126 health nut recipes

Roasted fennel and zucchini are loaded with deliciousness. White beans not only give the dish protein boost, but also add some creaminess that's packed with health benefits. An easy and hearty dinner can be served within no time.

Much better than classic Macaroni and Cheese. This version still has lots of cheesy flavor but is baked with juicy tomatoes and lots of mushrooms. Serve with a simple salad and make with whole wheat macaroni for a serious boost to the health value that's packed with flavor. A great family casserole.

An incredibly, refreshingly, nutrient filled drink that not only quenches your thirst but feeds your health. Watermelons are made up mainly of water but also contains vitamins A, B6 and C, not to mention amino acids and antioxidants. So hydrate your body, get rid of toxins and give your skin a boost. Cheers or Kanpai (Japanese for ‘dry the glass!’) – a very good sentiment for this type of drink.

Not that we need an excuse to eat this delicious dish but National Fish and Chip day is as good as any. Another good reason is for the health benefits, people who eat fish regularly have a lower risk of heart disease. Cod or haddock are a good source of protein which delays stomach emptying, this helps to stop sudden increases in sugar levels. These fish contain Omega-3 fatty acids which are good blood thinners and many B vitamins. Who said fish and chips weren’t healthy? We aren’t waiting for the 2nd June!

A healthy flavoursome take on an Italian classic. Nutritional yeast has a nutty cheesy flavour making it a good alternative for a vegan diet, especially as it is a complete protein. Other benefits are all the B vitamins which are important for everyone’s health but more so for those on a vegan/vegetarian diet. This yeast is rich in Selenium which helps to repair cell damage therefore helping to reduce the risk of cancer. It has anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties, it improves digestion and as it is rich in folate pregnant women should include this in their diet. Just a few reasons to get familiar with this cosmopolitan dish.

Here is a meat-free, gluten-free, nutrition packed recipe, which you can add to your collection in readiness for National Vegetarian Week, which starts on the 15th May. Chickpeas are a high protein alternative to meat, they contain a whole host of other benefits like Selenium (not found in most fruits and vegetables) which helps to detoxify cancer causing compounds and decreases tumour growth rates. The herbs not only provide flavour but each play a part in improving our health from boosting the immune system to lowering blood pressure. Enjoy this healthy, tasty twist on an Italian classic.

Sicilian pizza is known for its spongy and thick crust. This can be hard to achieve when you are avoiding gluten, but this is the right recipe to accomplish that goal. Tomatoes, anchovies and cheese top this pizza to form the perfect marriage of ingredients. On top of the crust being gluten free, the anchovies are heart healthy and good for lowering bad cholesterol. When tomatoes are combined with good fats, like those found in anchovies, it helps the body’s absorption of carotenoid phytochemicals that are said to help prevent cancer and improve cardiovascular health. Adding all these ingredients to your diet will keep your heart feeling good for many years to come, just like a good Sicilian marriage.

Curry is the quiet, unassuming little spice that doesn’t get talked about enough. It is packaged as a spice, but it has so many super powers that it should have its own healthy comic book. If you are in pain you can call on curry to help. If you want to boost your immune system or maybe your bone health, curry is what you need. It’s ready to protect you against heart disease and help fight Alzheimer’s symptoms. In this recipe, we pair this superhero with a sidekick called, “Pasta”. This gluten-free alternative is a giant help when curry needs a tasty accomplice. Try this pasta dish with your family for an exciting, action packed adventure.

We’re sure you’ll be converted to this healthy substantial burger option once you try it, we are also sure that you won’t only be eating it on the 31st August – National Burger Day. Flaxseeds or linseeds are small oilseeds that originated in the Middle East thousands of years ago. Flaxseeds have a high content of Omega-3 which is good for heart health and they are 29% Carbohydrate, of this, a massive 95% is fibre which is good for digestion. They contain many vitamins, minerals and essential amino acids so understandably they are becoming more popular. Be aware though – they do not contain Lysine so they cannot be considered a protein source, but this can be found in another ingredient, the black bean. A great alternative burger recipe!

If there’s any dish you should be eating RAITA now, it’s this one. Tofu is a powerhouse for protein and all 9 of our body’s essential amino acids. As if the taste isn’t enough, tofu also provides an overwhelming amount of minerals and nutrients, such as calcium which promotes bone health, iron that helps with our metabolism and haemoglobin formation, and magnesium which can help with high blood pressure, reduces your risk of heart attacks and lowers anxiety too. The olive oil in this raita is also full of healthy monounsaturated fats! Cultures throughout times have shown that those with diets containing this elixir of the gods, have a higher life expectancy and also a much lower risk for heart disease! So, not only is this dish pleasing to the eye and taste, but also does wonders for your heart, keeping it happy and healthy!

Most health food stores sell many kinds of whole grain cereals. Follow directions on package, but increase the amount of water by 1/2 cup for every two servings.

In this easy addition to your Healthiest Way of Eating enjoy the health-promoting anthocyanins found in black beans, which not only give them their beautiful dark coloration but provide you with protection against free radical activity.

Congee is the Chinese name, Kanji the Japanese, and Jook is the Filipino name, all for the same thing. In English it would be called Rice Gruel or maybe Rice Hot Cereal, but progressively it is referred to by the naturalist health community as Congee. It is a staple of the Ancient Chinese Diet and used to nurse the sick and weak back to health. They say 3 weeks of this will cure ANYTHING! Its because it gives your system such a break that it can use its energy elsewhere to heal what ails you. It has nursed me back to health at least 3 times now and is supposed to be a part of my DAILY diet, according to my Acupuncturist, Betsy. Thank you for saving my life Betsy!!!

McCall's legendary No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake, straight from their iconic Cooking School recipe card No. 23!