Healthy meal suggestions

[UKBoB]

Last cooking related post, I promise

I drink too much, smoke too much, own business so am often stressed, and am in my late 20's (knocking on heart attack age bracket) so I need to start eating healthier. As with many people, I tend to eat the same old dishes all the time.

I enjoy cooking so am willing to put the effort into preparing the dishes - Im not big on veggies, prefer my meats... any suggestions for 10 very healthy very tasty meals? The best of the best as far as both health and taste go?

[birdbrain]

You could try chicken grilled with a little olive oil along with steamed vegetables? Can also substitute the chicken for fish.

Try and get organic meat if you can, it's more expensive but it's better for you and not full of chemicals.

[clapham993]

The trick is to combine diet and exercise.

Would suggest, if possible, you try to get 45 minutes of varied exercise a day (running/walking/cycling/the gym/swimming)

Diet should link to life-style, but if reasonably active, I would go for something high in proteins and vitamins/minerals, with limited carbs (intake a good portion of slow burn carbs early in the day) and as little fat as you can.

Particular favorites of mine are:

Seared tuna and salad & baby tomatoes
Grilled fillet steak and steamed spinnach
Chilli con carne, made with diced, lean beef and brown rice
Lean strips of beef, stir-fried with thai type vegetables
Salmon, marinaded in soy sauce, ginger and honey with stir-fry vegetables

All of these take less than half an hour to cook

Hope this helps

[oddman]

Learning Italian Chinese/Far Eastern and Indian cookery methods will get you a long way. Jamie Oliver's books cover a lot of this style of cooking. Learning to cook yourself puts you in control of what you're eating. A lot of ready meals a full of sugar and salt to boost their appeal.

You don't need to use a lot of oil/ghee in stir fries/curries. Strong flavours chilli, lime, garlic ginger etc. seem to make food taste fresher and somehow healthier. The veggie indian stuff (dhal, potatoes and peas) is very filling and is sure to give you a good clear out.

Good old fashioned soups contain virtually no fat and can be boosted with beans, barley, lentils (there I said it) pasta etc to make them filling

You need an excuse to buy some lovely Global knives a griddle pan and a wok.

I grew up allergic to fish. I got a surprise in my mid thirties when I found out I was only allergic to white fish. Switching from steak and chops to tuna and salmon steaks was a revelation. I find a 4-6 oz fish steak quite filling whereas I'd happily munch 12 oz of sirloin (well you have to have enough to go with a bottle of wine).

Some recipe ideas?

Stir fry chicken with cashews and noodles

Teriyake marinaded tuna grilled and turned in sesame seeds. Udon noodles and wilted pak choi

Thai green curries

Linguine with mussels and chilli sauce

Salmon baked in parma ham with puy lentils

Roasted pumpkin soup with chilli and red beans

Marlin marinaded in chilli garlic ginger lime coriander and chargrilled

Seafood risottos (dont have any parmesan and little butter)

Dry chicken curries like vindaloo can be made with chicken breats and virtually no fat.

Trout stuffed with lemon and thyme.

Bon Appetit

T

[waynester]

UKBoB said:

Last cooking related post, I promise and am in my late 20's (knocking on heart attack age bracket)

Stop....i'm 33...your scaring me..!

[jazzybee]

waynester said:

UKBoB said: Last cooking related post, I promise and am in my late 20's (knocking on heart attack age bracket) Stop....i'm 33...your scaring me..!

I was in a similar situation, and at 31 had a bit of a scare, lost a LOT of weight, felt as though I had a minor stroke (loss of vision, vocabulary), finally went to GP and got sent straight to Hospital. I found I had Diabeties. I was put on medication for cholesterol, blood pressure, and 2 sets of tablets for Diabeties (6 tablets a day). I had to dramatically modify my Diet, quite tough as I love my food.

Get yourself a George Forman grill and a steamer. Lightly marinate fish/meat of choice in Olive oil, garlic and black pepper. Then create portions in plastic bags and stick them in the freezer. Stick them in the grill along with some veggies - or put them in the steamer if your really worried. Take a 30 min brisk walk 30 mins after lunch/dinner - and you should feel a lot better and do your body some good.

3 years down the line, I'm still under control... Cholesterol waaay down now, and blood pressure normal... Although, I find, I'm no longer as disciplined with my food or exercise

Your wise to start thinking about these things now, rather than having a scare further down the line.

[UKBoB]

Cheers guys, some mouthwatering suggestions, going to give some of them a try for sure!

My grandfather and uncle both died young of heart attacks, and I really do smoke and drink to excess. I used to go to the gym a lot, had a 6-pack, was in top form but let things slide years ago.

Just got back from a late luch buffet - after stuffing myself with everything unhealthy, gonna start tomorrow