With bikini season mid-way through, it’s easy to forget about those tummy-toning aspirations we were so focused on two months ago. If you’re anything like me, you’ve been cutting yourself a little break lately and allowing some pretty unhealthy foods into your mouth (I’m talkin’ to you, pizza). I’d say it’s about time we get back on track. “But it’s sooooo much work to meal prep and buy fresh veggies every week,” says the lazy girl in me. And she’s right; preparing ahead and buying fresh produce every week is more work, especially since we live in a society that is drawn more to convenience than necessity. So whether you’re feeling a little lazy (like me) or you just want a few more hours to spend with your favorite book (also, like me), these 12 recipes will have you eating healthy in as little time as possible. They’re just as good for your health as they are for your schedule!

Breakfast

Lets start with the most important (and most rushed) meal of the day. While breakfast is important, it doesn’t have to be the most time consuming. With these amazingly useful (and user friendly) recipes, you’ll have all the ingredients for an awesome day. All of these recipes can be prepared in minutes, and they’re way better for you than a bowl of over-processed cereal (I know, I’ll miss cereal too).

1. Overnight Fridge Oats

Fridge oats changed my life. Like, really. I eat these nearly every day, and there are countless ways to make them. They are just so easy! You put all the ingredients in a jar or bowl before you go to bed, throw them in the fridge, and wah-la! A gourmet breakfast ready first thing in the morning – minimal effort required.

Prep time: 5 minutes

What you’ll need:

1/2 cup old-fashioned oats (not quick oats)

1/2 cup vanilla almond milk (sweetened or unsweetened, up to you)

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (I prefer plain or honey flavor but use your favorite)

1-2 drops vanilla extract

1/2-1 teaspoon cinnamon (to taste)

Handful of fresh fruit of choice (blueberries, raspberries, peaches, the choices are unlimited!)

Flake cereal/granola (optional)

*Side Note: Adding a tablespoon of chia seeds to any fridge oats recipe will thicken it and add a nice texture. I use them, but they’re not necessary.

How to prepare:

Combine oats, milk, yogurt, vanilla, and cinnamon in a mason jar (or other seal-able container) and stir contents until well mixed. Cover and refrigerate 4 hours or overnight. Top with fresh fruit and flake cereal/granola if desired when you’re ready to eat.

Recipe source: http://lecremedelacrumb.com/2013/06/blueberry-muff...

2. Green Monster Smoothie

Don’t be grossed out by the green. It doesn’t taste like slime, I promise. This breakfast smoothie is great for getting your healthy eating back on track after a series of indulgences. Just like with any smoothie, feel free to play around with the ingredients and add/remove anything you might not like. This smoothie hits the spot and keeps me full until lunch.

Prep time: 5 min

What you’ll need:

A blender

1 cup kale

1 large apple of choice, roughly chopped

1 English cucumber, peeled and roughly chopped

1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp fresh grated ginger

1/2 tbsp coconut oil

Maple syrup or agave, to taste (I like 1/2 tbsp or so)

4-5 Ice cubes

Vanilla protein powder (optional)

How to prepare:

Plug blender in and put all the ingredients in the blender except for syrup/agave and ice. Blend it up, add in ice and syrup/agave to taste and blend again until totally smooth. Guzzle and enjoy.

Recipe source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/deenashanker/easy-on-the-g...

3. Toast With Refried Beans and Avocado (VEGAN)

This breakfast is filling and absolutely delicious without being too heavy. After you try this breakfast, it’s sure to be one of your favorites.

Prep time: 5 min

What you’ll need:

Bread of choice

1 can of refried beans

1 ripe avocado

1 onion (sliced thin)

How to prepare:

Toast bread to desired level of toastiness. Heat up refried beans in the microwave or on stove top. Top with refried beans and avocado. Add slivered onions, and enjoy!

Recipe source: http://www.buzzfeed.com/deenashanker/vegan-breakfa...

Lunch

Personally, I find lunch to be the most difficult meal of the day. Most people are at work or school around this time, and if you forget to bring a healthy meal from home, you end up going out and eating something you’ll end up regretting later. All of these lunch recipes can either be prepared at night and taken on the go or made on the spot.

4. Salad In A Jar

I never really thought of food as beautiful, but the physical attractiveness of this meal will have your peers in awe. To create the layered salad look, make sure you find a glass mason jar and layer your ingredients. You can make any kind of salad you want, but this summer salad recipe is my all time favorite.

Prep time: 10 min

What you’ll need:

Balsamic vinaigrette (how much is personal preference, I use 2-3 tbsp)

Blackberries

Raspberries

Strawberries

Sprouts

Carrots, chopped

Almonds, sliced or chopped

Goat cheese

Flax seeds

Mixed greens or spinach

How to prepare:

Start with the balsamic vinaigrette and layer in the berries, sprouts, carrots, almonds, goat cheese, flax seeds, and throw the mixed greens/spinach on top. The amounts of ingredients you add in vary depending on size of jar and personal preference. I simply eyeball it most of the time and it turns out great.

*Side Note: if you buy a bigger mason jar or leave a little room at the top, you can shake your salad up in the jar so you don’t have to dirty another bowl.

Recipe source: http://letslassothemoon.com/2014/12/20/mason-jar-r...

5. Hummus Spiral Wrap

I could eat this delicious finger food every day for the rest of my life. Yeah, they are that good. And so easy too! As long as you have all the ingredients to make these bad boys, you’ll have yourself a luxurious lunch in no time.

Prep time: 5 min

What you’ll need:

Lavash wraps (or a flour tortilla works too if you cant find these wraps)

2-3 Tbsp Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Handful of shredded carrots


Handful of baby spinach


Splash of lemon juice/olive oil


Fresh ground pepper


Edamame soy beans


Avocado slices

How to prepare:

Spread the hummus evenly onto lavash wrap (or tortilla) and add all the ingredients in a thin, evenly spread layer on top of the hummus. Roll up your wrap tightly and either cut into individual rounds or eat as is.

Recipe source: http://kblog.lunchboxbunch.com/2011/02/vegan-lunch...

6. Roasted Tomato Soup

There is nothing better than homemade tomato soup and a warm baguette. With this recipe, it’s easier (and healthier) than ever to make it right in your own home. And in less time than you would ever expect. This recipe is healthy, delicious, and can be taken on the go.

Prep time: 8 min

Cook time: 30 min

What you’ll need:

A blender

An oven

5-6 large ripe and red tomatoes

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 tsp freshly crushed black pepper

4-5 cloves garlic, chopped

1/4 to 1/2 cup warm water

salt & sugar as required

How to prepare:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse tomatoes, slice, and place them in a baking tray. Add chopped garlic and sprinkle around tray. Drizzle the olive oil on the tomatoes. Cook in oven for 25-30 minutes or until the tomatoes shrink and get a little brown. Place roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic, and all the juices from the tray into a blender. Add crushed black pepper, salt, sugar, and warm water into the blender and blend until it becomes a smooth puree. Pour into a bowl and enjoy! Serve warm or cold.

*Side Note: Good garnishes for this dish include basil, mint, cheese, or a small amount of half & half.

Recipe source: http://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/roasted-tomato-so...

Dinner

When you get home from a long day of work or school (or both), it can be tempting to grab some take out and melt into your couch for the rest of the night. Before you get back into the cycle of sacrificing your health for the sake of convenience, try one of these quick and tasty dinners and reap the benefits of clean eating.

7. Light Lasagna

I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for pasta. I can say with confidence that spaghetti is my favorite meal. So why is it that pasta is always the first food to go when eating healthy? There are awesome ways to make healthy and satisfying pasta, and here is one of my favorites.

Prep time: 5 min (not counting time spent cooking the spaghetti and sausage)

What you’ll need:

1/2 cup cooked whole-wheat spaghetti

1/4 cup part-skim ricotta

1/3 cup prepared tomato sauce

1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes

1 Mild Italian Sausage link, cooked

2 cups spinach

How to prepare:

Combine pasta, ricotta, sauce, and chili flakes. Crumble sausage on top. Add spinach and it let wilt. Cry tears of happiness because you’ve found a healthy pasta meal.

*Side Note: If you pre-cook a couple servings of spaghetti beforehand and keep it in the fridge, this recipe goes a lot quicker.

Recipe source: http://www.womenshealthmag.com/weight-loss/healthy...

8. Sweet Potato Street Tacos

They might sound weird, but I have just one thing to say about these: don’t knock it until you try it. My little sister introduced this recipe to me, and I have to admit they didn’t sound very good at first. Sweet potatoes in a taco?? Absurd! Little did I know that this meal would make its way onto my weekly meal rotation.

Prep time: 5-8 min

Cook time: 10 min

What you’ll need:

2 corn tortillas

3 TBSP mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup sweet potatoes (sliced long ways)

1 cup baby spinach

1/2 cup mushrooms

2 TBSP chopped onion

1 TBSP olive oil

2 slices avocado (or 2 TBSP guac)

2 TBSP salsa of choice

Various spices (I like cumin, oregano, and garlic)

How to prepare:

Coat a non-stick frying pan with cooking spray and sauté mushrooms and onions for 2-3 minutes. Put sweet potatoes in the microwave for 1-2 minutes in a bowl with a splash of water in it. This will make for faster sautéing. Add sweet potatoes, olive oil, and a small sprinkle of cumin, oregano, and garlic into the frying pan. Sauté a few minutes until everything is golden brown. When the veggies are almost done, add the spinach. Once the spinach wilts, set the veggies aside and put the corn tortillas in the pan. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella on one side of each shell and heat on medium. Cook until melted. Fill tortillas with veggies, avocado, and salsa. Enjoy and save this recipe because you’ll want it later, trust me.

Recipe source: https://terpgettingfit.wordpress.com/2015/01/18/sw...

9. Zucchini Pizza Boats

You didn’t think I would give you all these great recipes and forget about pizza, did you? It’s one of my essential food groups! The trick is to make it as health conscious as possible while also including the mouthwatering ingredients that pizzas are known for. This recipe is portioned for about the size of a what a small pizza would be, so feel free to cut it down for single serving size.

Prep time: 15 min

Cook time: 15 min

What you’ll need:

6 small zucchini

1 TBSP olive oil

1 clove garlic, finely minced

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

1 cup marinara sauce

1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

1/3 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese

1/2 cup mini pepperoni slices

2 TBSP chopped fresh oregano

How to prepare:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment. Cut each zucchini into halves through the length (if they don't lie flat, trim a thin portion from the bottoms so that they will lie mostly flat). Align them on prepared baking sheet. In a bowl, stir together olive oil and garlic then brush lightly over tops of zucchini. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste then brush a slightly heaping 1 Tbsp marinara sauce over each zucchini, leaving a small rim near edges uncoated. Sprinkle tops evenly with mozzarella cheese, and then with parmesan cheese. Top with pepperoni slices, placing them more near the centers (the cheese will melt and spread). Bake in preheated oven for 12 - 18 minutes or until they are as crisp as you want them. Remove from oven and sprinkle with chopped fresh oregano. Serve warm and rejoice for your new healthy pizza option.

Recipe source: http://www.cookingclassy.com/2014/06/zucchini-pizz...

Snacks

One of the most difficult things about maintaining your healthy eating habits is making good snack choices. Whether you have a weakness for chips or an uncontrollable desire for ice cream, I just know that there is a healthy and delicious alternative for you. I mean, with Pinterest at your disposal, anything is possible. Here are some healthy alternatives of my favorite junk food.

10. Fruit and Yogurt Popsicles

Grab some Popsicle molds (they sell them at the dollar store) and get ready to have your mind blown. I love these popsicles. They are my favorite summer snack. With all that colorful fruit peeking out, you just won’t be able to resist them.

Aren’t they beautiful?

Prep time: 5 min

What you’ll need:

Yogurt (regular or Greek, whatever you prefer)

Fruit, thin-sliced (I prefer kiwi, strawberries and blueberries)

Popsicle sticks

Popsicle molds

How to prepare:

Add a little yogurt to the mold. Slide the fruit slices down the sides if you want them to show and look pretty, otherwise just toss them in. Add more yogurt and more fruit until mold is full. Freeze overnight and unmold. Serve with granola if desired.

Recipe source:http://www.caramelpotatoes.com/2013/07/12/breakfas...

11. Baked Zucchini Rounds

Who needs potato chips when you have this healthy alternative? If you love zucchini as much as I do, you definitely need to give these a try. With only two ingredients, these zucchini rounds are an awesome go-to for a quick summer snack.

Prep time: 5 min

Cook time: 15-20 min

What you’ll need:

Two medium sized zucchini

1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese

Garlic salt (optional)

Freshly ground black pepper (optional)

How to prepare:

Wash and dry your zucchini then it cut into 1/4-inch thick slices. Arrange the slices onto a baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle seasons on zucchini rounds. Spread an even layer of parmesan cheese onto each slice of zucchini. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until parmesan cheese turns a golden brown. Serve immediately.

Recipe source: http://www.fivehearthome.com/2014/06/21/baked-parm...

12. Trail Mix Chocolate Bites

Chocolate is one of my biggest weaknesses. There isn’t a day that goes by where I don’t crave some type of chocolate. These adorable little morsels are packed with antioxidants and energy, making them the ideal on-the-go snack.

Prep time: 10 min

Fridge time: 40-60 min

What you’ll need:

1/4 cup antioxidant trail mix

3 TBSP organic dark chocolate chips (It’s important that you use dark chocolate, it’s waaaay healthier than milk chocolate).

Wax paper

How to prepare:

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate chips in the microwave. Microwave for 20 seconds and then stir. If they aren’t completely melted by then, microwave for another 10-15 seconds and stir. Make sure not to overheat them or they’ll burn. Lay down a piece of wax paper on a cookie sheet or cutting board, and make chocolate circles about the size of a quarter with a spoon. Make sure they’re not too thin, or else they might break too easily. Press the trail mix lightly into chocolate circles. Let cool for 40-60 minutes in the fridge. Enjoy, and try not to scarf down the entire batch in one sitting.

Recipe source:http://simplytaralynn.com/2013/04/28/2-ingredient-...