Here’s an upfront disclaimer that I AM NOT A CHEF, nor do I claim to be a chef. I’ll get there someday, but today is just not that day 😗 I’m just sharing a few easy meals that I make on the regular as someone who is busy, but wants to save money and eat food that makes me feel good.

My Go-To Breakfast

I’ve been starting my mornings with this breakfast for the past month or so, and I’ve yet to get tired of it! It feels good to start the morning off with 30+ grams of protein (get them gains 😘), and having a breakfast that you enjoy sets a good tone for the rest of the day. My go-to breakfast:

• Two to three eggs

• One chicken sausage (I get this one)

• Two spoonfuls of plain greek whole milk yogurt with everything but the bagel seasoning

• Blueberries and kiwi (why blueberries and why kiwi, other than the fact that they taste good to me) (no, I do not eat the kiwi skin 🙂)

This is why you should eat breakfast (even if you’re not feeling hungry), and this is why starting with enough protein is good for you (from an Australian perspective).

There are days where I’m on the run in the morning and don’t have time to make this. When that’s the case, I typically make a berry and strawberry protein smoothie. When I don’t have the time to make that, I stop for coffee and a pastry 😊 Having a back-up to your back-up is always a good idea.

At the end of the day, the most important thing is to find a breakfast that fits your schedule, taste buds, and any lifestyle goals you have. You might be able to make a Disney channel breakfast each day, or you might have only ten minutes to come up with something. Find what works for you!

My Go-To Tacos

This video guided my early attempts at making chicken tacos. I still make my chicken in the way that he describes, but I use different toppings.

After following the instructions to make the chicken, prepare:

• Two to three corn tortillas (heat them as described in the video)

• A teensy bit of red onion

• A little handful of cilantro

• A few cubes of lime

• A spoonful or two of cotija cheese

• And this super tasty hot sauce

You know what to do! (Put chicken in tortillas. Put toppings on top. Eat.)

That’s it! Takes less than 30 minutes and has just the right amount of kick.

Someone has told me before that you shouldn’t have cheese AND lime on the same taco, but I think it tastes good so 🥰 

Other Ideas to Test Out

• Replace chicken with ground turkey.

• Replace tortillas with iceberg lettuce (arguably, this isn’t a taco anymore, but it does taste good 🙂).

• If you’re feeling adventurous and have some time to spare, find a mercado near you for some cactus. It adds an exciting texture and a flavor that I can only describe as yum.

How does cooking and eating slow time down?

Well, cooking and eating with others is actually a very social activity, and positive feelings are associated with these two activities because of that.

For me and many others, though, I often cook and eat alone (at least no one is in the kitchen at the same time as me 😇). Even though the benefits aren’t the same as when you do these things with others, there still are good side effects.

At this time in my life, I’ve been cooking and eating for the results. The energy, the taste, the lifestyle goals I’ve set for myself. Getting enough protein, carbs, fiber, etc. makes me feel good and I have enough physical energy and brain power throughout the day. I also like making food because I get to eat something tasty. I like making food because I save money. I like eating berries. I like eating vegetables (sometimes). So, cooking and eating for me result in 1) more energy, 2) satisfied taste buds, and 3) saved money. These things slow time down because I can be more mindful throughout the day and I get the satisfaction of working towards long-term goals just by eating what I make.

There are also many benefits to mindful eating, which is something I have yet to get in a good habit of doing. I think if I started mindfully eating each meal, I would reap the benefits of cooking and eating even more. At the end of the day, it’s all a journey with no clear destination. Continuing to test things out and ground yourself through your day-to-day necessary activities is all a part of the process (of life). I’ll stop here before getting too philosophical.

Comment or send me a message at [email protected] with your favorite meals. And don’t forget to eat your veggies.

Signing off for the night,

Ana

P.S. Next week’s blog will contain creative ideas on how you can add creativity to your daily life. Stay tuned!