Healthy-Eating Recipes

When I embarked on my week as a vegan adventure, I was a little nervous about not only finding recipes that I would enjoy but also providing my hubby with satisfying meals as well. Seeing as how this was my choice to change my eating habits, I wasn't going to force the Husband to give up his meat or dairy intake.

The first resource I utilized was Shelley at Mile High Healthy, a friend who switched to a vegan diet seven months ago and hasn't looked back. Shelley gave me wonderful words of encouragement and the confidence I needed. Now, 2 1/2 weeks later I continue to eat a mostly vegan diet (with a few greasy indulgences of course).

But with 25 years of cheesy casseroles, burgers and chicken recipes under my belt, I was presented with quite a dilemma. What am I to eat? Thankfully, I have a plethora of healthy-eating bloggers at my fingertips who have mountains of wonderful, delicious, and versatile recipes.

I compiled a few of my favorite finds in hopes that you might get a little crazy this week and add a healthy dish to your cooking repertoire.

Healthy-Eating Recipes

One of my first vegan meals was a Tomato Basil Cream Pasta from Angela at Oh She Glows. This was yummy-deliciousness and the Husband had no idea the 'cream' was non-existence. Granted, I didn't go out of my way to fill him in...

I also utilized Pealightful Plans at Peas and Thank You. Mama Pea put together a full week's menu of vegan meals complete with a grocery list!! The only way healthy-eating could be any easier is if someone shopped and cooked for you. If I only have the money to hire a personal chef....

Veggie Burgers with avocado. Josh grilled himself some good 'ole beef burgers that left him happy and smiling- any dinner that lets that man grill is a-ok in his book.

Sweet Potato Pinto Stew. This was a little too 'fallish' for a summer dinner, but it was delicious nonetheless. 

Lentil Spaghetti. This may look like a pile of 'blah', but the lentils gave the spaghetti some extra texture and extra protein. Yum yum in my tum!

Stuffed Sweet Potato. The hubby just added grilled chicken to fill him up.

However, I didn't take one picture of my some of favorite meals via Mama Pea: Vegan Taco Salad and Veggie StirFry. Holy Yum! I was too busy scarfing these down to pick up my camera. Josh even devoured them without question, broccoli and all. *Gasp*

And of course I partook in some refreshing summer snacks in between meals...

My favorite smoothie combo includes spinach, strawberries, mango, unsweetened almond milk, and protein powder- nutrient packed and fully satisfying! 

As you can see, with a little planning healthy eating can be easy! If I can do it, you can do it!  So strap on your big girl (or boy) panties because you can do this. You can change your eating habits for the better. All it takes is one healthy choice at a time. Eat an apple instead of that bag of chips. Choose a salad instead of fries. Take the stairs instead of the elevator. All of your choices add up- it is all up to you and I know you can do it. And best part about it, you'll never regret choosing healthy.

Side note: You do NOT have to eat a vegan/vegetarian diet to be healthy! This was my personal decision to limit meat and dairy from my diet because it made my body feel better. All bodies and beliefs are different and your diet should reflect that; to assume otherwise is naive. Bloggers such as Tina at Carrots N Cake and Courtney at Sweet Tooth Sweet Life have been one of my long-time resources for amazing crowd-pleasing dishes. Plus, these girls know the importance of dessert :)