A positive change is easier to make into a habit. Try approaching your dining decisions from a standpoint of more rather than less (sugar, fat, calories, carbs, wheat, additives—whatever) and you’ll almost certainly feel more fulfilled. More fresh fruit and veg, more delicious homemade lunches, more time with your kids in the kitchen, more meals with friends and family around the table—and more two-bite brownies, especially when you’ve made them yourself.

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Three Ways to Roast Salmon

Roasting a fresh filet of salmon requires just 10 minutes per inch of thickness (most filets are around an inch thick, or slightly smaller) at 450˚F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil, lay filets skin-side down (if they have skin) on the sheet and spread with jarred pesto or a mixture of 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar and 1 tbsp grainy mustard; alternatively, spread with 2 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger and a finely crushed clove of garlic. Roast until the edges flake with a fork, but the fish is still moist in the middle. (If the fish flakes easily throughout, it’s overdone.) Serves as many as you like!

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Quick Chana Masala

This curry keeps well in the fridge, so it’s easy to dip into if you need a quick, healthy meal. In a heavy skillet, heat a drizzle of olive or canola oil and sauté a chopped onion for 5 minutes. Add a finely chopped, seeded jalapeno pepper, a few crushed cloves of garlic, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp curry paste (or to taste). Add a drained 19-oz (540-ml) can of chickpeas, 1-2 chopped tomatoes, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro and 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock and simmer for 20 minutes. If you like, add a splash of cream or coconut milk, making it as saucy as you wish. Serve hot, with rice. Serves 4.

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Green Salad with Pears and Blue Cheese

In winter it’s often difficult to be inspired by a salad, but look around for winter vegetables, and even fruit. On top of mixed greens, try sliced ripe pears, crumbled blue cheese, sprouts and chopped, toasted walnuts, pecans or pine nuts. Mix up an easy maple balsamic vinaigrette with 1/2 cup olive or canola oil, 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup and 1 tsp grainy mustard or Dijon; shake it all up in a jar.

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Brownie Bites

This homemade, whole-wheat version is better for you by virtue of being lower in fat and without additives and preservatives. In a large bowl, mix 1/4 cup butter and 1 cup sugar; add 2 eggs and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir until well blended. In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup whole-wheat flour, 1/2 cup cocoa and 1/4 tsp each baking powder and salt. Add to the egg mixture and stir just until combined. If you like, add a handful of chopped dark chocolate. Bake in buttered mini muffin tins at 350˚F for 12-15 minutes, until puffed but still soft to the touch. Do not overbake! Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Makes about 24.

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Check out Julie’s blog, DINNERWITHJULIE.COM, for more healthy recipes that will help you beat the daily time crunch.