DIY Food Pt. 5 - Healthy Choices

We are in week five of our six week food series here on the blog. If you missed any part of it, be sure and go back to get all the recipes of the last four weeks! Today we are talking about healthy choices because, let’s be real, we can’t really hide in sweaters anymore and it’s time to start worrying about those summer shorts. Here’s the thing, healthy can be gross, but it shouldn't be! It just takes a little research and maybe some trial and error to find recipes you can feel good about but are also truly delicious. SO! I’ve done the leg work for you and I promise that all of these recipes will win over even the pickiest eater.

Next week we’ll be wrapping up with my all time favorite category….BREAD!

1. Slow Cooker Taco Soup

When you’re making healthy food a priority, that means cooking at home, and making that happen in real life means making close friends with your slow cooker. This recipe reminds me exactly of the chicken tortilla soup we had in El Salvador last summer and is just the right mix of delicious, simple, and healthy. It’s the perfect soup to transition to summer.

Taco Soup Recipe

2. Energy Bites

Ben and I are both big snackers so we need to have healthy and filling snacks lying around. These have been a staple in our fridge for years because they taste like candy but aren’t horrible for you! And with only four ingredients to mix together, these are a no-brainer. ​

energy bites recipe

3. Thai Chicken Meatballs with Zucchini Noodles

I scrolled over this meal in my Instastories one day and DM’ed the blogger immediately to ask for her recipe! This is what she sent me and you guys, I’m just obsessed. The chia helps bind the ground chicken together and the Asian seasonings make the zucchini noodles come alive. Also feel complete permission to skip the homemade meatballs and just throw in a bag of frozen turkey meatballs, you do you. ​

Pasta Recipe

4. Balsamic Vinaigrette

Speaking of fridge staples, this vinaigrette is a game changer and we literally ALWAYS have some. When we start to run low I just throw some more of the ingredients in the jar, give it a shake, and use it as a marinade, a salad dressing, and to toss veggies before we roast them. Here is what you do:

5. Avocado Dressing

Bottled dressings tend to have all sorts of sneaky fats and preservatives so when I found out how easy it is to whip up dressings and vinaigrettes at home I basically just stopped buying the bottled stuff. I tend to just use my bullet smoothie blender and then pour what’s left in a mason jar to store in the fridge. This is perfect on fiesta chicken salad or even as a chip dip. ​

dressing recipe

Bonus: Chocolate Dipped Orange Slices

Finally, even when you’re eating healthy you need access to something sweet. These chocolate dipped orange slices are heaven right out of the fridge in the summer, especially with some flaked salt over the top and dunked in the darkest chocolate. ​

bonus recipe