Healthy and Delicious Dinner Ideas without Added Sugar

Healthy and Delicious Dinner Ideas without Added Sugar (Weekly Menu & Grocery List!)

Enjoying flavorful meals without added sugar is easier than you think. Try out these dinner recipes and taste the difference!

Typically drawn to sweet rather than savory snacks, I have a fondness for the delectable desserts that the holiday season offers. However, indulging in an abundance of sweets often leaves me feeling a bit weary and not quite myself. Thus, taking a break from consuming added sugar for a week between Thanksgiving and Christmas seems like the perfect reset. This week’s dinner menu features recipes with no added sugar, yet they are bursting with delightful flavors—give them a try and experience it for yourself !

Your Dietary Plan

As a dietitian, I firmly believe in the importance of incorporating all types of foods into a well-rounded and nutritious diet. However, it is concerning that many adults, myself included, exceed the recommended intake of added sugar on a daily basis. According to the American Heart Association, the average American consumes 17 teaspoons of sugar per day, far surpassing the recommended 6 to 9 teaspoons for women and men, respectively. One significant issue is the pervasive presence of added sugar in unsuspecting foods, such as salad dressings and store-bought sauces.

Eating salmon on a weekly basis is a priority for me due to its rich content of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. However, some of my preferred methods of preparing it, such as miso-glazed salmon, involve adding sugar. As an alternative, I recommend Tuesday's Roast Salmon with Chimichurri Sauce, which offers a delightful burst of flavor. The chimichurri, made with ample fresh herbs, serves as a savory complement to the luscious salmon. When paired with a crusty whole-wheat baguette and a salad dressed with a homemade Sherry Dijon Vinaigrette, this dish is both simple and satisfying.

Menu for the Week

Sunday          Baked Smoked Turkey, Kale, and Rice 

Monday         Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili

Tuesday         Roasted Salmon with Chimichurri Sauce, served with mixed greens in

                         Sherry Dijon Vinaigrette and a slice of whole-wheat baguette

Wednesda      Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans and Farro

Thursday       Spaghetti Squash Casserole

Friday            Cumin Chicken and Chickpea Stew with whole-wheat couscous and                                 steamed broccoli

· Indulge Without Added Sugar
· Andrea Mathis
· Cutting out added sugars doesn't mean giving up on sweetness. 

These Apple Pie Energy Balls are a delightful choice for the season. 

Sweetened with dried apples and dates and crafted with heart-healthy pecans and almond butter, combined with high-fiber oats, nibbling on these energy balls in the afternoon helps maintain a consistent energy level while satisfying the craving for sweetness.

· Access the Recipe: Apple Pie Energy Balls
· What’s Inspiring Me This Week

 

Apple TV+ is one of my preferred ways to unwind after a hectic day at the office, particularly enjoying a meal on the couch while indulging in a captivating series. As of late, my colleagues have been raving about Lessons in Chemistry on Apple TV+, and while I haven't had the chance to watch it yet (opting to read the book first), our interview with the show’s culinary consultant has piqued my interest. I eagerly anticipate diving into the series and endeavoring to recreate the recipes myself—certain that I will do justice to Elizabeth's culinary expertise!