Nowadays, finding time to prepare home-cooked meals often seems like a luxury. Whether it’s the temptation of convenient takeaway options or the ease of grabbing a quick meal on the go, outside food has become a regular part of many people’s daily routines. However, when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, home-cooked meals often win hands down.

In this blog, we will explore the benefits of home food over outside food, share easy lunch recipes using healthy ingredients and provide tips for making home cooking both enjoyable and efficient.

The Case for Home Food

Home food has long been known to be wholesome and nourishing meals that you can customise to your taste and nutritional needs. When you cook at home, you have full control over the ingredients, making sure that the food is fresh and free from unnecessary additives and made with your specific health goals in mind.

1. Nutritional Control: When you prepare your meals, you can choose healthy and unprocessed ingredients. Unlike outside food, which is often loaded with preservatives, excess sugar, or unhealthy fats, home-cooked meals allow you to prioritise your health.

2. Portion Control: Restaurants often serve larger portions, often leading to overeating. At home, you can control portion sizes, promoting a balanced diet.

3. Cost-Effective: Cooking at home is often more affordable than eating out regularly. You can plan your meals in advance, buy ingredients accordingly, and save money while still enjoying delicious and nutritious dishes.

Easy Lunch Recipes for a Healthier Lifestyle

When you cook at home, there’s no need to compromise on flavour or convenience. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create healthy and delicious lunch options that are both quick and satisfying. Let’s take a look at a few recipes:

1. Whole Wheat Noodles Stir-Fry with Vegetables

Whole Wheat Noodles are a great alternative to traditional refined pasta. They are packed with fibre, which helps with digestion and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Here’s an easy recipe to add them to your lunch:

Serves: 2 (For a single serving, halve the ingredients.)

Ingredients:

• 1 pack (150g) Moi Soi’s Whole Wheat Noodles
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, bell peppers, broccoli)
• 1/4 cup Moi Soi’s Red Chilli Oil
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook the Whole Wheat Noodles according to the package instructions.

2. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté the mixed vegetables until tender but still crisp.

3. Add the cooked noodles to the pan, along with soy sauce and sesame oil. Stir everything together to combine.

4. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it hot and enjoy!

2. Udon Shirataki Noodles with Thai Green Curry

Udon Shirataki noodles are a fantastic low-calorie, gluten-free alternative to regular noodles. They are made from konjac and are perfect for those looking to maintain a low-carb meal. Pair them with a flavourful Thai green curry for a satisfying lunch.

Serves: 2 (For a single serving, halve the ingredients.)

Ingredients:

• 1 pack (200g) Moi Soi’s Udon Shirataki noodles
• 1 pack Moi Soi’s Thai Green Curry
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (eggplant, bell peppers, zucchini)
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions:

1. Rinse and drain the Udon Shirataki noodles well before cooking.

2. In a pan, sauté the Thai green curry paste until fragrant. Next, add the dark soy sauce, stirring to combine.

3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender.

4. Add the Udon Shirataki noodles and stir until everything is well mixed and heated through.

5. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice and fresh cilantro. Serve hot and enjoy this flavourful and healthy dish!

 3. Thai Red Curry with Tofu and Vegetables

For a plant-based, protein-packed lunch, this Thai red curry with tofu is the perfect option. Use Moi Soi’s Thai Red Curry sauce for added coconut milk without compromising on flavour.

Serves: 2 (For a single serving, halve the ingredients.)

Ingredients:

• 1 pack of Moi Soi Thai Red Curry 
• 1 block of firm tofu, cubed
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, green beans, peas)
• 1 tablespoon Moi Soi Dark Soy Sauce
• 1 tablespoon fresh basil

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat a bit of oil and sauté the cubed tofu until golden and crispy.

2. Add the mixed vegetables, cook for a few minutes and pour in the Moi Soi Thai Red Curry. Stir everything to combine.

3. Let the curry simmer for 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.

4. Garnish with fresh basil and serve hot. This dish is rich in flavour, protein, and healthy fats!

Tips to Make Home Cooking Easier

While cooking at home offers countless benefits, it can sometimes feel like a challenge to make time for it. Here are some simple tips to make your home cooking and meal preparation easier:

1. Plan Ahead: Take some time to plan your meals for the week. This will save you time and stress when you’re trying to figure out what to cook each day.

2. Batch Cook: Prepare larger quantities of your favourite recipes and store them in the fridge or freezer. This way, you’ll always have a healthy meal ready to go.

3. Use Ready-Made Ingredients: Products like our Thai curries and noodles can save you time without compromising on quality. These ingredients provide convenience while still offering the nutrients you need for a healthy meal.

Conclusion

Choosing home food over outside food is an important decision for anyone looking to lead a healthier lifestyle. Home-cooked meals give you full control over what you’re eating, offering the flexibility to choose wholesome ingredients and create nutritious dishes. With easy lunch recipes like Whole Wheat Noodles stir-fry, Udon Shirataki Noodles and Thai Curries, you can enjoy a variety of delicious meals that support your health goals.

Explore our wide range of healthy options and start cooking at home for a healthier and happier lifestyle with Moi Soi.