Easy Meals + Quinoa Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers

How to plan and cook easy, but healthy meals with little time? The simple answer is meal prepping. Even though I enjoy cooking, there is no way I can cook three wholesome meals per day, seven days a week all the while working 40+ hours a week. However, it is possible to plan out a weekly meal plan, grocery shop and cook several meals for lunches and dinners all in one day…I would even dare to say half a day. On top of this, by planning out your weekly menu, you ensure that you are eating balanced meals, getting all your essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients for the week, saving money and steering clear of junk food. The best part of this is, you can come home from work and not worry about having to slave in the kitchen or eating unhealthy fast food. Instead, you can use your time at home for special projects, family time, hobbies or even gym/meditation time.

Here are some ideas of what to buy and cook/prepare, so you can quickly throw together your lunches and dinners for the week:

Easy Meals

Breakfasts

• Smoothies
• Quinoa Porridge
• Pumpkin Bread with Almond Butter
• Pancakes
• Ployes
• More Pancakes
• Chia Pudding

Snacks

• Baby Carrots & Hummus
• Organic Sliced Cucumbers
• Organic Gluten Free Crackers
• Baked Sweet Potatoes
• Snow or Snap Peas
• Organic Bananas (so easy)
• Baby Tangerines
• Organic Grapes
• Organic Dates
• Avocadoes
• Organic Raisins
• Nuts and Seeds
• Seaweed snacks
• 70%+ Dark Chocolate

Lunches

• 3-4 oz. cooked fish, chicken or turkey
• Organic Prewashed Lettuces for Salads +
• Canned black, garbanzo, or pinto beans
• Canned Wild Salmon or Sardines
• Organic Pastured Hard Boiled Eggs
• Quinoa Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers
• Lentil, Quinoa or Millet Salad
• Almond Butter & Smashed Berry Sandwich
• Quinoa or Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Dinners

• Pumpkin Sweet Potato Soup
• Lentils and Organic Sausage
• Carrot Orange or Broccoli Pea Soup
• Carla Lee’s Nut Tacos
• Smashed Chickpea Sandwich
• Quinoa Pumpkin Risotto
• Steamed Fish and Potatoes
• Green Lettuce Wraps
• Lettuce Wrap Burger w/Organic Pastured Meat

Quinoa Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers…Easy Meals!

So, let me share with you one of my favorite meal prep recipes that is both easy and delicious and can be used for several meals during the week, either lunch or dinner: Quinoa Black Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers. Not only is this recipe packed with protein from both the quinoa and black beans, but this meal also provides tons of vitamin C (important for immune support) from the red bell peppers. Moreover, if meal prepping just for yourself (one individual), you will have all your lunches or dinners completely done for the week. Finally, if meal prepping for two, you can double the recipe or cut the peppers in half and include a half sweet potato and salad on the side.

Ingredients:

• 5-6 small red or yellow bell peppers
• 1 c. cooked quinoa (prepare ahead of time)
• 1/2 c. organic cherry tomatoes diced
• 3/4 c. canned black beans
• 1/2 large red onion diced
• 1/2 bunch of cilantro, washed, diced
• 1-2 tbs. dried Italian Herbs
• 1-2 cloves diced garlic
• 4-5 organic mushrooms diced
• sea salt and black pepper to taste

Cashew Cheese (optional)

• 2 c. cashews
• juice of 1/2 small lemon
• 1/2 c. water (more for softer cheese)
• 1-2 tbs. tahini

Directions:

1. Wash and cut tops of bell peppers, remove seeds
2. Blend ingredients for cashew cheese in a food processor until smooth
3. Mix together all ingredients in a bowl: cooked quinoa, tomatoes, black beans, red onion, garlic, cilantro, Italian herbs, garlic, black pepper and mushrooms
4. Pour filtered water into a pot until is reaches 1/2-3/4” inch
5. After stuffing bell peppers, place the tops on and then put them upright in pot
6. Bring water to boil and place lid on pan. Steam peppers for 20 minutes. Enjoy with cashew cheese, a squeeze of lemon or avocado and a salad on the side!

Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as I do and I would love to hear your feedback! Bon appetite!

Wishing you divine health!

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