FOUR INGREDIENT RECIPES FOR QUICK HEALTHY MEALS

I'm sure we've all been there. We've seen cookbooks with some great recipes, but when we look at the huge ingredient list we decide not to do it. This isn't only for fitness enthusiasts, but for all working professionals, parents, etc. who don't want to spend hours preparing meals for their families, yet don't want to take the easy (and unhealthier) way out and get take out!

So here are some of my favourite recipes with only four ingredients. Perfect for meatheads like me!

BREAKFASTS

BIRCHER MUESLI (serves 1)

1/2 cup natural muesli

1/4 cup orange juice

2 tablespoons plain yogurt

1 apple, grated

Soak the muesli in juice for 10 minutes and then mix in the remaining ingredients

ENGLISH MUFFIN WITH STRAWBERRIES (serves 1)

1 English muffin

2 teaspoons of cream cheese

6 strawberries quartered

1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup (optional) 

Cut the muffin in half and then toast it. Spread the cream cheese on the 2 halves. Add the strawberries and then drizzle the syrup or honey on top (if you want)

BREAKFAST ON THE GO (serves 1)

4 to 6 oz. plain yogurt

1 or 2 eggs (soft boiled)

1 cups diced watermelon or other fruit

Throw it all into a blender and go!

LUNCHES

BEEF KOFTAS (serves 4)

1/2 cup peanut butter

2 teaspoons curry powder

1 egg

1 pound lean ground beef

Warm the peanut butter in the microwave on high for 30 seconds. Mix in the egg and curry. Add it all to the ground beef and roll them into 4 sausage shaped pieces.Throw it on the grill and you're done! You can have it with pita bread, some whole grain buns, or just veggies.

HEALTHY HOT DOGS (serves 4)

4 chicken sausages

4 wraps

3 oz. shredded cheese

1 cup shredded carrots

After you've grilled the sausages, sprinkle the cheese and carrots on the wrap. Add the sausages, roll them up, and you're good to go!

THAI BUTTERNUT SOUP (serves 4)

2 1/4 lbs butternut squash (diced)

2 tablespoons red curry paste

1 1/4 cups coconut cream

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Saute the squash and red curry paste. Add the coconut cream and add water as necessary. Reduce heat and let simmer until the squash becomes mushy and soft. Add in the cilantro and if you want, salt and pepper.

DINNER

CHILI CON CARNE (serves 6 or 4 if you've got bigger eaters like me!)

3 1/4 pounds steak (cut into cubes)

2 cans diced tomatoes with peppers and onions

3 tablespoons Mexican seasoning blend

1 can red kidney beans

Cook the beef in a skillet until browned. You'll probably need to cook in batches due to the amount. Add the tomatoes, seasoning blend, and a cup of water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer, and cover. Slow cooking the meat will tenderize it. When it's ready (about an hour), use forks to break up the meat. Add the beans. Keep cooking until you get to the desired consistency and you're ready!

ZESTY MUSCLE BURGERS (serves 4)

Yes I love burgers. There was no way I was going to have dinner foods and NOT have at least one burger dish on here!

1 pound lean ground beef

1/2 cup barbeque sauce

1/4 cup pickle relish

1/2 cup diced onion 

Mix all the ingredients into 4 patties. Throw em on the grill and chow down!

GARDEN PENNE PASTA (serves 4)

2 cups penne pasta

1 cup chopped basil

5 diced tomatoes

1/4 cup olive oil

Cook the pasta and then add the rest of the ingredients. Add the rest of the ingredients and enjoy!

There you go! Some nice and simple meal ideas with only 4 ingredients. For more health and fitness information or for information about in home or online personal training, click here.