How many times have we felt too lazy to prepare dinner or a meal? With today’s busy lifestyle, cooking can feel overwhelming, leading us to order takeout, rely on processed foods, or prepare quick meals that are often not very nutritious. Who hasn’t had a bowl of cereal with milk for dinner more than once, twice, or even three times? We know it’s delicious, but nutritionally, it’s far from ideal.
The Problem with Eating Out Frequently
When we order food from restaurants or eat out, we often don’t know exactly what ingredients are used or where they come from. This can impact our health without us realizing it.
My personal experience made me reflect on this issue: for almost two years, I ate the famous “daily menu” at restaurants from Monday to Friday. I always chose the healthiest options available, such as salads as a starter and grilled meat, chicken, or fish as a main course, avoiding desserts and opting for coffee instead. However, despite maintaining my regular exercise routine and not changing my diet in other meals, I gained more than 5 kilos. The solution was simple: start bringing my own homemade meals in a tupperware to work.
What We Don’t Know About Restaurant Food
One little-known detail is how chefs fix mistakes in the kitchen. For example, if a soup has too much vinegar or acidity, instead of discarding it and starting over, they simply add sugar to balance the flavor. While diners won’t notice, a seemingly healthy soup could actually be loaded with sugar. A classic example is gazpacho, which many consider light and nutritious, but it may contain significant amounts of hidden sugar.
If this topic interests you, click here to read an article about how chefs correct kitchen mistakes and how it can affect your diet.
Nutritious Recipe to Avoid Fast Food: Pumpkin Medallions with Camembert, Nuts, and Rosemary
Next time you’re about to order fast food due to lack of time, try this recipe instead. It’s super nutritious, delicious, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe
- Pumpkin: Rich in fiber, beta-carotene, and antioxidants, it aids digestion and strengthens the immune system.
- Camembert or Brie Cheese: A source of protein and calcium, adding creaminess and a delicious flavor.
- Walnuts: High in healthy fats and omega-3, beneficial for heart health.
- Rosemary: An aromatic herb with anti-inflammatory and digestive properties.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Provides essential fatty acids and antioxidants.
Ingredients:
- 1 butternut squash
- 300g of Brie or Camembert cheese
- Fresh rosemary
- A handful of walnuts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Extra virgin olive oil
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC (350ºF).
- Peel the squash and cut it into 1 cm-thick medallions, selecting the seedless part to get complete slices.
- Place the medallions on a baking tray with a bit of extra virgin olive oil.
- Add pieces of Camembert or Brie on top of each medallion, along with a sprig of rosemary and chopped walnuts.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until the pumpkin is tender.
- Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Conclusion
Preparing a healthy dinner doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With this recipe, you’ll avoid fast food and processed meals while enjoying a homemade dish full of nutrients. Small changes in our habits can make a big difference in our health. Give it a try and enjoy a more conscious and balanced diet! ️