Simple ways to keep your meals interesting

Let’s be honest, eating the same meals over and over gets boring. However when you are trying to follow a specific meal plan or diet, limitations in your food options can make it easier to eat the same thing day in and day out. The problem is you will quickly get over it and revert to old eating habits that may include unhealthy refined and packaged foods. Here are some simple tips to keep your healthy meals interesting.

Use different herbs & spices to change up the flavour

Spices and herbs are a quick and easy way to boost flavour and creativity in your meals. There are a wide variety of pre-mixed spices and herbs available at the supermarket that you can use to coat your proteins or add to your soups and salads. Some ideas include dukka spicy chicken, moroccan spiced lamb or sesame crusted salmon.

Change the preparation method

Changing the way you cook your meals can instantly change the flavours and textures. Methods such as baking/roasting, grilling, steaming, boiling, sautéing or air-frying are usually considered the healthiest options for cooking and  can provide a different kick to your meal.

Try new food combinations

We can all get into the trap of using the same food combinations which can get boring. As a general rule of thumb I recommend creating a balanced plate which includes a serve of protein, complex carbs, non-starchy veggies and fats to ensure you get all your macronutrients in. Use this method to create new combinations. For example:

Tuna salad
Protein: Tuna
Complex Carbs: Chickpeas
Veggies: Shredded cabbage and carrot
Fats: Lemon + olive oil dressing

Tuna Crackers
Protein: Tuna
Complex Carbs: Ryvitas
Veggies: baby spinach, tomato, cucumber and onion
Fats: Feta cheese and petpita seeds

Mixed Plate
Protein: Tuna + boiled egg
Carbs: Sweet potato
Veggies: Capsicum, cucumber and carrot sticks
Fat: Hummus + avocado

Use different salad dressings & sauces

Experimenting with different home-made dressings and sauces can provide a new and delicious flavour profile to your dish. Instead of reaching for the store-bought brands often loaded with sugar and refined vegetable oils try these delicious combinations:

Greek Yoghurt + tahini + lemon + garlic (delicious as a salad dressing or as a sauce on fish, chicken or veggies)
Tamari + ginger + tahini (delicious as a dressing or sauce on fish, chicken or veggies)
Olive oil + english mustard + vinegar salad dressing
Lemon + olive oil salad dressing
Tamari + honey (delicious as a marinade or on fish or chicken

Undivided Food Co has some great pre-made dressings and sauces that are a convenient way to boost flavour without all the nasty ingredients. Check out their Good Sauce, Good Oil dressings & Good Fat Mayo products.