lean protein. It's made from semolina, a type of wheat found mostly in North America. One serving has less than a gram of fat.
5. Asian Seafood Soup With Whole Wheat Bread
Time: 20 minutesThis fast food recipe uses just four ingredients: coconut milk, seafood (use frozen or fresh prawns or squid) or chopped chicken, lemon, and fish sauce. Simply cook the coconut milk in a heavy-based saucepan, and add the meat, lemon juice, and a tiny bit of fish sauce to taste. Garnish with a heaping handful of fresh coriander, and serve with rice or bread for dipping.Healthy Tip: This soup works well both as a starter and as a main course dish. It's fast because it requires no curry sauce or hard-to-find ingredients. The benefits of coconut milk include healthier skin and hair and reduced risk of heart disease.
Need More Diet Tips?
If you live in Austin and are looking to improve your diet and weight loss, contact Blue Tree Health. We can help you create a diet plan that can give you the best fast food along with great results for your health. For an easier way to lose problem areas of fat, try our new body contouring treatment!
