This post is sponsored by Mighty Spark, however, I am sharing my own thoughts. All opinions are my own.
There are many misconceptions when it comes to healthy eating - it’s too time consuming, the food is bland, recipes are difficult to follow, you can’t eat anything, the list goes on and on. It really doesn’t have to be so hard! Healthy eating doesn’t need to be all or nothing. It’s not about extremes; it’s about sustainability. To combat these misconceptions, I wanted to share a few of the things that have worked for me when it comes to trying to live a consistent, healthy lifestyle.
1. I enjoy veggies with (almost) every meal.
Breakfast, lunch, or dinner, I love to get my veggies in! Whether it’s enjoying a salad for lunch, having a veggie-packed omelet, or making veggie noodle “pasta”, I try to make vegetables a key part of most of my meals. That’s not to say I don’t eat meals without them, but generally, they’re a staple throughout the day. It's important to note that the keyword here is *enjoy* because I don't just get my veggies in, I make sure to pick ones that I genuinely like. I never force myself to eat something because I feel like I "should" but rather because it's what I want and am craving. One delicious way I like to get those veggies in is with these Bruschetta Chicken Meatballs over Shaved Asparagus!
Recipe (Serves 5-6):
In a large bowl, mix together 1 lb Mighty Spark Bruschetta Ground Chicken Blend, ½ of a tomato, chopped, 8 chopped fresh basil leaves, and 3 chopped garlic cloves. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 12 minutes. Flip the meatballs and cook for an additional 12 minutes.
In the meantime, using a peeler, shave 3 bundles of asparagus (or thinly slice with a knife). Heat up 2 tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium high heat. Once hot, add in one small container of halved cherry tomatoes, the shaved asparagus, and 4 cloves of chopped garlic. Sauté for about 5-8 minutes until the asparagus softens. Add in ¼ cup of shredded parmesan and the juice of ¼ lemon. Cook for an additional minute until the cheese melts. Serve and top with the chicken bruschetta meatballs.
2. I choose the foods I’m craving and that will keep me feeling satisfied.
Just like with my choice in veggies, I try to listen to my body and what it’s craving in terms of anything I eat. If I’m not feeling a food, I won’t force myself to eat it, and if I’m craving something, I will have it. I also generally try to pick foods that will fill me up and keep my feeling that way. Lean protein and healthy fats are key. I love Mighty Spark Chicken Snack Sticks, avocado, or mixed nuts as an easy snack when I’m feeling hungry between meals
3. I keep it simple.
I love cooking most of my meals at home. Don’t get me wrong, I absolutely go out to eat (multiple times a week in fact), but I like to cook the majority of my meals at home so that I really know what I’m eating. When cooking, I try not to over-complicate it. I like quick and easy meals that don’t skimp on flavor. Usually these will include lots of seasoned veggies, protein, healthy fat, and complex carbs. One of my favorite go-to easy meals is throwing a Mighty Spark Queso Fresco & Jalapeno Turkey Burger on the stovetop or grill and cooking it up with some side veggies and baked sweet potato fries.
Overall, living a healthy lifestyle doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s all about finding what works for you! Keep it simple, listen to your body, and stick to it! Consistency is key.