Disclosure: Product links shared in this post are affiliate links, which means you get an exclusive discount or pay the normal price depending on the site, and I receive a commission for recommending things I believe in! Win-win💖
Finding time to prepare healthy meals can feel impossible without spending hours in the kitchen. In this post we’ll explore three simple, delicious recipes that require minimal effort and provide maximum nutrition. Plus, we’ll throw in a sweet bonus treat that’s good for you! Let’s get cooking!
1. Butternut Squash Soup Made Easy
This soup is so easy and yummy! Roast a butternut squash, carrots, and tomatoes in the oven for 40 minutes at 400ºF, and blend! (This is the recipe I follow. I choose to leave out onion, garlic, and ginger.)
Add homemade chicken broth to the mixture to create a rich and satisfying soup. This broth can be easily prepared using the leftover liquid from our next recipe, crockpot chicken. If you don’t have broth, just use water.
Store Leftovers for Easy Meals
You can store leftovers in the fridge for several days or freeze them for a future meal when time is tight. Just reheat, and dinner is ready in minutes!
2. Effortless Crockpot Chicken
The best part about crockpot chicken is that it cooks while you go about your day. Whether you’re working, running errands, or spending time with your kids, this dish requires little attention. Place any chicken pieces you want in there, add water and spices, and that’s it!
Serve your crockpot chicken with veggies, a fresh salad, or pasta. It’s a flexible meal that can be adapted to your family’s preferences.
Homemade Broth for Additional Meals
Don’t forget to save the leftover liquid in the crockpot. This homemade chicken broth is perfect for soups, stews, or as a base for other recipes. It’s a fantastic way to extract every bit of goodness from your chicken.
3. Spaghetti Squash: A Nutritious Pasta Alternative
Spaghetti squash is a fantastic low-carb substitute for traditional pasta, and an easy way to get more veggies in. To prepare, simply roast the split squash for about 40 minutes at 400ºF. (I follow this recipe.) Once cooked, use a fork to fluff the flesh into spaghetti-like strands. Top with your favorite pasta sauce and a protein of your choice.
Store Leftovers for Quick Dinners
Like the butternut squash soup, spaghetti squash stores well in the fridge or freezer. Make a large batch, and you’ll have a quick meal ready when you need it most. Just reheat and enjoy!
Dark Chocolate for Dessert
Enjoying one ounce of 70% dark chocolate daily can provide a guilt-free indulgence – it’s considered a health food! Dark chocolate is packed with antioxidants and can improve heart health, boost brain function, and elevate your mood. I like to pair this with a scoop of peanut butter!
If you loved this blog, you’ll love this checklist I made just for you — Exhausted to Energized: 5 Ways Single Moms Can Boost Their Energy Naturally. Let me know what you think!
xo, Mary