Reality TV shows likeChoppedhave turnedcookinginto a competitive sport, but it doesnt have to be quite so high stakes.

Getting a handle on a few healthy recipes can go a long way.

The best part is that simple, healthy meals are often the easiest to throw together.

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Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell

But if youre more of a bare-essentials key in of cook, theres zero shame in that.

First, though, a note about the wordhealthyhere: We know that healthy is acomplicated concept.

Some of those foods might fall into conventional ideas of what healthy is.

Roasted Vegetables

And some might not.

(Of course, feel free to search for more specific instructions based on what youre roasting!)

Perfect scrambled eggs that will impress anyone

It doesnt take much to scramble an egg.

Person holding forkful of scrambled eggs

At home that never needs to be the case.

There are many types of baked pastas out there, from lasagna to baked ziti to mac n cheese.

We dont play favorites, so take your pick.

Fried eggs

That said, smoothie lovers know that not all blends actually taste good.

When blended, they add sweet flavor, creaminess, and texture.

But you get to decide these things for yourself based on your own preferences.

Spaghetti and meat sauce in a bowl with a slice of garlic bread

Drizzle everything with a little olive oil for extra luscious flavor, and always season with salt and pepper.

Steel-cut oats are oats in their most whole form.

They also have a chewier, denser texture and less volume than other types.

Creamy lemon goat cheese pasta with asparagus and chickpeas

Rolled oats have been pressed but not ground.

Instant oats are rolled oats that have been ground up a little.

They cook in about a minute, and the result is a thick, soupy porridge without much texture.

vegetarian lasagna being lifted out of a baking dish

If you eat lots of oatmeal already, you probably know which kind is your favorite.

If not, you might as well stock up on all three and experiment with them in different recipes.

Really, the key to a good bowl of oatmeal is the right mix of toppings and add-ins.

overnight oats with banana maple syrup and tahini

The trick to sheet-pan dinners is that you dont have to add all the ingredients at once.

(And that fat can help make it filling, as a bonus.)

(Totally fair; its not for everybody!)

Sauteed Brussel sprouts in a cast iron skillet

Or maybe you just dont like kale saladyet, because youve never had a good one.

The key in of kale you choose matters too.

Or a crustless quiche.

banana almond smoothie

Yes, it takes a little bit of practice and has a stronger smell than chicken or beef.

But its also super quick to make and easy to pair with all kinds of veggies and grains.

One delicious way to do it is by searing it in a hot pan.

yellow vinaigrette in mason jar

Thinner white fish and salmon will cook through on the stovetop.

The key to skin thats crispy, not soggy?

A very, very hot pan.

Avocado Toast

Instead of throwing it away, give that rice new life by stir-frying it with your favorite vegetables.

you’re free to use fresh or frozen veggies as long as theyre cut up into small pieces.

Thats why banana bread exists.

Oatmeal sliced strawberries peanut butter spoon overhead shot

Depending on where youre from, you might have a strict idea of what chili should or shouldnt be.

you’re able to make it meatless, or with whatever kind of meat you prefer.

you might also let it simmer on the stove, or just throw everything into a crockpot overnight.

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Heres acomprehensive roast chicken guidethat answers every question you could possibly have.

A customizable stir-fry recipe

A good stir-fry can be a lifesaver on busy weeknights.

This tofu recipe is a great way to learn the basics.

Sheet Pan Tofu With Vegetables and Crispy Chickpeas

And if you need a go-to stir-fry sauce recipe, youll find that below too.

Recipe:Kung Pao Tofu,Steak, Snap Pea, and Asparagus Stir-Fry,Stir-Fry Sauce

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Salmon Kale Salad

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Farro Fennel Salad with Salmon and Feta

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banana bread sliced with butter

chicken chili in white bowls topped with sour cream

roast chicken in cast iron skillet with potatoes

tofu green beans and red peppers in a stir fry