What Does Maddie Eat for Dinner?

My alarm goes off a 4 o'clock every morning. I shower, throw some clothes on, and head to the station. I leave the station after the show and head to job #2. Needless to say, but the time I get home from job #2, I'm pooped. 

Sometimes I go to the gym before I head home, sometimes I don't, but regardless, I rarely ever feel like cooking. I used to love it and I was constantly cooking new things, but now I'm like a walking zombie by 7 p.m. I also live a fairly active lifestyle, so I try to cook healthy meals. However, balancing all of the said things is sometimes impossible. More often than not, I default to quick and simple, yet healthy, dinners.

I'll list off my top go-to meals for when I'm just too tired to put any real effort into cooking.

For starters, chicken fajitas. This is a super easy and yummy dinner that the boyfriend requests regularly. Matter of fact, I'm making these tonight. I'm cooking for two, so keep that in mind and double if necessary. I cut two chicken breasts into thin slices and put them in a pan with a little oil. Once they're starting to golden, I pour a cup of chunky salsa over it and let it simmer for a few minutes. In the meantime, put a smidge of oil in another pan and brown a few taco shells. This also pairs really well with rice! I throw some lettuce, sour cream, tomatoes, etc... on there once it's done. Not thee healthiest option on the list, but it's fairly easy.

Second, salmon. Salmon is easy to make because it takes literally 5 minutes. It doesn't matter if you cook it on the stove, the grill, or broil it in the oven. I like to cut up a squash with mine and broil it along with the salmon in the oven for a side. I season both the salmon and squash with some garlic lemon seasoning and it is amazing. This also pairs well with rice! And it's healthy.

Next up, tilapia. This is pretty much the same as salmon in that it's super easy and quick to make. I like to make this type of fish in the skillet because I think it gives it more flavor. You can also jazz this up with whatever spices you desire. I also make some green beans to go along with it, which is a nice touch. Again, rice or packages of rice go nicely. I try to eat rice as often as I can because it's better for you than most other sides. Basically, rice goes well with everything.

Lastly, ground turkey tacos. I was skeptical about this at first, because I've only had tacos with beef, but turkey is a healthier option, so I tried it. Turns out, it tastes pretty much the same as using ground beef. Once it's all seasoned up and ready to go, if even looks the same as ground beef...in case you're needing to trick your kids or something. And, it's healthier for you. Do these up however you normally do tacos...and go ahead and cook rice too. I use "dirty rice" or a package of the white queso rice from the Knorr brand. Knorr has a ton of rice sides and they're pretty easy to make. I can always find a rice package that goes well with whatever I'm making.

Also, one thing I love adding to my French-style green beans (French-style is the best, TBH) is some siracha. While the beans are cooking on the stove, I'll squirt some siracha in and let it all simmer together. It gives the green beans a little kick, which my boyfriend loves. If his taste buds aren't frying off as he eats, he isn't happy.

Another thing I use on the reg is the "steamer" vegetable things you can buy at the store. I try to steer away from frozen food, but frozen veggies are OK...I think? It usually makes just enough for the two of us and is a quick way to get your veggies in for the day. I'm rarely ever hungry after eating any of these protein-packed meals, but I might sneak a bowl of Raisin Brand in as a late night snack.

Hope you enjoy these! I've been making them regularly and I'm not sick of them just yet. Don't get me wrong, some days I just want a pizza, but these are way better for you and half the price. Enjoy!