Cook These Dishes On Sunday, Eat Healthier Throughout The Week

Yes, it really is that easy.

Eating healthy does not come naturally to everyone. And that's because the act of healthy eating is a practice -- it's not just ingrained in us. It requires some thought, planning and preparation. In other words, if you really want to master the art of eating well, you should embrace the principles of meal planning.

We're not saying that you should plan every single piece of food you're going to consume, or even that everything you eat has to be considered "health food" -- there will always be a time and a place for a great piece of pizza. But if you put some thought into how you are going to fuel your body, it's much easier to do so with good-for-you foods. If this is new to you, we're here to help.

As part of our Eat Well, Feel Great Challenge, we have five recipes for you to prep on Sunday to help you make smarter food choices throughout the week -- or at least for part of the week. Each week we'll offer five new recipes and a grocery list to go with it. By the end of the month, we're confident you can incorporate this practice into your life all on your own.

Without further ado, here are five deliciously healthy recipes to start week one off right. Scroll to the bottom of this page for the grocery list.

1
Fast, Healthy Nut Seed Breakfast Cookies
The Clever Carrot
Cookies for breakfast do not feel like a smart food choice, we know, but these ones are packed full of good-for-you ingredients and are the perfect recipe to transition into healthy eating. Plus, you can eat them on the go.

Get the Fast, Healthy Nut Seed Breakfast Cookies recipe from The Clever Carrot
2
Vegan Stuffed Poblano Peppers
Minimalist Baker
Make these stuffed peppers on Sunday and pack them for lunch on Monday. And Tuesday. And Wednesday (if you're lucky enough to have any leftover). The peppers are chock full of veggies and whole grains so they're wonderfully filling.

Get the Vegan Stuffed Poblano Peppers recipe from Minimalist Baker
3
Super Simple Jerk Chicken
Pinch of Yum
Keeping prepped and cooked chicken (or tofu) in the fridge is a great trick to eating healthy in a pinch. This tasty jerk chicken makes a great dinner or can be quickly turned into lunch when packed on top of a salad. (This recipe can be made with tofu for those following a vegetarian or vegan diet.)

Get the Super Simple Jerk Chicken recipe from Pinch of Yum
4
Bulgur Vegetarian Chili
Naturally Ella
A big pot of this sitting in the fridge is the perfect antidote to ordering take out. It's quick to heat up, easy to love and wonderfully filling.

Get the Bulgur Vegetarian Chili recipe from Naturally Ella
5
Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Balls
Minimalist Baker
Because sweets are something many of us crave, it's not a bad idea to prep yourself some healthy, energy-boosting treats. These energy balls are sweetened with dates and loaded with pumpkin goodness. They make a great snack when the four o'clock crash hits and are a nice, sweet ending to your day.

Get the Date-Sweetened Pumpkin Balls recipe from Minimalist Baker

Grocery List

Pantry items:

12 ounces medjool dates
1 can pumpkin puree
1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
4 cups vegetable broth
1 14-ounce can pinto beans
1 14-ounce can kidney beans
1 jar chunky salsa
Quick oats
Dried cranberries
Raw pumpkin seeds
Bulgur
Brown rice
Almond meal (or whole almonds to ground)
Flax seeds, hemp seeds or quinoa

Perishable items:

1 1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 egg
2 medium-sized sweet onions
2 garlic cloves
1 jalapeno
1 parsnip
Bunch of cilantro

Items you probably own, but might not:

Chili powder
Oregano
Cumin
Smoked paprika
Cloves
Cinnamon
Cayenne pepper
Allspice
Pumpkin pie spice
Vanilla extract
Brown sugar
Baking soda
Maple syrup (can substitute with honey)
Coconut oil (can substitute with olive or vegetable oil)
Grapeseed oil (can substitute with olive or coconut oil)

Do you want to be more mindful about eating healthy foods that’ll keep your mind and body at their best? Sign up for our newsletter and join our Eat Well, Feel Great challenge to learn how to fuel your body in the healthiest way possible. We’ll deliver tips, challenges and advice to your inbox every day.

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