With a few simple hacks, you can build tasty homemade creations with minimal time investment.
Soups
Whether your soup is a meal or the precursor to a meal, there are plenty of options.
- Buy pre-cut vegetables.
- Use extra veggies you've purchased for other meals or smoothies.
- Brown meats ahead of time to seal in juices and cut back on fat.
- Sweat or saute vegetables for added flavor.
- Substitute coconut milk or cashew milk for dairy in cream-based soups.
- Beans are a great source of meatless protein. Blending beans can also provide that creamy base.
- If you have time on Saturday or Sunday, whip up a big batch and freeze for a quick lunch during the week.
- Bone broth is both nutritionally sound but also serves as a great soup base.
- Spice it up. Turmeric has wonderful health benefits and provides a savory flavor in sweeter soups such as sweet potato or butternut squash. Cinnamon gives a unique flavor without the sodium.
Smoothies
Smoothies work well for individuals who aren't crazy about eating breakfast right away in the morning or for those who need a pick-me-up for lunch.
- Cacao is a versatile (and healthy) ingredient that can give you that chocolaty, sweet flavor without the guilt.
- Bananas allow for a creamy thickness, but if you're not a banana fan, avocado will do the same thing.
- Frozen fruit also provides thickness and frothiness.
Lisa DeFazio is a healthy lifestyle expert, nutritionist and host who was born and raised in Hollywood, California.