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Home » Healthy Recipes

20 Things I Eat When I Want to Be “Good” but I’m Still Hungry

Published: May 20, 2025 by Shruthi · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

When I say “things I eat,” this is the kind of list I mean—stuff I reach for when I’m trying to be good but I’m still hungry. Not “I’ll just have air and sadness” good. I mean the kind where I want to feel like I made a better choice but also like I actually ate something. These are the meals and snacks that get me through that weird in-between zone, where I’m trying not to go full junk mode but a cucumber isn’t cutting it. They’re easy, repeatable, and don’t make me feel like I’m missing out.

A close up image of falafels on a bowl of hummus.

Hummus and Falafel. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan Fajitas

A vegan fajita on a plate.
Vegan Fajitas. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

A fast wrap with sautéed peppers, onions, and mushrooms that comes together quickly and feels like a full meal. It’s a great choice when you want something that feels balanced but still fills you up.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Fajitas

Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Smashed potatoes on a wooden board, crispy and golden, topped with fresh herbs.
Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These air fryer smashed potatoes are crispy on the outside, soft inside, and use only six ingredients. They work well when you want something that feels good to eat but still hits that comfort food craving.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Smashed Potatoes

Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

A close-up image of gochujang cauliflower tacos on a plate, accompanied by a small bowl of lime slices and sliced red onions.
Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Cauliflower tacos seasoned with Korean spices are crisp and hold up well for meal prep. They're a great fit when you're looking for something that’s both easy to reheat and filling.
Get the Recipe: Gochujang Cauliflower Tacos

Easy Egg Rolls

An image of vegan egg rolls arranged on a serving dish with sweet chili sauce on the side.
Easy Egg Rolls. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These vegan egg rolls cook fast and stay crispy, making them perfect when time’s tight but you still want real food. Great for when you're hungry but don’t want to overdo it.
Get the Recipe: Easy Egg Rolls

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Air fryer vegan buffalo cauliflower bites in a bowl with dip nearby, placed under a wooden board.
Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Buffalo cauliflower wings bring the heat and crispiness without feeling heavy. They’re a solid option for game night or anytime you want something crunchy that still keeps things on track.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower

Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

An overhead image of air fried hassel back potatoes on a plate with parsley on top and a fork and knife on the right side.
Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Hasselback potatoes made in the oven or air fryer give you crisp edges with tender centers. A great option when you want something that feels hearty without going overboard.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes

Easy Microwave Baked Potato

An overhead image of microwave baked potato on a plate with a fork.
Easy Microwave Baked Potato. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Microwave-baked potatoes are ready in about 15 minutes and come out fluffy every time. They're a simple way to eat something real when you’re in a hurry but still need to feel full.
Get the Recipe: Easy Microwave Baked Potato

Samosa Chaat

Straight view of samosa chaat served in a white bowl and is topped with cilantro, red onions, and sev. On the sides is a samosa and a cup of drink.
Samosa Chaat. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Samosa chaat is packed with chickpeas, chutneys, and spice, layered over crispy samosas. It’s bold and filling, great when you want more than just a basic snack.
Get the Recipe: Samosa Chaat

Black Bean Quinoa Burger

An image of black bean quinoa burger on a cutting board with the top bun on the side.
Black Bean Quinoa Burger. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Black bean quinoa burgers are high in fiber and easy to prep ahead. They’re perfect when you want something hearty that still feels like you made a solid choice.
Get the Recipe: Black Bean Quinoa Burger

Hummus and Falafel

A close up image of falafels on a bowl of hummus.
Hummus and Falafel. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

A bowl with creamy hummus and crispy falafel gives you protein, crunch, and comfort all in one. It’s a strong pick when you’re hungry and want something that holds up well for lunch or dinner.
Get the Recipe: Hummus and Falafel

Vegan Cabbage Fritters

A bowl of vegan cabbage fritters on a wooden board.
Vegan Cabbage Fritters. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Vegan fritters made with cabbage and onions come out crisp and satisfying, especially fresh from the pan. A great way to eat something crunchy when you want more than just a salad.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Cabbage Fritters

Fried Avocado

A top view image of a bowl of avocado fries laying on a cooling rack.
Fried Avocado. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These avocado fries bake up crunchy and use only five ingredients. Great for when you want a snack that’s plant-based but still feels like a treat.
Get the Recipe: Fried Avocado

Air Fryer Artichoke

A white plate with two grilled artichoke halves and a small stone bowl of dipping sauce.
Air Fryer Artichoke. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer artichokes take about 45 minutes and come out light and crisp. A nice option for spring days when you want something simple but still interesting.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Artichoke

Fried Avocado Tacos

An overview of a fried avocado taco.
Fried Avocado Tacos. Photo Credit: Urban Farmie

Fried avocado tacos with beans and poblano sauce make a solid, crunchy meal that doesn’t feel too heavy. Great for when you want tacos but still want to keep things balanced.
Get the Recipe: Fried Avocado Tacos

Veggie Pinwheels

An image of veggie pinwheels on a serving plate.
Veggie Pinwheels. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Veggie pinwheels with hummus are quick to roll and easy to pack for a snack or lunch. They’re light but still give you enough to keep going.
Get the Recipe: Veggie Pinwheels

Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

A close up image of air fryer brussels sprouts.
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Air fryer Brussels sprouts are crisped with avocado oil and take under 30 minutes. A simple side or snack that works well when you’re aiming to be good but want real food.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Vegan Drumsticks

An image of vegan drumsticks on a plate garnished with fresh green herbs and a lemon wedge.
Vegan Drumsticks. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Vegan drumsticks are crunchy, easy to prep, and work well for group settings. Great for game day when you want a familiar favorite made plant-based.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Drumsticks

Baked Samosas

Top view image of healthy samosas on a black plate with additional samosas on a cooling rack.
Baked Samosas. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

These baked or air-fried samosas are made with just six ingredients and still come out golden and crisp. They’re a solid choice when you want something crunchy and filling without extra effort.
Get the Recipe: Baked Samosas

Lemon Greek Potatoes

Close-up image of lemon greek potatoes in a dish.
Lemon Greek Potatoes. Photo credit: Parallel Plates.

Lemon Greek potatoes roast with garlic, oregano, and olive oil until crispy outside and tender inside. A good option when you want a flavorful side that still feels light.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Greek Potatoes

Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust

A plate of Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust.
Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Red lentil flatbread mixes up fast and works with whatever dip or spread you’ve got. A smart pick when you want something simple that fills the gap between meals.
Get the Recipe: Red Lentil Flatbread Pizza Crust

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Hi, I'm Shruthi! I am the owner and blogger at Parallel Plates. I love everything about food, and I hope that you can find the best recipe inspiration, trends, hacks, and more here.

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