With temperatures finally rising above freezing and swimsuit months sort of on the way, it’s time to pay attention to that hot bod of yours. Sad as it may be, it’s time to swap out the grilled cheese and pizza diet we’ve been on for the past four months for some lighter options. No worries, here are some painless and easy ways to make the switch that don’t involve all kale all of the time.
1. Rosemary Balsamic Chicken
Photo by Mackenzie Barth
It doesn’t take a master chef to make this beautiful piece of poultry.
2. Thai Green Curry with Chicken
Photo by Kelda Baljon
Comfort food can be healthy food. For real. Coconut milk makes this curry a delicious and creamy option if the cold is still getting to you.
3. Spinach, Feta and Almond Orzo
Photo by Kathleen Lee
Orzo is a wonderful and healthy alternative to rice. Try it out in this grain salad that adds almonds and cheese for a wholesome and filling meal.
4. Miso Soup
Photo by Judy Holtz
This miso soup is the ideal hangover cure for that pounding headache and your empty stomach.
5. Zucchini Nachos
Photo by Dara Ades
Don’t fear the zucchini. This slimmed-down version of nachos still hits the craving with familiar flavors like cilantro and black beans.
6. Mixed Vegetable Tofu Stir-Fry
Photo by Danny Schuleman
It’s a one-pot meal full of fresh and healthy ingredients that comes together in 15 minutes. This veggie stir-fry is basically begging to be your Easy Mac replacement.
7. Sushi-Burrito
Photo by Lily Lou
It’s the Frankenfood of the century and it’s actually good for you. The sushi-rrito is aliiiiiiive.
8. Shakshouka
Photo by Jeanne Kessira
Good for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, shakshouka is the Middle Eastern meal you won’t be able to stop eating and it’s totally okay.
9. 25-Calorie Cauliflower Tortillas
Photo by Maris Alitieri
The possibilities are endless with cauliflower and these carb-less cauliflower tortillas prove it. If you’re really on a cauliflower kick, check out this cauliflower crust pizza, too.
10. Honey Mustard Salmon with Mango Salsa
Photo by Aurelie Corinthios
Salmon is one of the healthiest foods out there, with a high omega-3 (good fat) concentration and plenty of protein to keep you full. This honey mustard salmon takes a trip to the tropics with a tangy glaze and easy pre-made mango salsa.
11. Copycat Panera Autumn Squash Soup
Photo by Peaches Memishian
There’s no need to actually make the trip to Panera anymore (and succumb to a cinnamon-sugar bagel temptation) now that the secret to its autumn squash soup has been revealed.
12. Balsamic Farro Salad
Photo by Jenna Rosen
Discover the magic of farro, another wonder-grain worth getting to know. In this easy salad, it’s paired with refreshing ingredients like cucumber and tomato that are a reminder of the warmer months ahead.
13. Cheesy Broccoli Spaghetti Squash Boats
Photo by Shruti Thundiyil
This spaghetti squash recipe keeps the cheese and gets rid of the carbs, making it a real win-win situation.
14. Jamaican Chicken Curry
Photo by Bonnie Wu
This exotic and spicy chicken curry cuts the fat but keeps the flavor with delicious spices that’ll send you right to a Caribbean island even if you’re still stuck at school.
15. Chipotle Copycat Guacamole
Photo by Celeste Holben
The best news ever: avocados are Spring Break Diet approved. Their health benefits make them nutritional all-stars and dishes like this Chipotle-inspired guacamole prove just how delicious they can be.
16. Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes
Photo by Connie Fan
A loaded sweet potato turns a bland snack into a wholesome meal. This veggie-filled version is one way to go about it, but the possibilities are truly endless.
17. Thai Vegetable Curry
Photo by Rae Steinbach
Stick every vegetable you can think of into a pot, add some liquid and spices and you’ve basically got this Thai-style soup. Coconut milk brings a comforting, slightly sweet flavor to this veg-filled concoction that’ll have you back in that bikini in no time.
18. Zucchini Linguini
Photo courtesy of wellbeing.com
The zoodle (zucchini noodle) is alive and well and here for your carb-substitution pleasure. This zucchini linguini has a simple garlic and olive oil sauce and can be whipped up in under 30 minutes.
19. Clean-Eating Mac & Cheese
Photo by Amanda Shulman
It is true: there is a way to still have a mac & cheese diet even when getting ready for Spring Break. This lightened-up mac n’ cheese brings in non-dairy ingredients to reduce fat but keeps the creaminess and comfort we all love.
We have even more ways to eat healthy and not be miserable:
• How to Make a Salad You’ll Actually Enjoy
• 5 Frugal Hacks to Stay Slim and Eat Healthy
• 5 Healthy Swaps For Your Favorite Snacks