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Its simple but it has made a big difference in my meal planning. It may not surprise you to hear that there are amplehealth benefitsassociated with eating more vegetables. Dark leafy greens are an especially nutrient-dense veg, packed with brain-healthy folate, bone-building calcium and inflammation-fighting antioxidants. Jason Donnelly In short, greens are a food we could all benefit from eating more of. This tip even works with other leafy greens like lettuce, spinach and herbs, too....

Hear me out, I think I have some pretty valid reasons. And while I love a variety of carb-rich foods, pasta is one of my favorites. But thats far from the case. Photo:Getty Images And while these can be more nutritious options, they arent usually my go-to. Here are a few reasons why. Pasta is also commonly fortified with some micronutrients such as B vitamins, iron andfolate. These nutrients help with numerous body functions like nutrient absorption, brain health and muscle function....

Not to mention, beans are incredibly nutritious. They’re packed with plant-based protein, fiber and numerous vitamins and minerals our bodies need to thrive. Research has touted them as being thenumber one food for longevity, to boot! Photo: Rachel Marek And last but not least, beans can be really flavorful and satisfying. For more budget and beginner cooking tips and recipe inspiration, check outThrifty. Serve with a piece of crusty bread to soak up the sauce....

And since they’re packed with fiber, they will actually help you feel full until your next meal. But I think the most underrated use for oats is in savory recipes. Oats are even blended into our Use-It-Up Vegetable Soup recipe for a dairy-free creaminess. Photo: Casey Barber I hope these recipes inspire you to get creative with your box of oats. For more budget- and beginner-friendly cooking tips, check outThrifty....

For more budget- and beginner-friendly cooking tips, check outThrifty. Spinach, Feta & Rice Casserole This one-pan recipe is the casserole version of spanakopita! To make it extra creamy, top each serving with a dollop of sour cream. Ali Redmond Slow-Cooker Spinach Artichoke Dip This creamy, crowd-pleasing dip comes together with ease in your crock pot. Whole-wheat bread and raw veggie dippers allow you to dig in without the guilt. If you’re able to’t find tapenade, basil pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto also work well....

But they tend to go bad in the fridge pretty quickly if you buy them fresh. Plus, kale can be very versatile in everything from sweet smoothies to savory stews. Since I started buying bags of chopped kale, I always have them in my fridge. Photo: Greg DuPree For more beginner- and budget-friendly recipes and cooking tips, check outThrifty. Really Green Smoothie The combination of kale and avocado makes this healthy smoothie recipe extra green....

Not to mention,berries (fresh or frozen) are incredibly nutritious. Beyond a filling breakfast, they’re great for desserts like Lemon-Blueberry Nice Cream. Berries also make great additions to drinks, like a refreshing Blueberry Lemonade. Photo: Photography: Caitlin Bensel, Prop Styling: Sarah Elizabeth Cleveland, Food Styling: Chelsea Zimmer For more budget- and beginner-friendly cooking tips, check outThrifty. If you prefer to use fresh blueberries, they’re an equal swap for the frozen in this recipe....

Regardless of its reputation, corn is a highly nutritious food. Our Copycat Chipotle Corn Salsa is a fun way to add refreshing and bright flavor to taco night. Recipes like this are proof that eating more vegetables can be a delicious endeavor. Photo: Sara Haas For more beginner- and budget-friendly recipes, check outThrifty. This smoky salsa can top tacos or burrito bowls or be served with chips for dipping. Don’t forget to pair it with ourCopycat Chipotle Chickenor our Copycat Chipotle Sofritas for a vegetarian spin....

These quick, simple, convenient dinners come together in no time! Eating Well / Getty Images If youre looking for easy meal ideas, I hear you. I know thats not enough, though. Photo:Eating Well / Getty Images The food also has to taste good. Thats why I love Trader Joes. Here are five of my favorite Trader Joesinspired mini recipes. Eating Well / Trader Joe’s Theyre big on nutrition and flavor....

Summer is in full swing, which can mean hot days full of sunshine. Luckily, you don’t need to use any heat to make a delicious and nutritious meal. For more beginner- and budget-friendly recipes, check outThrifty. Photo: Ali Redmond Memorize the recipe, then use it as a jumping off point for your favorite avocado toast riffs. you’re free to mix up the toppings toowe love Japanese furikake or everything bagel seasoning....

Protein is arguably the most trending macronutrient, and this is for good reason. Our bodies need it for muscle growth and recovery, healthy digestion, hormone regulation and more. For more beginner- and budget-friendly recipes and cooking tips, check outThrifty. Photo: Photography / Caitlin Bensel, Food Styling / Ruth Blackburn In this version, fresh mint and basil brighten the mild taste of zucchini. If you prefer, use feta or ricotta salata in place of the goat cheese....

There are few things as comforting as a casserole. They’re warm, usually gooey and easy to assemble and bake. For more budget-friendly recipes, plus cooking and shopping tips, check outThrifty. Katie Webster Easy Chicken Enchilada Casserole Casseroles make perfect meal-prep dinners, and this enchilada version is no exception. We swapped out the beef for ground chicken and added pasta to bring this quick one-skillet dinner together. We suggest making the sauce while your casserole cooks and serving the final product with some fresh fruit....

Planning ahead can help make healthy snacking easier, too. For more beginner- and budget-friendly cooking tips and recipes, check outThrifty. Serve it on cucumber slices, butter lettuce leaves or whole-grain crackers. Photo: ted + chelsea cavanaugh Try it for a quick breakfast or snack. Easy Black Bean Dip This creamy bean dip is great for a party or picnic. It’s the perfect balance of protein and fiber to keep you energized....