Cooking for a health nut?

Steaks or Chicken on the “Barbie” Use a general rub or dry seasoning.

Second choice Shrimps on the “Barbie” extra spicy.

Boiled chicken breast with whole grain rice and broccoli – no seasoning on anything. Yum!~

Real answer: Your girlfriend needs to do some research on nutrition. There is no reason to cut out all the things she’s cutting out. She’s falling for every diet fad in the book.

IIFYM all the way.

Chicken or other lean protein grilled or seared (in a little olive oil). A green vegetable.

Check out some paleo recipes.

Healthy does not mean boring. She would probably love some garlic or other herbs.

A big salad like this:
Anna’s California Miso Avocado Salad Recipe

That’s just an idea – you can make something a lot like that using the grocery store salad bar – spinach, fancy lettuce, red onion, broccoli, peas, cauliflower

Vinaigrette dressing
3 parts olive oil (I would say regular, NOT the extra-virgin, it’s kind of overpowering)
2 parts vinegar (any kind – white, red, apple cider)
salt, pepper, minced garlic
Mincing garlic is kind of fun (if you like garlic) and you always look like a pro cooking with it

Pea Soup
Spring Green Pea Soup
You can do this with frozen peas!

Pan-seared Tuna Steaks or Chicken breasts
Tuna like this
Or chicken like this

Fancy rice
Basmati or jasmine, the smell is wonderful

I make salads for myself – as a main (and usually “only”) dish – in a casserole dish several nights a week. It’s a big dish, because that’s how I bowl, and I only use three lettuce leaves, tops, because even with that little lettuce the bowl is heaped, and it still takes me a good half-hour to finish as I watch television. Who can argue with a tossed salad whose only cooked ingredients are diced turkey (or tuna) on the top, and the salad dressging, pickled peperoncini peppers and olives are the only “cooked” ingredients in what is otherwise a bowl full of raw vegetables?

Congratulations on joining the world of cooking! I also got on board a few years ago. What I’ve found is that cooking is not only personally rewarding in many ways, my partner and I don’t enjoy dining out as much now.

What really helped me on my way is a website called All Recipes. Here is a link to their healthy recipes. There is a search feature that will look for recipes based upon ingredients you have on hand.

Other cooks’ reviews are incredibly helpful. For example, I picked up the tip to substitute apple sauce for oil when making banana bread. This recipe for Tuna Casserole from Scratch is scrumptious. I took several reviewers’ suggestions and cut way down on the butter and used skim milk for the roux.

Is there a farmers’ market near by? If so, doing the shopping together might be fun as well.

Good luck, and please share whatever recipe you use!

Chicken Larb , which is a Thai chicken salad with ground chicken and spices on lettuce cups. Low fat, low carb, and quick to make.

@sinscriven That looks delicious—and fun to eat!

Mayo Clinic(and others)suggests the Mediterranean diet

The Mediterranean diet emphasizes:

Eating primarily plant-based foods, such as fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes and nuts
Replacing butter with healthy fats, such as olive oil
Using herbs and spices instead of salt to flavor foods
Limiting red meat to no more than a few times a month (or never)
Eating fish and poultry at least twice a week
Drinking red wine in moderation (optional)

The diet also recognizes the importance of being physically active, and enjoying meals with family and friends.

Source