Cooking for different diets can feel overwhelming, but it’s possible to balance time, energy, and preferences—even for three diets at once!
Whether you’re feeding a big appetite, following a plant-based lifestyle, or juggling diverse dietary needs, this guide has tips to simplify the process and keep everyone satisfied. Let’s make healthy eating work for every preference!
Embracing my love for food and a penchant for healthier options, I understand the struggle of satisfying my cravings while staying mindful of nutrition. If you’re new to plant-based cooking, catering to mixed dietary needs, or simply looking to save time and energy in the kitchen, join me as I share my top tips for creating delicious, healthy meals every day.
Tip #1 Meal (And Snack) Preps
When you’re on a detox, transitioning to a whole foods plant-based diet, or temporarily following a specific diet like an elimination diet, having a well-stocked kitchen is crucial. It’s also essential if you’re prone to feeling “hangry” and need to eat right away.
Picture this: you open the fridge and there’s nothing nutritious. You check the pantry, but there’s nothing “healthy”. However, you do find a big bag of chips or some ice cream in the freezer. And if all else fails, there’s always the option of ordering takeout from a pizza joint.
Instead of facing this dilemma, envision having steamed or roasted vegetables in the fridge, fresh fruits on the countertop, and nuts and seeds in the pantry. By stocking your kitchen with ready-to-eat, wholesome foods, you won’t need to make difficult decisions when hunger strikes. This proactive approach ensures that you have nourishing options readily available, helping you stay on track with your health goals.
Tip #2 Utilize Meal Planners
In another post, I highlighted the immense impact of planning meals in advance on our lives. This practice not only simplifies our daily routines but also reinforces our commitment to making healthy choices. After experimenting with various meal planners, we settled on PlateJoy for its diverse and appealing recipes, cost-saving grocery shopping, and exceptional ability to minimize food waste – a significant concern considering the staggering 50% food wastage rate in the US.
By leveraging PlateJoy’s personalized options, particularly the batch food feature, we’ve managed to further economize on both expenses and time. Planning our meals a week ahead enables us to compile a precise grocery list for our next shopping trip. While I initially managed meal planning manually for years, the inclusion of a spouse and a child has made a meal planner invaluable. I encourage anyone embarking on a plant-based or healthy eating journey, regardless of their family situation, to explore the benefits of utilizing a meal planner. Most of these platforms offer free trial periods, allowing you to choose the most suitable option for your needs.
Tip #3 Be Practical
I mean, yes, I do try elaborate, gourmet recipes which require hours of preparation; I still experiment with my gram’s old recipes (I veganize old middle eastern yummies:)), but I don’t do that every day of the week. Especially because the little one’s preferences keep changing, and these days, he will NOT, for the life of me, eat what we are eating. When you get the habit of cooking regularly, you can make a great meal in 15 minutes. You just need to keep it simple, instead of complicated; practical, instead of fancy. My husband LOVES my bok-choy and tempeh stir fry, and it barely takes 15 minutes.
Tip #4 Canned/ Bottled Can Save the Day
Consider prioritizing bulk and packageless shopping to reduce plastic use. Seek out packageless stores in your area. While prioritizing zero waste, acknowledge some packaged foods may be necessary. Canned foods can be nutritious and less processed than other common options.
Today, we are fortunate to have access to a wide array of convenient and nutritious food options. Gone are the days when everything had to be made from scratch. Now, it’s easy to find essentials like flax milk and wholesome veggie burgers stocked at local markets. As a discerning consumer, I’ve come across exceptional brands such as Eden, Artisana, and Three Trees, which I frequently purchase from trusted online platforms like Vitacost and Imperfect Foods, particularly when they’re offering attractive discounts.
For those concerned about their health, it’s crucial to be mindful of product labels. Opt for BPA-free canned goods whenever possible, and consider investing in glass-packaged items due to their eco-friendly and health-conscious benefits. However, when pressed for time, I rely on canned products to effortlessly prepare flavorful dishes like Mexican salads, bean soups, and hummus.
In the end, my philosophy is simple: Always strive for the best, and choose your battles wisely.
Tip #5 Feel Free to Use Frozen Veggies and Fruits
In an ideal scenario, buying fresh produce directly from a local farmer is the best choice for nutrition. Unfortunately, not every town has a farmers’ market, and the nutrient value of products from grocery stores diminishes as they travel from their source. On the other hand, frozen fruits and vegetables tend to retain a significant amount of their nutrients. Surprisingly, in some instances, frozen foods contain more vitamins and minerals than their fresh counterparts because freezing effectively preserves these essential nutrients.
The versatility of frozen produce makes it a convenient option for various dishes, including smoothies, soups, salads, and steamed dishes. I always stock my freezer with bags of frozen wild blueberries, spinach, haricot verts, and other vegetables for quick use, especially when these items are not in season.
Growing up, my mother always kept frozen produce in our freezer as a backup when fresh produce was not readily available. The key is to prioritize and choose the battles that matter most when it comes to making nutritious and convenient food choices.
Tip #6 Find a Common Denominator
At times, it can be challenging to find recipes that suit everyone’s preferences. However, at Nourishing Bites, we understand the importance of catering to varying tastes and dietary choices. For instance, my husband and I both enjoy indulging in hearty quinoa salads enriched with legumes and avocados. While he prefers the flavour of soy sauce, I opt for a delightful tahini dressing. The beauty of this setup is that we prepare a shared base for the salad and then customize the dressings to our liking.
Moreover, when it comes to our favourite pumpkin bread smoothie, we have our unique variations. I savour my smoothie in a bowl, while my husband prefers his more liquidy for easy sipping. To accommodate this, I pour my smoothie first and adjust the consistency for him with additional liquid. This personalized approach ensures that we both relish our smoothies just the way we prefer.
Finally, our love for veggie burgers is no exception. I delight in topping mine with vibrant greens, whereas my husband fancies his burger nestled in a sandwich. This culinary experience mirrors our relationship dynamics—finding harmony in our shared foundation while celebrating our differences to make life more enjoyable. At Nourishing Bites, we believe that embracing diversity in tastes and preferences can elevate every dining experience.
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Tip #7 Streamline Your Week with Smart Meal Prep Tips
Preparing ahead with PlateJoy makes your week a breeze. With a clear plan, you can streamline grocery shopping and smartly organize your kitchen. Post-shopping, prepping vegetables in advance and storing them in Pyrex containers ensures they’re readily available for the week. For your green smoothie essentials, such as celery and lemon, store them in a coordinated glass container for easy access. Additionally, optimize herb storage by placing them in small glass jars with water, either in the fridge or on the countertop. It’s essential to note that proper storage is key.
For recurring meals, such as a large prepared salad, batch-cooked quinoa, and washed apples and pears, efficient prepping and storage are vital. Moreover, strategize by preparing dressings in advance to accompany your meals instantly.
I hope you find these tips useful for improving your overall well-being and incorporating healthier habits into your daily routine! Your well-being is incredibly important, and small changes can make a big difference in how you feel and function each day.
Editor’s note: The information in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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