Three Easy Ways to Make Healthy Meals

Most healthy cooking methods are so easy anyone can do them. So drop the excuses, get into the kitchen for just a few minutes, and whip up something that's good for you. Here are some ideas.

Break out the grill. It's official: Grilling season has begun. Chicken, beef, turkey burgers, and meaty fish like salmon are all great when cooked on the grill. While you're at it, throw on some marinated vegetables — like eggplant, zucchini, and peppers — and you'll have a healthy side dish. If you don't have an outdoor grill, no problem — you can get almost the same results with a grill pan on the stovetop, or with your oven's broiler.

Steam some veggies. If you grew up hating vegetables, I'm guessing it's because the cook in your house boiled them lifeless. Steaming is a much better way to cook vegetables because it preserves more of their nutrients, and it's much easier to test their doneness so you don't overcook them. Asparagus, broccoli, carrots, and green beans are just a few examples of veggies that steam in just a few minutes. If you don't have a steamer, simply place your veggies in a metal colander and put the colander in a pot with an inch or two of water in it. Turn the heat high to bring the water to a boil, and cover the colander with the pot's lid. After a few minutes, test the vegetables with a fork to see if they're done.

Use a slow cooker. Before you head to work in the morning, throw some organic chicken, organic veggies, and water or low-sodium organic chicken broth into a slow cooker and switch it on. When you get home, a healthy stew will be waiting for you. It just doesn't get any easier!