Need ideas for dinner!

BryKate

Hi everyone

So I'm looking for a few dinner options that are full of flavour and really yummy but keeping it all healthy. I'm good at making my breakfasts really imaginative and do a lot of "clean baking" ( just made some sweet potato brownies and no one in my family even realised it was all healthy ingredients!) I struggle though when it comes to dinner to make interesting things. Every night I tell myself I'll be a bit inventive but always end up with some plain chicken or fish with some veg or salad! All so bland. Can anyone recommend some good recipes?

RoyBeck

Was thinking just today my shopping trips are becoming very 'samey' and boring. Look forward to reading some new ideas too

JenMc14

Cheeseburgers: Using extra lean ground beef or extra lean ground turkey. So many options for seasoning. Top with your favorite reduced fat cheese. Avocado and bacon are both also delicious toppers if you've got the room in your daily intake.

Tacos: I use ground turkey and Philadelphia Santa Fe Cooking Crème. Corn tortillas or low carb whole wheat ones. Shredded cheese, maybe some salsa and guac, black beans on the side.

Meatball bake: Get some frozen turkey meatballs or make your favorite recipe. Bake with tomato sauce and some Italian cheese. It's really great if you heat the meatballs separately, then put in a casserole with the sauce and top with the cheese. Pop it under the broiler so he cheese gets gooey and browned. Great with a salad on the side. Sometimes I'll do some garlic toast, too.

Big salads: Such an easy dinner that can be delicious. Start with your favorite greens, top with lean protein, then go to town on the veggies, maybe even some fruit and nuts. If you need dressing, Bolthouse Farms makes some delicious yogurt based low call ones.

Stir-frys, so many options for flavor combos.

Breakfast for dinner also has a ton of options.

Stock up on Mrs. Dash and McCormick's seasonings when they're on sale. I've got at least 5 different flavors in my cabinet right now. Great for meat, veggies and salads. I even put them in my eggs sometimes.

007Aggie

I'm not sure your definition of clean, so maybe these aren't your style. Maybe you can get inspiration regardless.

I'm having black bean chili tonight. In the past week I've had:

-Spinach/cottage cheese/egg casserole
-Buffalo chicken strips (grilled chicken, Franks Red Hot, ranch dressing)
-Beef and blue salad (thinly sliced lean top sirloin, spinach, tomatoes, blue cheese crumbles, blue cheese dressing watered down with red wine vinegar)
-Deviled eggs (I use reduced fat cream cheese instead of mayo)

angel7472

I was in the same place about a year ago. The kids were complaining and the husband was complaining that we eat the same things every week. Now I go to Pinterest and every week I make a new menu and go to the store and buy what I need all week. Some we love some we hate. You could give it a try what have you got to lose

http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/weight-loss/plans/diets/the-lose-10-pounds-in-30-days-diet-dinner-recipes-under-500-calories/?page=1

http://www.skinnytaste.com/2008/05/skillet-flounder-with-tomatoes-425.html

dvelocity

Just saw this recipe from Martha Stewart and I think it sounds delicious

http://www.marthastewart.com/1003599/red-onion-pork-and-pineapple-sriracha-pineapple-marinade

MinnieInMaine

Here are some thngs I'm making this week...

American chop-suey (aka goulash): make it healthier with whole wheat or brown rice pasta, tons of veggies and lean meats

Stir-fry: I use broccoli-slaw then add a red bell pepper for taste/color, a ltitle onion and some baby bella mushrooms and use either lean sausage, chicken or pork for protein. Add a Tbsp each of soy sauce and sriracha for a little zing and serve over rice. Or if your family likes peanut butter, use this recipe:
http://www.emilybites.com/2011/07/asian-chicken-and-vegetables-with-spicy.html

"Tahini" Chicken Thighs:
Combine half a small container of tahini hummus (whatever your fave flavor is), the juice and zest of a large lemon, 1/2 tsp of red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp of ground black pepper, 3 Tbsp of brown sugar, 1/4 cup of water, 1 tsp of dried thyme and 3 cloves of garlic. Spoon over 2 pounds of chicken breasts and let marinate for at least an hour (but all day/overnight is best). Bake at 400F for about 30 minutes or cook on the grill. Serve with cheesy rice and broccoli.

I buy McCormick's marinade packets for grilled meats. They're a bit high in sodium but pack a lot of flavor. The Baja Citrus is amazing on pork chops, especially bone-in. The Montreal Steak is great on any steak. And the Tomato Basil is aweome on chicken. When I mix them up, I put in about half of the oil called for and a bit more water and vinegar.

Make a simple beef stew or pot roast in the crock pot - perfect for this time of year as it doesn't heat up the house but is still a delicious hearty meal.

Good luck!