Discovering new meals that I love is one of the best ways to make eating healthy easier, while also adding a little bit of excitement to cooking.
Emily English, better known online as Em The Nutritionist, is my go-to whenever I'm looking for lunch and dinner recipes. She has a nutrition degree, and her meals and recipes are always well-balanced and high in protein, fiber and vitamins.
Plus, they’re genuinely delicious. I’ve never been disappointed by one of her recipes, which is saying something, given how many substandard cooking ideas there are on the internet.
Below, I’ve shared five of the recipes I make the most. I eat a couple of them every week. There are meat, fish and vegetarian options so something for everyone—English’s range is another thing I like about her recipes.
Here are my top five recipes from Em the Nutritionist.
1. Peanut lime chicken with cucumber pineapple salsa
I always thought of the protein- and carb-rich combo of chicken and rice as the ultimate gym bro meal, which put me off cooking it for myself. But English’s take on these two ingredients is flavourful and fresh.
The pineapple and cucumber salsa is delicious, but if I’m short on time, I simply pair the chicken and rice with some avocado or roasted broccoli.
English recommends that you marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes. I’ve marinated it both overnight and only for a few minutes, and it’s turned out great every time.
2. Crispy potato salmon and leek bake
Cheesy potatoes are the ultimate comfort food, but English offers a slightly healthier version by pairing them with protein-rich salmon. I’ve also made this recipe with white fish, which is delicious, particularly if you’re a fan of fish pie. This is my go-to meal on grey days when I’m craving something cozy.
3. Herby yoghurt chicken pitta
I’m regularly at a loss about what to make for lunch and end up just snacking all day instead.
This is one of my go-to lunches on the days I don’t know what to have. I often prepare the high-protein filling at the start of the week, which means it only takes a few minutes to assemble my lunch each day.
It works well with pita, but I’ve also used this as a sandwich filling on sourdough.
4. Roasted red pepper, feta and basil soup
Tomato soup is one of my favourite winter meals, but come summer I turn to English’s roasted pepper soup, which is much tastier and packed with nutrients, such as vitamin C and fibre.
The jar of harissa I bought to make this soup lasted me a really long time and it came in handy for lots of other recipes, too.
5. Super greens broccoli and smoked cheddar soup
If you’re looking to increase the amount of vegetables you’re eating, this soup makes it very easy. In fact, you won't even notice that you’re getting four portions of vegetables, plus beans—packed with protein, fiber and antioxidants—thanks to its cheesy flavour.
I ate this every week for about three months last winter and I didn’t get sick once. No one would claim it was all down to the soup, but perhaps it helped keep my immune system firing. Either way, I’m still eating it come summer.