5 No-Cook Summer Recipes to Reduce Stress Weight Gain

Having that dinner dread again? Tired of leftovers for lunch? Bored with your smoothie?

We're all a little tired of cooking during quarantine. And we all have weight gain we are struggling against.

That's why these 5 no-cook recipes will brighten your nutrition, your palate and your perspective.

{If you're struggling with low motivation overall, I suggest watching this coaching call I did in the Wellness Cohort Community here--> join us for free in our Facebook community to watch it!)

Here are Nora's Top 5 No Cook Recipes for Slimming Down. These recipes are so simple, you don't even need instructions. It's simply a dump and stir or mix or blend recipe. That easy! That delicious. Feel free to add more greens or veggies as you have laying around.

1) Creamsicle Smoothie

Here's a simple cold orange flavored smoothie with a secret ingredient that will keep you full and stay sweet with only ~ 15 grams net carbs (less than a slice of bread!)

1 cup frozen mango 1 scoop vanilla protein powder ( I used Designer Whey) 1 orange, peeled and chopped 5 baby carrots 1 tsp tumeric. ~ 2 cups water

Blend until combined. Serve cold. Makes ~3 servings.

2) Summer Sausage + Lentil Salad

A perfect cold summer meal that involves no cooking and is high in fiber, healthy carbs and goes great with a chilled glass of wine.

1 package precooked lentils, rinsed and drained

2 cups high fiber pasta cooked + cooled

2 precooked chicken sausages, thinly sliced (spicy italian flavors are good here)

1 can quartered artichoke hearts, drained

1 carton of cherry tomatoes halved (optional)

1 cup chopped parsley

2/3 cup no-sugar vinaigrette dressing, like Newman's Own

3) High Protein "Everything" Toast

Savory is nice + this is great because it's more protein without having to cook eggs. And for all the bagel lovers out there, this is a great high fiber, higher protein breakfast that tops out at 6 grams of fiber.

1 slice Dave's Killer Bread Thin Slice, toasted

2-3 tablespoons cottage cheese (2% or whole)

1/4 avocado, sliced

1 slice tomato

Sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning

4) High Fiber Curry Chicken Salad

This is Grant's favorite lunch (and good for people who don't like tuna) and is high in protein, has a dash of antioxidants from tumeric and keeps you full until dinner. I serve it with high fiber crackers like Wasa or for gluten-free folks, almond meal crackers. Mix together in a medium bowl:

1 large can of white meat chicken, drained + shredded

2 Tb greek yogurt

1 Tb. curry powder

1 stalk celery, thinly sliced

1 Tablespoon ground flaxseed or chia seed

1/2 lemon, juiced

5) Broccoli Crunch Salad

This colorful salad is super high in antioxidants, fiber and plant-based proteins. It keeps for up to a week in the fridge and is a perfect one-bowl lunch or cold dinner.

1 head broccoli, stems peeled and chopped, florets chopped to bite-sized

1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained

2 cups thinly sliced red cabbage (or a package of preshredded cabbage)

1 red pepper, seeded and chopped

1/4 cup sunflower seeds

1/2 cup Lemon Garlic Dressing (I use Tessamae's)

This recipe has gone viral on Pinterest and Instagram, so if you only make one of these recipes, I highly recommend the Broccoli Crunch Salad! There are so many ways to make this "your favorite" by varying the seasoning and flavors-- my cousin even texted me with her own version with black beans!

For more recipes like this that include key nutrition facts and more delicious ideas, check out the Wellness Cohort Insiders Recipe Club here, where you can join for only $7.

Eat up!

Nora