--- title: 4 Simple, Healthy Recipes to Prepare with Your Mom description: One of the simplest ways to create that quality time (and complete an important task simultaneously) is by cooking healthy recipes together. image: https://blog.originway.ca/hubfs/Blog%20Images/unrecognizable-man-cooking-PGCVKQ8-637084-edited.jpg --- [![Origin Active Lifestyle Communities Logo](https://blog.originway.ca/hubfs/August2017/Images/Logo-Copy.png) ![Origin Active Lifestyle Communities Logo](https://blog.originway.ca/hubfs/August2017/Images/origin_logo-copy-v2.png)](https://www.originway.ca/) Menu   [Find Your Community](https://www.originway.ca/communities) [Start Your Career](https://www.originway.ca/senior-living-careers) Give Us a Call Close X - [Origin at Longwood    250-751-7755](tel://1-250-751-7755) - [Origin at Spring Creek    403-678-2288](tel://1-403-678-2288) - [Swan Evergreen Village    587-481-6638](tel://1-587-481-6638) - [Whitehorn Village    403-271-2277](tel://1-403-271-2277) - [Origin Polska    +48 (22) 279 4900](tel://48-22-279-4900) - [Origin at Longwood    250-751-7755](tel://1-250-751-7755) - [Origin at Spring Creek    403-678-2288](tel://1-403-678-2288) - [Swan Evergreen Village    587-481-6638](tel://1-587-481-6638) - [Whitehorn Village    403-271-2277](tel://1-403-271-2277) - [Origin Polska    +48 (22) 279 4900](tel://48-22-279-4900) - [Discover Origin We want to show who we are](https://www.originway.ca/discover-origin-active-lifestyle-communities) - [Careers Make a difference](https://www.originway.ca/senior-living-careers) - [Communities See where we serve](https://www.originway.ca/communities) - [Why Active Living? 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Of course, you know you should, because you won't always have the opportunity, but it seems like there's always something urgent demanding your attention. Furthermore, time isn't enough: *quality* *time* is what you're after. One of the simplest ways to create that quality time (and complete an important task simultaneously) is by cooking healthy recipes together. You all have to eat, anyway, right? Someone needs to prepare lunch, so why not get together with mom and do it? The process encourages her to eat nutritious foods she might not be interested in preparing by herself, and you have the opportunity to chat while you work. Furthermore, cooking isn't only associated with healthy food: it's also [connected to mental well-being](https://spoonuniversity.com/lifestyle/the-science-behind-why-cooking-and-baking-help-you-feel-better). According to a new study, published in the [*Journal of Positive Psychology*](http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/17439760.2016.1257049), people who frequently do small, creative projects feel more relaxed and happier in their everyday lives. Researchers followed 658 people and found out that doing everyday tasks like cooking and baking made the group feel more enthusiastic about things the next day. Let's get cooking! Here are four simple, nutritious recipes to get you and your mom started in the kitchen. ### **Pumpkin Protein Pancakes** These pancakes are low-carb and gluten-free, and there is no added sugar. With only five ingredients, they're easy to whip up for breakfast or an afternoon snack. You'll need pumpkin puree (pumpkin is rich in fiber and Vitamins A and C), pumpkin pie spice, baking powder, eggs, and (optional) vanilla whey protein powder or vanilla extract. [See the full recipe here](http://willowbirdbaking.com/2016/01/24/five-ingredient-pumpkin-protein-pancakes-low-carb-gluten-free-refined-sugar-free/).  ### **Hummus and Grilled Vegetable Wrap** Zucchini, spinach, bell pepper, and onion make up the main part of the filling in this wrap. Add the hummus, those toasted pine nuts, and some mint leaves, and you've got a uniquely flavorful lunch that's easy to put together. It's rich in protein, Vitamin A, iron, and much more. [Get the recipe here](http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/hummus-and-grilled-vegetable-wrap-recipe-1910036). You can easily buy hummus at the store, but with a good blender you can make your own if you want to spend a little more time in the kitchen. Here is a [basic hummus recipe](https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/hummus-237832); you need chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, and cumin or paprika. ### **Roasted Tomato Basil Soup** Warm and comforting, homemade tomato soup is perfect for those cold winter days. Roasting the tomatoes gives it that extra flavor--well worth the time, considering you just have to pop them in the oven and enjoy a cup of coffee while they roast! [See this recipe here](http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-tomato-basil-soup-recipe-1940376). Of course, what's tomato soup without a grilled cheese sandwich? No, it's not the healthiest food, but there are a few ways to [make a healthier grilled cheese sandwich](http://www.eatingwell.com/article/111646/5-secrets-to-make-grilled-cheese-healthier/), starting with good bread. You and your mother can experiment to create the healthiest version possible while maintaining that comfort food deliciousness you loved as a child (and as an adult!). ### **Dark Chocolate Pudding ** There's a secret ingredient here: avocados! It sounds crazy, but it's incredible, and avocados are loaded with healthy fats. They provide a smooth, rich texture, and the chocolate flavor shines through. There are many versions of this recipe that use different sweeteners (this one goes for maple syrup) and types of milk (this one uses unsweetened almond milk; coconut milk is also a great choice). [Click here for the recipe](https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/dark-chocolate-pudding/). With so many easy-to-access recipes out there, you can try something new every weekend! Feed your families and your souls by preparing healthy meals, snacks, and even desserts with your mother. You'll both love it. Topics: [Social Wellness](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/social-wellness), [Health & Nutrition](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/health-nutrition) ### Written by [Origin Active Lifestyle Communities](https://blog.originway.ca/author/the-origin-team) #### **About Origin Active Lifestyle Blog** Origin’s only business is caring for seniors. We design, develop, and operate innovative, industry-leading, active lifestyle communities across Canada. Through our blog, we hope to share content and resources for aging adults and their families that are interested in active living and senior living resources.  ### Recent Posts ### Topics - [Active Aging (39)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/active-aging) - [Health & Nutrition (35)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/health-nutrition) - [Social Wellness (34)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/social-wellness) - [Health and Wellness (21)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/health-and-wellness) - [Independent Living (16)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/independent-living) - [Senior Care (16)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/senior-care) - [Caregiving (7)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/caregiving) - [Community Member Spotlight (7)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/community-member-spotlight) - [Budgeting & Finances (6)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/budgeting-finances) - [Technology (6)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/technology) - [Memory Care (5)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/memory-care) - [Origin Communities (4)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/origin-communities) - [Alzheimer's & Dementia (3)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/alzheimers-dementia) - [Statistics (3)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/statistics) - [Chef Spotlight (2)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/chef-spotlight) - [Soul Café (2)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/soul-café) - [gardening (2)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/gardening) - [Featured (1)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/featured) - [Guest Interview (1)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/guest-interview) - [Origin Living Green (1)](https://blog.originway.ca/topic/origin-living-green) See all ## Related Posts [Summer Heat Safety for Seniors: Enjoying the Sunshine with Care](https://blog.originway.ca/summer-heat-safety-for-seniors-enjoying-the-sunshine-with-care) ![Summer Heat Safety for Seniors: Enjoying the Sunshine with Care](https://blog.originway.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/HO%20-%20Heat%20Safety%20for%20Seniors%20Blog.png?width=500&height=300&name=HO%20-%20Heat%20Safety%20for%20Seniors%20Blog.png) [Gardening for Joy & Health: Easy Spring Gardening Ideas for Seniors](https://blog.originway.ca/easy-spring-gardening-ideas-for-seniors) ![Gardening for Joy & Health: Easy Spring Gardening Ideas for Seniors](https://blog.originway.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Origin%20-%20Gardening%20Blog.png?width=500&height=300&name=Origin%20-%20Gardening%20Blog.png) [Spring Cleaning with Safety in Mind: Decluttering Tips for Seniors](https://blog.originway.ca/decluttering-tips-for-seniors) ![Spring Cleaning with Safety in Mind: Decluttering Tips for Seniors](https://blog.originway.ca/hs-fs/hubfs/Origin%20-%20Spring%20Cleaning%20Blog.png?width=500&height=300&name=Origin%20-%20Spring%20Cleaning%20Blog.png) [![Origin Way Home Page](https://blog.originway.ca/hubfs/August2017/Images/Logo-Copy.png)](https://www.originway.ca/) [Contact Us](https://www.originway.ca/contact-an-origin-active-lifestyle-community) [FAQ](https://www.originway.ca/frequently-asked-questions) [Find Your Community](https://www.originway.ca/communities) Uncover your local Origin Active Lifestyle community - and discover a new way of life. 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