Clean, Easy, Nourishing: 10 Recipes for a Busy Lifestyle

You don't need complicated recipes to eat well. You need simple, clean, nourishing food that fits your life. Food that makes you feel good. Food that gives you energy. Food that doesn't require hours in the kitchen. Here are 10 of my favorite recipes for busy women who want to feel supported, not stressed. ## 1. 5-Minute Avocado Toast **Ingredients:** - 1 slice whole grain bread - 1/2 avocado - Handful cherry tomatoes - 1 egg - Salt, pepper, lemon **Method:** 1. Toast bread 2. Mash avocado on top 3. Top with halved tomatoes and poached egg 4. Season with salt, pepper, lemon **Why it works:** Protein + healthy fats + fiber = steady energy that lasts. ## 2. Mason Jar Salad **Ingredients:** - Mixed greens - Cherry tomatoes - Cucumber - Feta cheese - Grilled chicken - Olive oil vinaigrette **Method:** 1. Layer dressing at bottom 2. Add sturdy veggies 3. Add protein 4. Top with greens 5. Shake when ready to eat **Why it works:** Prepped ahead, stays fresh, endlessly customizable. ## 3. One-Pan Salmon **Ingredients:** - Salmon fillet - Sweet potato - Broccoli - Lemon - Olive oil, herbs **Method:** 1. Preheat oven to 400°F 2. Place salmon, cubed sweet potato, broccoli on sheet pan 3. Drizzle with olive oil, season 4. Bake 20-25 minutes **Why it works:** Complete meal, minimal cleanup, omega-3 powerhouse. ## 4. Greek Yogurt Parfait **Ingredients:** - Full-fat Greek yogurt - Mixed berries - Granola - Honey - Nuts **Method:** 1. Layer yogurt in glass 2. Add berries 3. Top with granola and nuts 4. Drizzle with honey **Why it works:** Protein-rich, gut-friendly, naturally sweet. ## 5. Chickpea Salad Sandwich **Ingredients:** - Canned chickpeas - Celery, diced - Red onion, minced - Mayo or tahini - Lemon, herbs - Whole grain bread **Method:** 1. Mash chickpeas with fork 2. Mix with veggies and dressing 3. Season to taste 4. Spread on bread **Why it works:** Plant-based protein, fiber-rich, no cooking required. ## 6. Veggie Stir-Fry with Tofu **Ingredients:** - Firm tofu - Mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, carrots) - Garlic, ginger - Soy sauce - Brown rice **Method:** 1. Press and cube tofu 2. Stir-fry veggies and tofu 3. Add garlic, ginger, soy sauce 4. Serve over rice **Why it works:** Complete protein, anti-inflammatory, quick to make. ## 7. Egg Muffins **Ingredients:** - 6 eggs - Veggies (spinach, tomatoes, onions) - Cheese (optional) - Herbs, salt, pepper **Method:** 1. Whisk eggs 2. Mix in chopped veggies 3. Pour into muffin tin 4. Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes **Why it works:** Make-ahead breakfast, protein-packed, portable. ## 7. Lentil Soup **Ingredients:** - Green or brown lentils - Carrots, celery, onion - Garlic, herbs - Vegetable broth - Spinach **Method:** 1. Sauté veggies 2. Add lentils and broth 3. Simmer 25 minutes 4. Add spinach at end **Why it works:** Immune-boosting, fiber-rich, freezer-friendly. ## 8. Quinoa Bowl **Ingredients:** - Cooked quinoa - Black beans - Corn - Avocado - Lime, cilantro - Salsa **Method:** 1. Cook quinoa 2. Mix with beans and corn 3. Top with avocado 4. Dress with lime and salsa **Why it works:** Complete protein, anti-inflammatory, meal prep friendly. ## 9. Overnight Oats **Ingredients:** - Rolled oats - Almond milk - Chia seeds - Fruit - Nuts - Cinnamon **Method:** 1. Mix oats, milk, chia seeds 2. Refrigerate overnight 3. Top with fruit and nuts 4. Eat cold or warm **Why it works:** Prepare ahead, gut-friendly, naturally sweet. ## 10. Turkey Lettuce Wraps **Ingredients:** - Ground turkey - Lettuce leaves - Veggies (cucumber, carrot, cabbage) - Hoisin sauce - Green onions **Method:** 1. Cook ground turkey 2. Mix with sauce 3. Wrap in lettuce leaves 4. Add veggies **Why it works:** Light but satisfying, low-carb, fresh and crunchy. ## The key is simplicity These recipes aren't fancy. They're not complicated. They're just nourishing. They don't require special ingredients or advanced cooking skills. They just require a commitment to yourself. Choose the ones that feel good to you. Modify them as needed. Make them your own. When food feels effortless, you eat better. When you eat better, you feel better. This is how you nourish yourself in a busy world.