Ga naar de inhoud

Meal inspiration: never again "what are we eating today?"

Marleen · · 5 min lezen

Meal inspiration: never again "what are we eating today?"

Do you know that feeling? You come home after a long day, you're tired, hungry, and then that question comes up again: "what are we eating today?". You open the fridge, stare at its contents, and feel the inspiration drain away. You simply have no idea what you want to put on the table, let alone what is healthy and tasty.

The daily struggle with meal inspiration

When Joris and I started MarleenKookt in 2011, this was exactly the problem we wanted to solve. That daily struggle with coming up with, planning, and preparing healthy meals while life is already busy enough. From conversations with our customers, I know that many people struggle with this.

What turns out? It's not just the cooking itself that costs energy, but often all the stages before that: the decision about what you are going to eat. Especially after a day full of decisions at work or with the kids, this can cause the notorious 'decision fatigue'.

What our customers say:

"As a mother of two active teenagers and with a full-time job, mealtime was often a stressful moment. I rarely had inspiration and usually ended up with the same quick, not-so-healthy options. Since we discovered MarleenKookt, we not only have varied, healthy meals, but also more quality time together. The kids even help with reheating and setting the table now. It may sound strange, but this subscription has really changed our evenings!"- Anne, customer since 2023

What is the best thing to eat for dinner?

The ideal dinner varies per person and situation. After an intense sports day, you may need more carbohydrates, while an office job calls for lighter, protein-rich meals. Still, there are some principles that always apply to a healthy meal:

  • A generous portion of vegetables (at least half of your plate)
  • A good source of protein (meat, fish, legumes or other plant-based proteins)
  • Whole grain carbohydrates for energy
  • A small amount of healthy fats

The most popular dinners (but healthier)

Research shows that pasta, pizza, and casseroles are among the most commonly eaten dinners. And I understand that! These dishes are not only tasty but also provide a sense of comfort after a long day.

The good news is that these popular dishes can also taste excellent in a healthier variant. Think of:

  • A pasta with lots of vegetables and a lighter sauce
  • A homemade pizza on a whole grain base with plenty of vegetables and less cheese
  • A casserole with sweet potato instead of regular potato

What to do if you have no inspiration?

  1. Look at seasonal products: seasonal vegetables and fruit are not only healthier and tastier, but they also naturally inspire you for suitable dishes.
  2. Try weekly themes: Monday vegetarian, Tuesday fish, Wednesday world cuisine – a structure makes choosing easier.
  3. Dare to vary with protein sources: alternate meat with fish, legumes, tofu, or tempeh. Each type of protein calls for different flavours and cooking methods.
  4. Rediscover forgotten vegetables: parsnip, kohlrabi, or cavolo nero – vegetables that you don't eat daily can provide new inspiration.
  5. Let yourself be inspired by world cuisine: from Italian to Indonesian and from Moroccan to Mexican – each cuisine has its own flavours and techniques.

Easy ideas for weekdays

If you want to put something on the table quickly without fuss, these ideas are perfect:

  • A ready-made soup upgraded with fresh vegetables and whole grain bread
  • A couscous salad with grilled vegetables and feta (ready in 15 minutes)
  • A wrap with hummus, grilled vegetables, and chicken breast or falafel
  • An omelette with vegetables and a fresh salad

The solution for "no idea what to eat"

At MarleenKookt, we understand better than anyone how exhausting it can be to think about what you are going to eat every day. That's why we have put together a weekly menu with delicious, varied, and especially healthy meals.

With a meal subscription at MarleenKookt, we take this daily decision off your hands. Every week we deliver fresh, healthy meals to your home that you only need to heat up. This way, you have more time for the things that really matter, without compromising on nutritious and tasty meals.

Start today with a meal subscription and experience for yourself how nice it is to hand over meal inspiration!

Together at the table

Just like with our "conversation starters" that we sometimes include with orders, I want to end this blog with a question to discuss at home around the table: what was your most memorable meal ever, and why has it stayed with you?

Because in the end, it's not just about what we eat, but especially about the moment of togetherness around a good meal.

Enjoy your meal!

Love, Marleen

By: Marleen

Categories: General

Nooit meer nadenken over wat je eet?

Verse maaltijden, dagelijks bezorgd aan huis.

Kies je maaltijden →