Simple Recipes to Make Cooking at Home Easier

Why Cook at Home

Cooking at home is one of the best ways to ensure you know what you’re getting on your plate, and one of the best ways to reduce calorie consumption. At restaurants we sometimes unknowing consume added butter, oils, and sugars that add substantial calories to what we thought was a healthy, low cal meal.

In addition to added calories, the portion sizes we’re served are typically unrealistic for a single meal; food portions at restaurants have doubled or tripled over the past 20 years. A morning bagel that used to be 3-inches in diameter is now a whopping 6-inches, and the average burger went from 4.5 ounces to 8 ounces. Over the course of a day, that could add up to over 1,500 additional calories. No thank you!

If you cook meals at home not only are you saving calories, but you’re also saving money. Leftovers are a great way to meal prep for the week and ensure you’re eating healthy!

Achieving the Home Cooking Goal

A lot of us make goals to cook at home more because we know it’s better for our health and finances, but it can be daunting to organize and plan meals. Plus, if you’re not already comfortable in the kitchen, cooking can be an intimidating task. We’ve pulled together a few of our delicious go-to recipes that will make you feel like a chef – even if you’re a first timer!

Simple Recipes We Love

Orecchiette with Turkey and Broccoli

 

 

This recipe from Real Simple will warm you up on a chilly fall or winter evening! You could even replace the broccoli with another veggie you love. Add it to your Lose It! foods here.

570 Calories per Serving

Pesto Salmon

 

Pre-heat oven to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. Pat dry 6 ounces of salmon and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place salmon on baking sheet; salt and pepper the salmon. Spread ¼ cup of basil pesto over the salmon. Place salmon in oven and turn down heat to 400 degrees. Bake for 12 minutes (10 minutes for a thin piece of fish). Add this to your Lose It! recipe box here.

 

2 Servings | 256 Calories per Serving

 

Dreamy Creamy Avocado Pasta

 

 

Craving comfort food? This pasta dish will hit the spot without breaking your budget. This quick recipe is ready in 20 minutes or less! Add it to your Lose It! recipes here.

390 Calories per Serving | Vegetarian

Shrimp, Leek, and Spinach Pasta

 

This dish is a pasta lovers dream! Whip it up in 30 minutes and have the whole family asking for seconds. To lower calories, try making it with spaghetti squash or zoodles. Add it to your Lose It! foods here.

 

550 Calories per Serving

Trusty Vegetable Omelette

 

 

Eggs aren’t just for the morning! Try this quick and satisfying meal when you’re in a time crunch and don’t have a lot of groceries in the kitchen. Add it to your Lose It! foods here.

350 Calories | Vegetarian

Once you get comfortable with a few recipes, it becomes easier to get creative and swap out proteins or substitute high carb foods with vegetables.

We’d love to see your version of these recipes. Tag us in your instagram posts @loseitapp and use hashtag #CookingWithLoseIt for a chance to be featured!