I'm a foodie. I don't even have to "admit it," cause I'm proud of it. I'll scream it from the rooftops. I don't care. Food brings me joy. Crunching into fresh cucumbers, stirring up rich peanut butter, and sipping on morning coffee in the morning sun are some of my favorite things to do. The smell, the touch, the taste, and the sound of food get me all excited. Hands up if you agree!
I also have a thing for what I like to call, "hobby cooking." My husband can attest that I almost never repeat a dinner recipe because I enjoy trying out new recipes so much. Exploring new flavors and serving them to loved ones was something my mother raised me on, and now I've made habit of this practice in my own home. It's a part of the legacy I was given and something I too want to give to my future children.
Though this is true for me, I know not everyone is a kitchen fiend and that's okay! You don't have to be a crazy foodie, or even like cooking to live a healthy lifestyle and practice intuitive eating. One of my favorite principles within the intuitive eating framework is "Finding Satisfaction." Often times we think we must be eating raw kale in order to be eating healthy. (Totally not true if you were still wondering). Trying out new recipes definitely debunks that lie and has always encouraged me to make nutritious and delicious food. The more satisfied you are, the more joy you will find in eating.
Whether you're already a master chief, or if you just want to start trying your luck behind the apron, I thought I would put some of my favorite summer recipes on display for all of you to try!
As a disclaimer, I did not create these recipes, but have tried them all and have since added them to my fairly exclusive "repeat" recipe list. Out of respect for the authors, I've included their names and their website links. Some of them are great places to find healthy, yummy recipes to add to your own kitchen! Try them out and let me know what you think.
#1. Greek Style Chickpea Salad
by Clean Food Crush
Grab recipe here! I've brought this salad to camping trips and family/friend events in the past and it's always a hit! Great if you make it ahead and then grab it when it's go-time. The dressing seems to have more flavor the more it sits!
#2 Lemon Garlic Orzo
by Vanilla and Bean
Grab recipe here! I was AMAZED at how tasty this recipe was! The pine nuts and feta in this make me drool just thinking about this recipe.
#3 Spring Salad with Tomatoes
by Julia
Grab recipe here! Can someone say PESTO! Probably one of my favorite foods because it can literally make anything taste good. Fact. This salad I would suggest making just before serving because of the avocado in it. Or, make it ahead and wait to add the avocado to it right before serving.
#4 Cilantro lime chicken
by Our Salty Kitchen
Try it out! This recipe is great because it's a slow cooker recipe! Throw all the ingredients into the crockpot before you leave for work and it's ready to go when you get home! I like it over a bed of fresh greens or in tacos!
And last but definitely not least.....
#5 Lemon Curd Chia Pudding
by Vegan Richa
Try it out! A little dessert recipe for you cause you know your girl likes a treat! This one I made when some of our friends came over and we finished the whole recipe. So much yum.
Hope your summer is going well and that these give you some inspiration to cook and create!
Need more recipes? Check out some I've created here! Berry and Greens Smoothie, Cardamom Feta Egg Bake, Turmeric Chocolate Chai Chia Pudding
Much love,
Mikyah