If you're getting enough sleep at night but still feeling tired during the day, a poor diet may be to blame. Find out what you might be missing (or getting too much of).
6 Bad Eating Habits That Make You Feel Tired
Updated on Mar. 20, 2019
If you’re an adult, you know what it’s like to plain run out of energy. Sometimes it’s because you’re tired from lack of sleep. (These foods can help you sleep.) Sometimes you’ve been burning the candle at both ends. But if all the other factors are in place, and you’re still feeling that drain, then maybe there’s one place you haven’t looked: your diet.
Work with a physician to rule out other lifestyle and health factors impacting your sleep, says Sharon Palmer, registered dietitian and blogger at The Plant-Powered Dietitian. Then you can turn to the little things in your diet that might be the cause of your fatigue.
1. Missing out on Healthy Carbs
If you’re cutting all carbs on Monday to make up for a weekend full of pancake brunches and burgers, you might be lacking what you need to feel energized and focused. According to Palmer, if you aren’t getting the necessary fill of carbohydrates, it could leave you feeling sluggish. But not just any carbohydrates: healthy carbohydrates are our body’s preferred source of energy, she says. If all you’re eating is bread, cake and pasta, you’re missing out on fiber and other important nutrients. This could also be the root of regular energy dips.
“These starchy foods have had the nutrients stripped away, especially the fiber,” Palmer says. “They can be absorbed very quickly into the blood stream. You get this peak of blood glucose where you can feel a surge of energy and then it drops off quickly.”
Instead, turn to whole grains (here’s how to cook them right) and healthy carbohydrates. Palmer suggests fiber-rich bread, legumes, whole fruits and vegetables to stabilize your blood sugar and sustain your energy throughout the day. “These foods have this nice, slow glucose response where it gradually provides blood glucose, which is our form of energy and then it tapers off.”
2. Getting Too Much Caffeine (Without Trying)
“Coffee, overall, has proven to be a healthful habit. All the research in the last five years has been very promising, showing benefits,” Palmer says. But you may be getting too much of it. We all have different tolerance levels for caffeine. “What is a good amount of caffeine for me, could be different for someone else,” she says.
According to Mayo Clinic, up to 400 milligrams of caffeine per day appears to be safe. That’s roughly the amount of caffeine in four cups of coffee. There’s also a right and wrong time of day to drink coffee.
If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, nervousness, irritability or big dips in energy, they’re signs of over-caffeination, which can easily happen. “You can go to a coffee shop and have a coffee drink that has twice as much caffeine as a home-brewed cup of coffee,” Palmer says. Tune into your body for the right amount of coffee for you.
3. Starting the Day Without Enough Protein
If you’re hoping to start off the day strong—and avoid the 11 a.m. slump right before lunch—have a balanced breakfast. Whereas the typical American breakfast can be very high in refined carbohydrates, you should have a mix of macronutrients at your meal. An easy way to think of macronutrients is that they’re the most fundamental building blocks of energy and nutrition in our body: fats + carbs + protein.
Instead of a bowl of cold cereal that is high in refined carbs and low in protein, try a macro-friendly breakfast like a hearty egg-based breakfast, protein-packed pancakes with fruit, or yogurt with granola.
“That protein is going to help delay the glucose response to your meal and slow it down,” Palmer says. “Plus, choose whole grains instead of refined grains. Things like oatmeal porridge instead of refined breakfast cereals. Have whole grain toast instead of white toast.”
Protein-Packed Breakfasts to Jump-Start Your Day
Salmon QuicheCooking is something that I’ve always liked doing. I pore over cookbooks the way other people read novels. This recipe came to me from my mother—it’s the kind of recipe you request after just one bite. And unlike some quiches, it’s very hearty! —Deanna Baldwin, Bermuda Dunes, California
Protein PancakesTry stirring in cacao nibs, blueberries or chopped pecans to make these pancakes your own. For the best flavor, toast the nuts before adding to the batter. —April Preisler, Auburn, California
This recipe packs each serving with about 17 grams of protein, but you can easily get to 20 grams (or more!). Try slathering the pancakes with nut butter or adding a sprinkle of chia seeds.
Breakfast TacosUnless you grew up in the Southwest or visit there often, you might be hearing of migas for the first time. Just think of them as the best scrambled eggs ever. The secret ingredient is corn tortillas. They really make my migas tacos special! —Stephen Exel, Des Moines, Iowa
Loco MocoLoco moco is a delicious Hawaiian dish that's most often served as a plate lunch, but can also be enjoyed as an oversized breakfast or hangover cure. —Nancy Mock, Southbridge, Massachusetts
Breakfast WrapsWe like quick and simple morning meals during the week, and these wraps are great when prepared ahead of time. With just a minute in the microwave, breakfast is ready. —Betty Kleberger, Florissant, Missouri
Cottage Cheese WafflesCottage cheese and extra eggs make these waffles soft and moist, with a different texture than other waffles. This is my family's favorite Sunday breakfast.
Sausage PattiesThese country-style patties are so simple to prepare. You'll never again settle for store-bought versions that are loaded with preservatives and not as good. —Bertha Bench, Mineral Wells, Texas
Breakfast BurgersThis recipe is a great way to mix up your traditional breakfast sandwich! I use ground turkey for a leaner option and add sriracha mayo for heat. To make your own maple bacon, brush one side of regular bacon with maple syrup prior to cooking. Halfway through the cook time, flip the bacon and brush with additional maple syrup. —Gabriella DiSanto, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Farmer’s BreakfastStart off your day on a hearty note. This one-dish wonder will easily keep your busy family satisfied until lunch. —Jeannette Westphal, Gettysburg, South Dakota
Salmon Patty SandwichI’m obsessed with smoked salmon on bagels with all the accouterments! Smoked salmon can get pricey, though, so I found this salmon croquette sandwich alternative. I could seriously eat it every day for breakfast. —Jessi Hampton, Richmond Hill, Georgia
Italian Brunch TorteWe always serve this impressive layered breakfast bake with a salad of mixed greens and tomato wedges. It is one of our most requested dishes and can be served warm or cold. —Danny Diamond, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Corned Beef Hash and EggsSunday breakfasts have always been special in our house. It's fun to get in the kitchen and cook with the kids. No matter how many new recipes we try, the kids always rate this No. 1! —Rick Skildum, Maple Grove, Minnesota
Favorite Loaded Breakfast PotatoesMy four young children are experts at eating with their hands. This breakfast potato recipe (aka "brunchskins") with veggies makes an easy finger food that they love. —Mindy Campbell, Rapid City, Michigan
Breakfast EnchiladasDraped in gooey cheese and a savory sauce, these enchiladas are a popular option at any holiday brunch. Chorizo gives the hearty filling a southwestern kick. —Tahnia Fox, Trenton, Michigan
Chorizo & Grits Breakfast BowlsWhile growing up, I bonded with my dad over chorizo and eggs. My fresh approach combines them with grits and black beans for this chorizo breakfast bowl. You can even add a spoonful of pico de gallo. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Ham SteakI need just three ingredients to fix this sweetly seasoned ham steak. It's a quick and easy main dish for brunch or any meal. —Nancy Smits, Markesan, Wisconsin
Sunny-Side-Up Herbed TartFeel free to be creative with this versatile egg tart. Try Canadian bacon or ham as the meat ingredient, and add toppings such as thyme, chopped spinach or goat cheese. —Diana Neves, Lafayette, California
Easy Biscuits and Gravy“My husband was diagnosed with diabetes, so I began using turkey sausage in this recipe, and it turned out great,” says Marcia Snyder of Boonton, New Jersey. “There are never any leftovers!”
Sausage Crescent RollsLoaded with pork sausage and cheese, these fun, golden brown sausage rolls from Cherie Durbin of Hickory, North Carolina are perfect for brunch or lunch.
Pepperoni and Sausage Deep-Dish Pizza QuicheTry this savory quiche for a hearty change-of-pace breakfast. Needless to say, it's wonderful for lunch and dinner too. — Donna Chesney, Naples, Florida
Ham & Swiss Bread PuddingThis rich and hearty brunch dish is loaded with ham, mushrooms and cheese, plus layers of sliced French bread. It’s a terrific choice when you have overnight guests.
Loaded Huevos Rancheros with Roasted Poblano PeppersThis is a unique but tasty version of huevos rancheros. It's similar to a cowboy hash, as the potatoes take the place of the corn tortillas. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Croque-MadameCroque-madame takes grilled ham and cheese to the next level. Ham and Gruyere cheese are layered between thick slices of country bread and toasted in a skillet. Then the sandwiches are topped with Mornay sauce and more cheese and broiled until golden and bubbly. If you stop there, you've got a croque-monsieur; add a fried egg on top and that makes a croque-madame! These sandwiches are perfect for a special breakfast or brunch. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Mini FrittatasThe Italian word "frittata" refers to frying the egg-based dish in a skillet. These baked individual frittatas include salami, roasted sweet peppers and mozzarella. —Nancy Elliott, Houston, Texas
Prosciutto Dutch BabyThis delicious savory Dutch baby is perfect for a brunch or quick weeknight lunch or dinner. Similar to a popover, this is a different take on the famous breakfast dish that everyone loves. It's simple to make and so delicious! —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Carnitas Huevos RancherosWhen I was in college, I was a church counselor in Colorado and had my first taste of Mexican food. Recently, I've learned to make more authentic dishes, like these pork huevos rancheros. It's one of my favorite recipes to serve for dinner with eggs. —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
Breakfast SlidersThese breakfast sliders combine all your favorite morning foods—like eggs, bacon and bagels—into one tasty package. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Coconut-Granola Yogurt ParfaitsI prepare homemade granola ahead of time—it makes these yogurt treats special. —Julie Merriman, Seattle, Washington
Monte Cristo SandwichThese sweet-savory sandwiches are often served for bunch, but could also be served for lunch or dinner. Raspberry jam is the classic pairing, but you could also try other flavors like apricot jam or marmalade. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Omelet Waffles with Sausage Cheese SauceWaffles are fun to make, so I decided to make this waffle omelette recipe! These are topped with browned sausage, onions, peppers and a chunky cheesy sauce. They are the perfect choice when you want to have breakfast for dinner. —Ronna Farley, Rockville, Maryland
High-Protein Breakfasts FAQ
What's a good high-protein breakfast?
A healthy, high-protein breakfast should include at least 20 grams of protein and other important nutrients like fiber and healthy fats. Recipes with fruits and vegetables are also a great option for a well-rounded breakfast. Try incorporating a veggie-packed rainbow quiche into your morning meal or serving fruit salad recipes on the side.
How can I get 30 grams of protein for breakfast?
With a bit of intention, you can easily get 30 grams of protein with your breakfast by combining protein-rich foods like dairy, nuts, seeds, eggs, meat and even legumes. For a meat-free option, enjoy high-protein cottage cheese pancakes with a Greek yogurt parfait. Or, if you enjoy eating meat, try a ham and cheese omelet, which has an impressive 41 grams of protein.
What are the best high-protein meal prep ideas?
To make your morning easier, you can meal prep breakfast recipes that store well and reheat easily, like freezer breakfast burritos, frittatas or egg muffins. Another great high-protein meal prep option is overnight oats, which can contain a lot of protein when made with ingredients like Greek yogurt, chia seeds, milk, nut butter or protein powder.
4. Not Drinking Enough Liquid
Dehydration can be the cause for midday fatigue or lightheadedness. Mayo Clinic recommends about 11.5 cups of fluid per day for women and 15.5 cups a day for men, but it can vary person to person. It doesn’t all have to come in the form of water, although water is a healthy choice. Count all of your beverages combined, plus consider the water you get from your food (think juicy fruits). Make sure to sip on water throughout the day to ensure you’re functioning at your best.
5. Going Too Long Without Eating
If you’re drowsy or sleepy before lunch (hours after eating breakfast) or during the long commute back home before dinner, you may be in need of a small snack to maintain your blood sugar. Stick to healthy snacks with a mix of healthy carbs, protein and fat.
“It can be a 150-calorie snack like a handful of nuts, which has fats, protein and carbohydrates. Just a small snack will provide a little glucose boost until the next meal,” Palmer says.
Snacks with 200 Calories Max
1 date ball: 109 calories, 7g fat.
My daughter and I came across this easy low-calorie snack when she was learning about ancient Egypt. We changed some of the spices and nuts to suit our taste. —Lori Daniels, Beverly, West Virginia
Learn more about the health benefits of almonds.
1 each: 38 calories, 1g fat.
Baked Wontons
These quick, versatile wontons are great for a savory snack or paired with a bowl of soothing soup on a cold day. I usually make a large batch, freeze half on a floured baking sheet, then store in an airtight container. —Brianna Shade, Beaverton, Oregon Find more healthy baked snacks to make at home. Also, check out these best low-calorie recipes of 2023.1 pretzel: 193 calories, 1g fat.
Soft Giant Pretzels
My husband and our friends and family love these soft, chewy pretzels. It's one of our favorite salty snacks! Let the bread machine mix the dough, then all you have to do is shape and bake these fun low-calorie snacks. —Sherry Peterson, Fort Collins, Colorado1 pop: 72 calories, 0 fat.
Strawberry-Rhubarb Ice Pops
These cool, creamy pops are a deliciously different way to use up the bounty from your rhubarb patch. —Donna Linihan, Moncton, New Brunswick Get more healthy late-night snacks that'll make you forget about that tub of ice cream.2 tablespoons dip: 58 calories, 4g fat.
Roasted Red Pepper Tapenade
When entertaining, I often rely on my pepper tapenade as a low-calorie snack recipe because it takes only 15 minutes to whip up and pop in the fridge. Sometimes I swap out the almonds for walnuts or pecans. —Donna Magliaro, Denville, New Jersey. Don't miss our best low-calorie recipes for salads, sides and even dessert!1 muffin: 188 calories, 7g fat.
Granola Blueberry Muffins
I wanted to put a new spin on muffins, so I mixed in some granola that contained lots of nuts, pumpkin seeds and shredded coconut. Then I brought a batch to work the next morning—success!—Megan Weiss, Menomonie, Wisconsin3/4 cup: 68 calories, 0 fat.
Peach Smoothie
Whip up this creamy concoction as a refreshing and nutritious snack or a quick chilled breakfast. Because you can use frozen fruit, you don't have to wait until peaches are in season to enjoy this delicious smoothie as one of your healthy low-calorie snacks. —Martha Polasek, Markham, Texas1 cracker: 23 calories, 1g fat.
Thyme-Sea Salt Crackers
These homemade crackers are decidedly light and crispy. An addictive snack on their own, they also pair well with a sharp white cheddar. —Jessica Wirth, Charlotte, North Carolina1 serving: 52 calories, 2g fat.
Spicy Edamame
Edamame (pronounced ay-duh-MAH-may) are young soybeans in their pods. In our Test Kitchen, we boiled and seasoned them with salt, ginger, garlic powder and red pepper flakes. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin1/4 cup: 176 calories, 11g fat.
Cranberry Dark Chocolate Trail Mix
A close friend once gave me a jar of trail mix that was absolutely delicious. My re-creation comes pretty close to the original and is truly one of my favorite low-calorie snacks! —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma1 breadstick: 66 calories, 4g fat.
Cauliflower Breadsticks
These grain-free, cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are made with vegetables instead of flour. Serve with your favorite marinara sauce.—Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado1 muffin: 63 calories, 3g fat.
Monkey Muffins
These bite-sized peanut butter, banana and chocolate chip muffins will be a favorite with your family and friends. It's also a good way to use up overripe bananas! —Amie Longstaff, Painesville Township, Ohio1 cup: 98 calories, 8g fat.
Nacho Popcorn
My husband and I like to munch on this while watching TV. The nacho flavoring is a zesty alternative to butter and salt. —Linda Boehme, Fairmont, Minnesota2 tablespoons dip (without crackers): 44 calories, 3g fat.
Roasted Vegetable Dip
While my children were always very willing eaters, I came up with this recipe to get them to eat more veggies and enjoy it. The dip doesn't last long in our house. —Sarah Vasques, Milford, New Hampshire1 tablespoon: 111 calories, 9g fat.
Homemade Peanut Butter
We eat a lot of peanut butter, so I decided to make my own. When I compared the cost of my own to store-bought, homemade was much cheaper. Plus it's a whole lot tastier, and you know what goes into it! —Marge Austin, North Pole, Alaska Is PB good for you? Absolutely. Get the skinny on the health benefits of peanut butter.1 appetizer: 40 calories, 1g fat.
Baked Veggie Cups
These colorful veggie cups are not only tasty, but they also pack in a surprising amount of nutrition! The addition of mozzarella and Parmesan is the perfect Italian touch. —Cathy Horvath, Surrey, British Columbia1/4 cup: 90 calories, 8g fat.
Homemade Guacamole
Ever wondered how to make guacamole? Just whip together this delicious blend of your favorite fresh ingredients.—Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas1/4 cup: 189 calories, 16g fat.
Spicy Pecans N Cranberries
Spice up a holiday party with these well-seasoned nuts or keep a batch in the freezer to give as last-minute presents. — Rene Dalrymple, Hansville, Washington2 tablespoons: 56 calories, 4g fat.
Cashew Cheese
Spread this vegan cashew cheese on crackers, over a toasted bagel or serve with fresh vegetables. It also makes a great sandwich topper! —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Find more healthy vegan snacks that'll keep the hunger pangs away.1 muffin: 174 calories, 5g fat.
Ginger Pear Muffins
This wonderful recipe has been in my files for years. The chunks of fresh pear make each bite moist and delicious. —Lorraine Caland, Thunder Bay, Ontario Pair one of these pear muffins with a healthy slow-cooker meal for a sweet and savory sensation.1/4 cup: 142 calories, 10g fat.
Mocha Pumpkin Seeds
Roasted pumpkin seeds are a classic fall snack. Kick them up a notch with instant coffee and cocoa powder for a mix that’s mocha genius at any time of year. —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas1 bar: 142 calories, 7g fat.
Cinnamon Nut Bars
Classic bar meets good-for-you ingredients in this updated recipe. If you have the patience, after the bars are cool, store them in a tin for a day to allow the flavors to meld...I think they taste even better the next day.— Heidi Lindsey, Prairie du Sac, Wisconsin1 appetizer: 29 calories, 2g fat.
Mini Zucchini Pizzas
This simple snack recipe is the perfect, low-carb way to satisfy your pizza cravings. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen. Looking for more? Here's our collection of low-carb snacks.3/4 cup: 97 calories, 0 fat.
Yogurt & Honey Fruit Cups
This tasty combo of fresh fruit and creamy orange-kissed yogurt is guaranteed to disappear fast. —Taste Recipes Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin1/4 cup: 145 calories, 10g fat.
Roasted Cumin Cashews
Kick up parties and get-togethers with this well-seasoned snack. The cashews are sweet, salty, crunchy...and oh, so munchable. —Martha Fehl, Brookville, Indiana1 pot sticker with 3/4 teaspoon sauce: 52 calories, 1g fat
Baked Pot Stickers with Dipping Sauce
Twisting these wonton wrappers like little candies makes them fuss-free, and the dipping sauce is packed with sweet heat. —Taylor Marsh, Algona, Iowa1 bar: 178 calories, 5g fat.
Chewy Honey Granola Bars
There's sweetness from the honey, chewiness from the raisins, a hint of chocolate and cinnamon, and a bit of crunch. These granola bars freeze beautifully, so you can snack anytime. —Tasha Lehman, Williston, Vermont1/2 cup: 140 calories, 9g fat.
Chocolaty Chips
My two little guys can't get enough of this sweet-and-salty snack, which uses just three ingredients and is ready to eat in 15 minutes. The boys like to drizzle on the melted chocolate, too. Sometimes we replace the potato chips with apple slices. —Jami Geittmann, Greendale, Wisconsin1/2 cup: 89 calories, 2g fat.
Party Pretzels
Not only are these a perfect mid-morning or afternoon snack at work, they're perfect for hungry kids just home from school. Plus, they make for fantastic party food! —Carrie Shaub, Mount Joy, Pennsylvania1 mini scone: 109 calories, 7g fat.
Apple & Cheddar Mini Scones
Cheese and sage go well with apples, so why not put them all in scones? These mini ones make a fall brunch, tailgate or party even more fun. —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin1 bar: 90 calories, 4g fat.
Peanut Butter Popcorn Bars
If you're looking for a fun low-calorie snack for kids, try this chewy peanut butter popcorn recipe that have a mild peanut butter taste. They're easy to stir up and can be pressed into a pan to form bars or shaped into balls. —Kathy Oswald, Wauzeka, Wisconsin1 slice: 147 calories, 5g fat.
Herb Quick Bread
This simple bread is especially good with soups and stews, but slices are also tasty alongside fresh, green salads. The herbs make it a flavorful treat any time of the year. —Donna Roberts, Shumway, Illinois6. Eating a Huge Lunch
Some days just call for an extra-stuffed burrito or a big bowl of pad Thai. (Hey, you worked out this morning!) But that huge meal can lead to your afternoon downfall. Afternoon sluggishness can hit after a large meal, Palmer says.
“If you’re struggling with this issue, it would better to have small meals with some snacks in between. When you’re overeating and you feel like your digestive system is working overtime to deal with the large load, that can make you feel sleepy and not perform at your best.”
To help figure out if you’ve had enough, Palmer points to a Japanese tradition called hara hachi bu, which essentially translates to eating until you’re 80 percent full and stopping there. “You eat until you feel about two-thirds full. It takes a while for the brain to recognize that sense of fullness. So many of us eat until we just can’t take another bite. And at that point, we have overeaten. You still feel like you can fit more in your tummy. That’s a nice point to feel at your best.”
What we eat and drink can play a huge role in how much energy we feel throughout the day. It’s, of course, important to get enough sleep and exercise, and reduce stress, but don’t forget the importance of a balanced diet. Like the saying goes, you are what you eat, so focus on healthy, high-energy foods to keep you going all day long.
Iron-Rich Powerhouse Foods
Garlic & Herb Steak PizzaWe crave pizza that’s super fast, cheesy and original. This one with steak and veggies is for folks who like their pie with everything on top. —Jade Fears, Grand Ridge, Florida
Pork and OrzoTake a trip to a waterfront locale with protein-rich, health-minded Mediterranean pork and orzo. Tomatoes, spinach and feta add bright punches of color to the meat and pasta.
Chicken Spinach Dip Bread BowlsMy family loves artichoke spinach dip, so I thought I could turn this popular appetizer into a chicken entree. The sourdough bowl makes a fun presentation. I love that with this recipe I can make one for dinner and wrap one for the freezer! —Merry Graham, Newhall, California
Grilled ShrimpThese buttery grilled shrimp are so good you'll want to eat them all summer long! Learn how to grill shrimp as an easy appetizer or topping for salads, grain bowls and more.
Traditional Italian Wedding SoupThis recipe for Italian wedding soup results in a truly flavorful, satisfying dish.
Contest-Winning Greek Pasta BakeWhen I take this dish to potlucks, there's never so much as a morsel left! It’s a simple, healthy, hearty supper made with ingredients that are easy to find. Add a salad and a crusty loaf of bread for a quick meal solution. —Anne Taglienti, Kennett Square, Pennsylvania
Spicy Beef Stir FrySpice up your dinner rotation with our 30-minute beef stir fry recipe. Tender sirloin and crisp veggies meet a fiery coconut-lime sauce for a quick and delicious meal any night of the week.
Shrimp EnchiladasThese wholesome shrimp enchiladas feature a delicious spinach-and-cheese filling.
Ham & Collards QuicheI love quiche and wanted to make something that incorporates my southern roots. With eggs, cheese, ham and nutritious collard greens in a flaky crust, it’s a complete meal. —Billie Williams-Henderson, Bowie, Maryland
Chimichurri SteakThis flavorful chimichurri steak recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. Spoon the bright, zesty, herbaceous sauce over any type of grilled steak, like flat iron, top sirloin, ribeye, flank or skirt steak.
Chicken in Puff PastryFlaky puff pastry envelops tender chicken and a creamy spinach-artichoke filling, creating a fancy-feeling dish that’s deceptively easy to pull together.
Honey-Beer Braised RibsBraised in beer with a sweet honey finish, these tender, flavor-rich ribs will be the talk of the table. Serve them with baked potatoes, green beans and a salad for a memorable meal. —Terry Serena, McMurray, Pennsylvania
Grilled Salmon with LemonThis grilled salmon with lemon is easy to toss together for a flavor-packed fish with a succulent, flaky texture. Make the marinade in the morning, and by evening, you'll be ready to grill up a fish that'll blow everyone's taste buds out of the water.
Beef and BeansThis deliciously spicy steak and beans over rice will have family and friends asking for more. It's a favorite in my recipe collection. —Marie Leamon, Bethesda, Maryland
Angel Hair with Chicken & CherriesNutmeg and cherries are the new "it" pair. It’s the secret something that really makes this angel hair pasta dish. My vegetarian friend likes it just as well without chicken. —Mary Ann Sander, Centralia, Missouri
Quick Tacos al PastorWe loved the pork and pineapple tacos from a food truck in Hawaii. My husband, a high school football referee, gives my version a thumbs-up. —Lori McLain, Denton, Texas
Slow-Cooked Caribbean Pot RoastThis dish is definitely a year-round recipe. Sweet potatoes, orange zest and baking cocoa are my surprise ingredients. —Jenn Tidwell, Fair Oaks, California
Chicken Thighs with Shallots & SpinachWhat could be better than an entree that comes with its own creamy vegetable side? This healthy supper goes together in no time flat and makes an eye-catching presentation. —Genna Johannes, Wrightstown, Wisconsin
Conga Lime PorkDinner guests won’t be too shy to get in line when this yummy chipotle pork moves to the buffet table. —Janice Elder, Charlotte, North Carolina
Teriyaki Shish KabobsWhen I was a teenager, my father worked for an airline, and my family lived on the island of Guam in the South Pacific. A friend of my mother gave her this tangy-sweet recipe, and we enjoyed it often. Now I make it for my family, and they're big fans as well. —Suzanne Pelegrin, Ocala, Florida
Chicken Pasta CasseroleThis is my family’s favorite every week or two and we never tire of it. I like that I can put it together and relax while it bakes. —Carmen Vanosch, Vernon, British Columbia
Apple Pork LoinLearn how to make slow cooker apple pork loin, a deliciously flavored combination of tender pork and sweet apples.
Pork Chile VerdePork slowly stews with jalapenos, onion, green enchilada sauce and spices in this flavor-packed Mexican dish. It's wonderful on its own or stuffed in a warm tortilla with sour cream, grated cheese or olives on the side. —Kimberly Burke, Chico, California
Moroccan Vegetable Chicken TagineTake a trip to Morocco with this rich, exotic dish. A tagine is a North African slow-cooked stew named after the pot it’s cooked in.—Taste Recipes Test Kitchen
Beef in Onion GravyI double this super recipe to feed our family of four so I'm sure to have leftovers to send with my husband to work for lunch. His co-workers tell him he's lucky to have someone who fixes him such special meals. It's our secret that it's an easy slow cooker dinner! —Denise Albers, Freeburg, Illinois
Grilled Pork ChopsSoaked in brine and rubbed with a fragrant spice blend, these grilled pork chops burst with flavor.
Steak PinwheelsDiscover the perfect blend of juicy steak and rich fillings with these easy-to-make flank steak pinwheels, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or an addition to a holiday table.
Slow-Cooker Sweet and Sour PorkThere's no need to visit a restaurant for a tasty sweet and sour dish. It's also great for meal planning, as the dish can be prepped and frozen, thawed and popped into the slow cooker when the mood hits.
Beef Lo MeinThis simple beef lo mein is easy to toss together with the veggies you have on hand. And since it uses spaghetti, you won't have to go searching for special noodles.
