Preparing a healthy, full meal after working all day—and especially after a post-work workout—can feel like a huge task, although cooking your meals at home has undeniable long-term benefits. A much simpler prospect is coming home and whipping up a few easy sides that barely take any effort on your part, but ready-made meals are often laden with unhealthy ingredients that no fitness fanatic wants in her diet. That’s why we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite quick, easy side dishes to complete your weeknight meals and keep your diet on-point.Next time you put together your post-workout meal, consider these six good-for-you sides to complement whatever you’re having for dinner.
2 of 7
Courtesy image
Banza Pasta
Made from chickpeas, Banza Pasta is loaded with 25g of protein and 16g of fiber in a 3.5-oz serving to help you power through your next workout. What’s more, it contains iron and fiber.$25 for a 6-pack, eatbanza.com
3 of 7
Courtesy image
Pereg Baby Quinoa
Tiny but mighty, baby quinoa doesn’t contain saponins like its full-size counterpart, which means it has no bitter flavor and is easier for the body to process. One serving has 4g of carbs, 7g of protein, and 5g of fiber.$4, pereg-gourmet.com
4 of 7
Courtesy Image
Hilary’s Fresh Greek Millet Medley
This whole-grain gluten-free mix of millet, garbanzo beans, kalamata olives, and lemon is a perfect frozen side for when you just don’t have the time to do more. It’s free of corn, gluten, egg, dairy, nuts, and soy, yet packed with flavor, so just add a main and dinner is served.$5, hilaryseatwell.com
5 of 7
Courtesy Image
Better Bean Roasted Chipotle Red Beans
Using these heat-and-eat beans will add richness and a pop of flavor to your salads, tacos, and healthy burritos in a hurry. Each serving will increase your muscle-building meals with 8g of protein and 6g of fiber.$4 at Whole Foods stores
6 of 7
Courtesy Image
Trader Joe’s Mashed Cauliflower
This trendy cruciferous veggie is a smooth, creamy, and healthy alternative to mashed potatoes. At only 50 calories per cup, it’ll drastically cut your carb intake compared with potatoes, with only 7g per serving.$3 at Trader Joe’s stores
7 of 7
Courtesy Image
Modern Table Meals Mac and Cheese Jalepeño Cheddar
Whip up a comforting dinner in no time with these bean-based pasta kits. They have a surprisingly great texture and come in a variety of yummy flavors like the Jalapeño Mac & Cheese, which is made from lentils, rice, and pea protein and delivers 16g of complete protein.$2–$3 at Target stores
Preparing a healthy, full meal after working all day—and especially after a post-work workout—can feel like a huge task, although cooking your meals at home has undeniable long-term benefits. A much simpler prospect is coming home and whipping up a few easy sides that barely take any effort on your part, but ready-made meals are often laden with unhealthy ingredients that no fitness fanatic wants in her diet. That’s why we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite quick, easy side dishes to complete your weeknight meals and keep your diet on-point.
Next time you put together your post-workout meal, consider these six good-for-you sides to complement whatever you’re having for dinner.
Banza Pasta
Made from chickpeas, Banza Pasta is loaded with 25g of protein and 16g of fiber in a 3.5-oz serving to help you power through your next workout. What’s more, it contains iron and fiber.
Tiny but mighty, baby quinoa doesn’t contain saponins like its full-size counterpart, which means it has no bitter flavor and is easier for the body to process. One serving has 4g of carbs, 7g of protein, and 5g of fiber.
This whole-grain gluten-free mix of millet, garbanzo beans, kalamata olives, and lemon is a perfect frozen side for when you just don’t have the time to do more. It’s free of corn, gluten, egg, dairy, nuts, and soy, yet packed with flavor, so just add a main and dinner is served.
Using these heat-and-eat beans will add richness and a pop of flavor to your salads, tacos, and healthy burritos in a hurry. Each serving will increase your muscle-building meals with 8g of protein and 6g of fiber.
$4 at Whole Foods stores
Trader Joe's Mashed Cauliflower
This trendy cruciferous veggie is a smooth, creamy, and healthy alternative to mashed potatoes. At only 50 calories per cup, it’ll drastically cut your carb intake compared with potatoes, with only 7g per serving.
$3 at Trader Joe’s stores
Modern Table Meals Mac and Cheese Jalepeño Cheddar
Whip up a comforting dinner in no time with these bean-based pasta kits. They have a surprisingly great texture and come in a variety of yummy flavors like the Jalapeño Mac & Cheese, which is made from lentils, rice, and pea protein and delivers 16g of complete protein.
