How to prep your pantry for a healthier you + downloadable guide

Eating healthy doesn't have to be complicated. grace & greens helps you live a healthier life by making it easy and enjoyable to eat well with meal ideas & a pantry staples guide.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas week with your loved ones! I greatly enjoyed spending time with family and friends, often gathering around the table to enjoy one another’s company. It is such a special thing to see that food can be used as a tool to gather people together, allowing us to nourish our bodies and nourish our hearts through shared company.

As we head into the new year, there will be lots of talk about ‘healthy eating’ and ‘new habits’ and ‘new years resolutions’. While this can put a lot of pressure on healthy eating, I want to remind you that every single day you have the choice to make healthy decisions. The goal isn’t perfection – it’s balance. In fact, stressing over trying to do everything “right” can undermine the very health you’re striving for. By focusing on nourishing you body well 80-90% of the time, you build resilience and strength, giving yourself the freedom to enjoy occasional indulgences without compromising your overall health.

Making healthy choices isn’t about strict rules or following a specific diet—it’s about prioritizing what truly nourishes your body and supports your well-being. I have learned that what truly makes a difference is focusing on whole, natural foods - vegetables, fruits, lean meats, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. These are the foods our bodies were made to thrive on, providing the energy and nourishment we need to feel and perform our best.

Remember that every small change can make a difference. Start today by prioritizing whole, nourishing foods. Focus on adding a few more fruits and vegetables to your plate. Over time, each healthy choice will eventually become a habit that is attainable, sustainable, and enjoyable.

Quick & Easy Meal Ideas

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some balanced meal ideas that can be made with a few ingredients, making this simple and cost-effective. Each meal is balanced with protein, fat, and carbohydrates, making it both nutritious and delicious.

Breakfast Ideas

Avocado toast: Eggs (or tofu) + Spinach + Avocado + GF toast

Pancake bowl: Egg whites + Banana + Nut butter + Mixed berries

Breakfast burrito: Eggs + Ground Beef + GF Tortillas + Salsa

Oatmeal bowl: Oatmeal + Nut butter + Blueberries

Yogurt bowl: Yogurt (DF options available) + Granola + Mixed berries

Smoothie : Frozen banana + Protein powder + Mixed nuts

Chia pudding: Almond milk + Chia & hemp seeds + Berries

Nut butter toast: Almond butter + Banana + GF toast + cinnamon

Savory plate: Chicken sausage + Roasted potatoes + Peppers

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Lunch/Dinner Ideas

Chicken salad bowl: Grilled chicken + Olive oil dressing + Sweet potato + Mixed greens

Sushi bowl: Salmon + Avocado + Rice + Cucumber

Taco bowl: Turkey + Guacamole + Rice + Peppers + Salsa

Sheet pan meal: Chicken sausage + Zucchini & squash + Hummus

Asian noodle bowl: Tofu + Thai peanut sauce + Rice noodles + Broccoli

Pesto bowl: Grilled chicken + Pesto + GF pasta noodles + Spinach

Steak plate: Steak + Baked potato + Broccoli

Shrimp tacos: Shrimp + Avocado + Corn tortillas + Mushrooms & peppers

Chicken potato soup: Rotisserie chicken + Potato + Bone broth + Spinach & peppers

Quinoa bowl: Venison + Special sauce + Quinoa + Mushrooms

Mediterranean bowl: Grilled chicken + Hummus + Rice + Mixed veggies

There is an abundance of combinations that you can make with these whole food ingredients. Play around with different spices to change the flavor profiles to see what you enjoy most. Keep an eye out for the detailed recipes on Substack, along with visual guides on TikTok and Instagram.

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Pantry Staples