Simple Meal Ideas

Deciding what to eat every day can become tiring. The problem is often not a lack of nutrition information — it is simply not knowing what to make when you are hungry.

Having a few simple meal combinations in mind can reduce that daily decision-making.

Breakfast ideas

Breakfast does not have to be elaborate. Try combinations such as:

• Eggs, whole-grain toast and fruit
• Yogurt, fruit and nuts
• Oats with milk, fruit and seeds
• Vegetable omelet with toast

Simple lunches

Lunch can be built around leftovers or a few basic ingredients.

• Chicken, rice and vegetables
• Lentil soup with whole-grain bread
• Bean and vegetable bowl
• Eggs with toast and vegetables
• Fish with potatoes and vegetables

Easy dinners

Dinner can follow the same basic structure: a protein-rich food, vegetables and a grain, potato or another carbohydrate source.

For example, grilled chicken with vegetables and rice is simple. So is baked fish with potatoes and greens.

Use leftovers intelligently

Leftovers can save time and reduce the temptation to skip meals or rely on whatever is easiest.

Cooked vegetables, rice, chicken, fish or beans can often become part of the next day's lunch.

Keep a few basic foods available

A well-stocked kitchen makes simple meals much easier.

• Eggs
• Yogurt or milk
• Beans or lentils
• Rice or oats
• Whole-grain bread
• Fresh or frozen vegetables
• Fruit
• Nuts and seeds

Don't make healthy eating harder than it needs to be

A meal does not need to look like something from a recipe book to be nutritious.

Simple food prepared consistently can be much more useful than a complicated meal plan that becomes difficult to maintain.