This blog post has 2 parts, because I think they really go hand in hand. Part 1) how to decide what to eat when you just have no clue. And part 2) Some easy meals to make to help give ya some inspiration.
There are so many reasons you might have trouble deciding what to eat.
For starters, it can be hard to tune into what actually sounds good in the moment.
This often happens when you’re extra hungry – everything sounds good! – or when first starting to listen to your body. In the former, you’ve reached a point where physical hunger precedes taste hunger and you just need some food. In the latter, it can be hard to figure out what you’re craving and in the mood for.
Or sometimes, once you’ve created a healthier relationship with food, food just kinda loses its appeal. This isn’t permanent but, when food feels less forbidden and exciting, it all can feel a little meh. This is good! It means that you’re viewing food on an even playing field and, again, this won’t last forever.
And lastly, let’s be real: sometimes you just point blank can’t figure out what to eat. I don’t know about you, but one of the conversations I dread most is the Friday night back and forth between my husband and me: “what do you want for dinner tonight?” “I don’t care, what do you want?” and so on. I know it’s not just me!
In any of these cases, try asking yourself the following questions to help determine exactly what to eat.
What sounds good?
Start by figuring out flavors and textures sound good to you.
Do I want something savory or sweet? This can help clue you in to the type of meal.
Do I want something creamy, crunchy or chewy? Textures helps a lot with satisfaction – sometimes the texture of a crunchy salad might appeal more, while other times you might want soft, roasted vegetables.
Do I want something hot, cold or neutral? If it’s cold out, maybe something hot is appealing. Or maybe you’re just sitting in a room with AC!
Do I want something light or heavy? Maybe you’re super hungry and it’s cold out, and a heavier meal sounds good. Or maybe you’re not as hungry and just want something light and refreshing.
How do I feel?
Check in with how you feel and what’ll serve you best in the moment.
How hungry am I? Are you snack hungry or meal hungry – there’s no right or wrong, no matter the time.
How does this food usually make me feel? Do you feel energized after eating this meal? Does it make you feel sleepy? How do you want to feel after eating it?
Will that food look good to me? How something appears visually actually affects how we perceive it a lot!
It’s really important to note that running through this exercise will get easier over time.
I don’t expect you to ask yourself this list of questions and really ruminate for a while before eating. After all, we want it to be easy!
Eventually, making note of each of these things will feel easy and quick to do – like second nature. You also don’t need to run through every single question. Instead, use a few of them to get a better idea of exactly what sounds good and what will make you feel good.
Once you get there, you’ll need some easy meals to get ya going.
You’re already putting in the work to listen to your body and figure out what it’s craving, so let’s make the actual meal assembly part easy!
These are a few of my favorite, easy and quick meals that’ll satisfy any type of meal craving.
Viral Green Goddess Salad
If you’re craving something light, refreshing and crunchy, this is the perfect salad for you. It’s seriously the freshest tasting thing ever.
Spinach & Ricotta Stuffed Shells
Pivoting to something more warm and comforting, these stuffed shells are so good! They’re perfect for a cold day when you want something to warm you up from the inside out.
Thai Inspired Peanut Noodles
Peanut noodles give you the best of every world: creamy noodles, crunchy veggies, plus a sweet and savory sauce. I always find the peanut sauce to be drinkable!
Tomato, Kale and White Bean Soup
If you’re craving soup, this hearty one is so ideal. it’s packed with veggies, beans and potatoes to give you satisfying protein, fiber and carbs all in one soup.
Homemade Greek Gyros with Tzatziki
This refreshing meal is a warm weather favorite. It’s customizable too – whether you’re craving animal protein or plant-based protein, it’s easy to make this meal work for you.
Crispy Tofu Lettuce Wraps
Another super refreshing option, the combination of crisp lettuce and crispy tofu gives the ultimate crunch. The sauce is so delicious and satisfying too.
Viral Salmon Rice Bowl
I love this an easy weekday meal. It’s beyond simple to throw together and has a few different flavor and texture profiles from the salmon, crispy seaweed, creamy avocado and spicy mayo.
Caesar Salad Pizza
Do we even need an explanation here?! Doughy pizza crust, deliciously melted cheese and a refreshing + savory Caesar salad. The best of everything!
Sheet Pan Salmon Fajitas
Similarly, if you’re craving salmon and creamy avocado, but want a different flavor profile, this fajitas have more of a Southwestern spin. Plus, sheet pan meals are the ultimate in easy!
