Fill-up and nourish your body while keeping your kitchen cool by making one these five nutritious and delicious no-cook meals.
Pittsburgh is experiencing a heat wave! And, I’m definitely not complaining I love hot weather. It is taking away from my desire to cook, though. The idea of turning on the oven sends sweat running down my face. I’m sure a lot of you can relate.
Though the heat can reduce the motivation to cook, your body still needs hydration and nourishment. But, you don’t need an oven to get it. Here are a few balanced, no-cook options that won’t get in the way of keeping you cool.
Five Balanced And Nutritious No-Cook Meals
A Fruit And Plate
Cut one ounce of cheese or scoop ½ cup of cottage cheese, on a plate and pair it with 1 cup raw veggies and ½ cup fruit. You can also include 1-2 tablespoons of hummus to dip the vegetables, or a few tablespoons of my homemade, lower calorie ranch dressing
Make A Summer Salad
When it comes to salads, the options are endless. Fill a plate with a few cups of healthy greens and load on a variety of veggies. You can sweeten things up with a few slices of strawberry or adding dried raisins or cranberries. Then top it with a hard-boiled egg, an ounce of cheese (feta or goat cheese are easy toppers) or beans to make sure you get a high quality protein source. Try my modified healthy cobb salad or my For more salad ideas, check out my salads page on pinterest.
Stuff A Tomato
Tuna salad or chilled chicken salad stuffed inside of a juice tomato will take great on a hot day. Balance your plate with a serving of fruit and a few whole grain crackers.
Make A Wrap
A wrap makes a great meal and can be ready in just a few minutes. Start by spreading a thin layer of flavored hummus, avocado or dressing on a flour tortilla, then add your favorite protein choice. Chilled turkey, ham or roast beef, are good options, or make a vegetarian wrap by adding your favorite cheese and vegetables. Spinach gives a wrap a big boost of nutrition and vegetables such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers are hydrating and add crunch. If you have them, add some fresh herbs, too. They add loads of flavor and phytonutrients.
Make A Smoothie
A balanced smoothie that includes all of the macronutrients- protein, carbohydrates and a bit of healthy fats – is a great way to cool down while fueling up. Start with a green, add your favorite fruits and toss in a bit of healthy fats. Blend in some Greek yogurt or protein powder as a source of protein. If you’re not sure how to make a smoothie in a healthy way, read my post that explains how to make a balanced smoothie. My basic blueberry protein smoothie is super quick and easy to make, but if you prefer sweet try this pineapple banana smoothie. When you are ready to add some greens to your smoothie, try my protein plus greens chocolate peanut butter smoothie.
Do you have another favorite no-bake meal? Share it in the comments below.