Overwhelmed By Trying to “Eat Healthy?” Try This Easy BBQ Recipe Instead

When you’re already feeling unmotivated or a bit down in the dumps, the idea of “eating healthy” can pose an even more overwhelming situation.

We know we should, but… It’s much easier and convenient not to. With loads of freezer-ready meals or UberEats options, high-calorie and low-nutrient-dense foods are abundant.

But what if you could make a really easy dinner with very little “cooking” involved?

All you need to do for this one is chop up some veggies and sausage and throw it on the BBQ. Easy peasy! Plus, this BBQ tin foil recipe offers some serious protein and nutrients, helping you get a handle on your physical and mental health. 

Thwart Overwhelm & Calm Your Cooking Nerves With This Easy Sausage Veggie Foil Packet!

Undeniably, not all of us can be chefs.

But this doesn’t mean we have to let our health slide. It also doesn’t mean we can’t give our mental health a little lift by eating nutritious and mood-boosting foods! 

This is another recipe inspired by my mom growing up (She used to make this all the time, and we loved it!).

In other good news, you don’t have to get all fancy with the spices here. Consider the following a “guideline.” Yet, if you prefer BBQ sauce (or any other sauce) throw that on instead of the spices listed below.

So, how can you make this foil pack?

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Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 small onion (diced)
• 1 red bell pepper (diced)
• 1 yellow bell pepper (diced)
• 2 zucchini (chopped)
• 12 baby red potatoes (quartered)
• 4 chicken sausage (cut into coins)
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• ½ teaspoon of dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon of dried basil
• ¼ teaspoon of paprika
• 4 cloves of garlic (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Preheat BBQ or grill to medium-high heat.
2. Cut aluminum foil into eight 12X8 sheets. (Two sheets will make one foil packet.)
3. In a bowl, mix together the onion, peppers, zucchini, potato, and sausage. Add olive oil, oregano, paprika, and basil. Mix until well-coated. (If you opt for a sauce or dressing instead, mix the onion, peppers, zucchini, potato, and sausage with that instead.)
4. Divide the veggies and sausage evenly across the four packets. 
5. Sprinkle the garlic over the top. Add salt and pepper if needed.
6. Fold the sides of the foil together so that no sauce, dressing, or oil will leak out. 
7. Place the packets on the grill or BBQ for 20-25 minutes or until the veggies and sausage are cooked.
8. Let cool down and enjoy!

You can also add the mixture on top of rice or pasta if you want to cook a bit more. But it’s not necessary, since these foil packs alone can serve as a single meal. Personally, I love making these packets with special sauces from gourmet-style-food stores or with good ol’ BBQ sauce. (Just be careful to look at sugar content!) 

How Can These Foil Packs Help Calm You?

There’s loads of goodness in these foil packets—all of which can help improve your mental well-being and enhance your cognitive function (meaning less overwhelm!). So, let’s dig deeper; what’s so great about this particular recipe (besides the convenience!)?

1. Protein for Blood Sugar Balance

Chicken sausage has almost 20 grams of protein.

At every meal and snack, you want to include protein to help balance blood sugar. Protein digests slower than carbs, which allows your body to slowly absorb the energy from your food. And this means you don’t end up on a blood sugar rollercoaster (or a huge mood high followed by a serious low).

Protein further contains key amino acids necessary to make neurotransmitters, which help regulate your mood. 

2. Zucchini for Improved Blood Flow to the Brain

Zucchini can actually help with both anxiety and depression.

Rich in potassium, magnesium, fiber, antioxidants, and vitamin B, zucchini may help enhance blood flow to the brain, alleviating brain fog and depression symptoms. 

3. Bell Peppers for Vitamin C

Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant in the body.

This means it helps protect our cells from harm caused by free radicals (which are a natural byproduct of metabolism). In fact, the Mayo Clinic states that, “people who have vitamin C deficiency often feel fatigued or depressed.” Thus, eating more vitamin C might be just what you need to elevate your mood!

4. Garlic for Reduced Stress

Research indicates that garlic has antidepressant effects and might even lower your risk of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. 

Garlic may further help combat stress since it helps increase glutathione levels in the body. Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that helps fight stress and reduce its negative effects.

Related Article: Feeling Overwhelmed? Here Are 6 Tips You Can Use to Declutter Your Mind

Make This Recipe Part of Your Regular Rotation!

On the nights or days when you just don’t feel like making a big meal, turn to this one!

It’s super simple, easy, and nutritious. With only 10 minutes of prep and the rest of the time just waiting for your food to cook, you won’t have to think twice about this one. Plus, it’s got versatility if you opt for different spices or sauces.

So, get chopping and enjoy!

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Photo credit: ftwitty