Key Takeaways
Did you know the average American spends as many as 240 hours a year thinking about food? When you do the math, that is quite a significant portion of the days, weeks, and months of the year. Now add this to the actual time spent eating and you will get a fair idea of the dominant factor that food is in our lives.
Some of that time is taken up by trying to decide what to eat. This age-old conundrum has puzzled people for centuries. What do you do when you just don’t know what to eat?
Now before you waste any more time going back and forth with your better half over what to have for dinner, we’re here to save the day. Let’s take you through the best foods to keep you nourished, satiated, and healthy when you don’t know what to eat.
Foods for When You Don’t Know What to Eat
One look at what is available in your fridge and around the house can quickly decide what’s convenient for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or to even get rid of those hunger pangs.
Here are some of the foods you can keep stocked, and ready to whip up at a moment’s notice, or simply pop into your mouth:
Pre-Chopped Fruits and Vegetables
Sometimes, we wait year-round for our favorite fruits and vegetables to arrive. So when they do finally come into season, why not keep them handy to consume at a moment’s notice? Why not slice up some apple, or buy it pre-sliced from your local store, and keep it ready for consumption? That way you can nourish your body, satisfy your hunger, and limit the urge to grab less healthy snacks.
Pre-Marinated Meat
Short on inspiration about what to cook for dinner? Why not throw a juicy steak on the skillet and treat yourself to a gourmet meal? With the right marinade, the cut of meat will be sitting in your fridge and ready to be cooked in a matter of minutes. Once you get the hang of it, cooking a steak can be as easy as pie, not to mention delicious. The same applies to chicken or fish, which is well-marinated and ready to cook and can be a convenient meal to consume.
Premade Meals
Premade meals are a practical and time-saving option for those busy days when you’re juggling multiple tasks. These offer a quick and easy solution to keep you fueled. A microwavable or reheatable meal can provide a much-needed break in your schedule, ensuring you stay energized and ready to tackle your day. Embrace the convenience and make the most of your time!
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Easy Meal Ideas
It is often the simple pleasures in life that are the most rewarding. Of course, we all want that Michelin-star meal, but not everyone has the time or expertise to prepare one. However, that doesn’t mean you should go hungry or feel overwhelmed in the kitchen.
Some of the simplest meals can be satisfying and save you from enduring unnecessary spells of hunger. Working with a dietitian can help you create a comprehensive plan to ensure that your meals are satisfying and meet your dietary needs.
Additionally, we’ve got some recommendations for some quick fixes:
Breakfast
Toast with peanut butter and banana is a yummy quick fix. It should keep you going till lunch (if so inclined) and is satisfying. The peanut butter will keep you full for an extended period, while the banana should boost energy levels to take on the most challenging tasks of the day.
A smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel is an all-time American favorite. This quick and easy breakfast delight is convenient and easy to assemble, no matter how pressed for time you are.
Dinner leftovers may come as a surprise as a breakfast option for some, but you won’t believe the variety it provides. Let’s take the small example of a leftover steak from the night before. Cut the steak into these slices, place them on a bread of your choice with some butter or mustard and you have a delectable open-faced steak sandwich.
Remember those convenient meals and fresh fruits we asked you to keep? How about taking a few minutes to prepare readymade waffles or pancakes, adding your favorite fruits to the mix? This, once again, will prove to be a healthy meal with the right ingredients to keep you satisfied throughout the day.
Lunch
A tuna salad sandwich is fresh, light, and a delight for the taste buds. We all dread that post-lunch slump, which in some extreme cases can be referred to as a food coma. So better to keep yourself active for the rest of the day with something light like this sandwich.
Sometimes a snack box may be just what you need to keep you from being ‘hangry’ till dinner time. You can get yourself a compartmentalized one in which you can put cheese, crackers, apple slices, peanut butter, and even hard-boiled eggs if you desire.
Did you know that cheese is the second-most craved flavor or edible by Americans? If that is your pick, best to have a quick and easy grilled cheese sandwich recipe ready for lunch. It may not be the lightest post-noon meal, but just imagine the gooey cheese in between two slices of your favorite bread. There’s nothing simpler yet more divine than a gooey grilled cheese!
Noodles or pasta are another satisfying lunch that won’t take hours of your time and require less effort than some other dishes. A pasta salad is an example of a light and tasty lunch option. You can dress it any way you like and add your favorite ingredients for a highly customized lunch.
Dinner
This meal is always a good time to be near a grill or skillet to make use of those meats that have been marinating in your fridge. Perhaps that perfectly seasoned fillet mignon might tickle your fancy, or maybe some barbecue ribs? A nice roast chicken could also do the trick. Regardless, dinner is the perfect time to satiate those meat cravings.
If you want to keep it light, some sushi could be prepared and had before you hit the sack. Once again, this is a convenient meal and helps you sleep easily with a light and airy feeling.
Another family favorite is breakfast for dinner. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it! What better way to send yourself to bed than with a fluffy scrambled egg atop your choice of bread? The quick fix is easy to make, and hearty to eat.
Our final quick dinner recommendation is fish. If prepared slightly in advance, this protein can be grilled or fried at the snap of a finger. Speaking of snaps, how does grilled red snapper with some lemon garlic butter sauce sound for dinner? Salmon with the same fixings can be just as appetizing.
Nutrition Support is Just a Click Away
We hope that our quick guide has helped you through a difficult day of choices, especially when you don’t know what to eat.
Looking to go a step further? Book an appointment with us at Dietitian Live where we can help you come up with a delicious meal plan that caters to all your needs. Meet with a dietitian from the comfort of your own home and get nutrition support to help you craft a way of eating that fits your lifestyle.
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