What are simple, sustainable dinners for someone trying to eat healthier?

Hi Emerson,

I've been in your shoes, skipping cooking for fast food when exhaustion hits. One go-to for me is a quick stir-fry with frozen veggies, a protein like tofu or chicken breast, and some brown rice from the microwave. Just heat a pan with a bit of oil, toss in a cup of mixed frozen broccoli and carrots, add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper, and cook for about 10 minutes until done. It reheats great in the microwave the next day and keeps you full thanks to the fiber and protein without any sugar spikes. Another simple option is a hearty lentil soup using canned lentils, a chopped onion, and some carrots from the fridge. Simmer them in broth for 15 minutes, maybe throw in a handful of spinach at the end for extra greens.

This one's super affordable since lentils are cheap and it makes enough for leftovers that taste even better reheated. Or try baked salmon with a side of quinoa and steamed green beans. season the fish with lemon and herbs, bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes, and it stays satisfying without crashing your energy. These keep things straightforward on a tight budget and time crunch.

Stir-fries with whatever veggies and protein I have on hand are my go-to. Just chop some broccoli, carrots, chicken or tofu, throw in soy sauce, and cook in one pan for 15 minutes. They reheat fine and keep me full without crashing.

God, eating healthy on a budget is such a pain when everything costs an arm and a leg these days. I tried making quinoa bowls once and ended up burning the whole pot because I got distracted painting, then had to order pizza anyway. Now I just roast a bunch of sweet potatoes and top them with beans, greens, and a fried egg – it's cheap but filling. Still, the grocery prices make me want to scream. Don't get me started on how avocados are basically gold now. One tip: buy frozen veggies to avoid waste when you forget about fresh ones in the fridge.

Sheet pan chicken thighs with potatoes and frozen broccoli, olive oil, salt, pepper. Big pot of lentil or bean chili with canned tomatoes and onions, portion and freeze. Egg fried rice with frozen veggies and a drizzle of soy, or a veggie omelet with toast. I forget stuff and bail to drive-thrus, so I keep these basics on hand and batch once so reheats cover tired nights.