Today, I face a harsh reality: despite my best efforts, I cannot live on cookies and cheese dip alone.
In honor of starting 2014 on a healthy note, I’ve compiled a list of 10 of my favorite healthy recipes. This list is by no means exhaustive—nearly all of my recipes include a healthy twist of some kind, whether I’m slipping in the vegetables (ahem, Zucchini Waffles), finding sneaky substitutions for heavy cream (reference: Goat Cheese and Roasted Red Pepper Tart), or incorporating whole wheat flour into my baked treats (to name a few: Sweet Potato Cookies; Sprinkles Strawberry Cake; Apple Honey Challah.)
Rather, this list is a small sample size of the healthy recipes you can find here on The Law Student’s Wife. I focused mainly on dinner ideas, but you will also find a few sweet treats to keep you fueled all year long. For more ideas, check out the Healthy section of my recipe index, which includes both Lightened Up Dishes and Lightened Up Desserts.
I firmly believe that we needn’t sacrifice our taste buds to eat a healthy meal. Life is just too short to eat yucky food. Every one of these recipes is healthy, yummy, and a favorite of Ben and mine. Enjoy!
Mushroom and Sundried Tomato Quesadillas
Quinoa Chickpea Almond Salad with Roasted Scallion Dressing
Healthy Cranberry Apricot Bars
Minestrone Soup with Butternut Squash, Kale, and White Beans
Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
Black Bean Beef Burgers with Blue Cheese and Onion Marmalade
The Best Blueberry Coffee Cake
Three Pea Tofu Ginger Stir Fry
(Since Ben considers tofu “chick food,” I also make this recipe with chicken. Both versions are great!)
And to end, something sweet…
Pssst! Check out my Top 13 Most Popular Recipes of 2013. We seriously went big or went home that year, and these top posts prove it.
Well, I guess I had to stop on the cookies and dips at some point. I’m good with that, because this list has got me covered! That corn chowder and quesadillas look like lunch to me! Pinned!
Thanks so much Mary Frances! And you can still keep up the cookies and dip–just rotate ’em in :-)
All of these look so good girl! I wanna just jump right in that bowl of pumpkin Mac ‘n cheese! That may be weird, but it looks so creamy dreamy delish! Happy New Year!
Not weird at all Taylor. I took a dive right in the moment I finished photographing it :-)
Oooh you scared me with that “cannot live on cookies ..” part…but then I saw trail mix cookies and now alls well again :)
I love all these recipes – that mushroom/sundried quesadilla sounds incredible!
Thanks Shashi! And I would never ever advise giving up cookies. Life is just too short for that kind of madness!
Awesome healthy recipes Erin! It is probably time to give up the cookies…sigh.
Happy New Year!
Thanks Jessica! And I’m not giving up cookies–I might just try rotating them in with a healthy dinner (and reduce how often I have one at breakfast, lol)
My waistline thanks you :) Pinned!
Thanks Lisa!! My skinny jeans could use a little reprieve too. Happy New Year!
My skinny jeans are getting a little snug! Probably shouldn’t have eaten cookies and mashed potatoes everyday for the past month. Ha!
Lol Natalie. That’s what the holidays are for. Happy New Year to you!
Had way too much cookies last month too….I love that tofu peas stir-fry!
Thanks Angie! I love it too–super fast and flavorful.
Yay for healthier recipes!! My thighs will thank you.
Lol Nicole! I’m happy to help ’em out ;-)
What an awesome round-up Erin! It’s such a pity that I can’t live off cookies alone, but your list makes everything better! I love the corn chowder especially! :–) Happy New Year! xx
Yay for healthy food! :)
Whaaat? I can’t live off cheese dip and cookies? That’s sad, but at least you give some tasty alternatives :) Happy New year!
Go for healthy foods! And a small amount of sweet can pass. Happy Holidays!
What a great round up Erin! Love all these healthier choices especially after all the heavier meals we’ve had over the holidays. The quesadillas and snow peas look awesome! Thanks for sharing and Happy New Year!
All of these recipes look like a great way to start off a healthy 2014! I really need to try your corn chowder!
I still want to try those burgers! They look so good! Happy New Year – look forward to seeing what you come up with in 2014!
Happy New Year to you Ashley! So excited to see what you cook up too :-)
These options all sound so great, I love this round up! The healthy corn chowder is the first one I want to try! And I love the harsh reality you started this post with. I’m having the same one :)
That chowder is one of my favorites Chelsea! Thanks so much.
What an awesome round up! I want to eat every single thing — especially that burger with the blue cheese and onions. Yum! Happy new year!
Happy New Year to you Willow!! Hope your 2014 is off to a wonderful start.
I found you on Pinterest and look forward to trying out some of your recipes on my family, as my husband keeps his hours at his law school library. :)
I definitely need all the healthy recipes in one place right now. That kale and squash soup looks awesome!
Yum, yum and more yum! Love the look of all of these, despite the ‘healthy’ aspect (grumble grumble… I could definitely live on cookies, though my husband might not be so happy with me!). Definitely want to try those black bean beef burgers. I’ve never really used beans in burgers before but it’s a great way to add in some extra goodness. Happy new year Erin! Hope that this one is an amazing one for you and Ben xx
Laura, I so wish I could live on cookies! If they have oatmeal in them, does that count as breakfast? lol. You should totally try the black bean burgers. The beans add a nice texture, lean protein, and their flavor blends nicely with the beef. I hope you have a very happy new year too! So happy to have “met” you this year :)