15 ideas to renew your weekday meals

Tired of going round in circles with the same three recipes every week? You're not alone! According to a Léger survey, 62% of people find their meal routine monotonous. But there's nothing rocket science about renewing your dinners. All it takes is a little inspiration, a few tricks and a bit of daring to turn your evenings into real feasts. Whether you're a budding chef or a guy in a hurry, there are a thousand ways to vary your menus without complicating your life. Here are 15 tried-and-tested ideas for breaking the routine and rediscovering the pleasure of eating well, even in the middle of the week!

Save time and discover new flavors with meal boxes like Chefs Plate. Ingredients are already portioned, recipes are simple and you avoid the headache of grocery shopping. What's more, 78% of users say they cook with more variety thanks to this service. Perfect for guys who want to eat well without wasting an hour planning!

There's nothing more convivial than a taco night, when everyone makes up their own plate. Prepare a variety of toppings: spicy beef, grilled chicken, sautéed vegetables, homemade salsa. According to Statista, Mexican food is one of the most popular cuisines in Canada. It's fast, festive and appeals to everyone, even the pickiest eaters.

Make a change from traditional steak and potatoes with an express Asian stir-fry. Rice, crunchy vegetables, soy sauce and a little ginger: it's ready in 15 minutes! Asian flavors are becoming increasingly popular, and you can adjust the spiciness to suit your taste. It's the perfect way to get away from your routine without breaking the bank.

A meatless meal is far from sad! Try chili sin carne, chickpea curry or lentil burgers. According to the Montreal Vegetarian Association, 36% of people are reducing their meat consumption. It's good for your health, the planet and your wallet.

Turn yesterday's roast chicken into a gourmet sandwich or Caesar salad. Leftovers are the basis for quick, zero-waste meals. According to Recyc-Québec, each household wastes 79kg of food per year. With a little imagination, you can work miracles with what's lying around in the fridge!

Compose a bowl meal with a base of quinoa, rice or noodles, add proteins (chicken, tofu, eggs) and a ton of vegetables. Nutritionists recommend this format to easily balance your intake. It's colorful, nutritious and you can vary the ingredients every week.

Don't feel like thinking? HelloFresh recipes are ready in less than 30 minutes and introduce you to original dishes every week. Over 90% of subscribers say they've expanded their culinary repertoire. Perfect for guys who want to impress without the hassle!

Make your own dough or use a store-bought base, then give free rein to your creativity: pepperoni, vegetables, various cheeses, anything goes! Homemade pizza is easy to make, and you control the ingredients. According to Nielsen, 72% of Canadians make homemade pizza at least once a month.

Celebrate local products: cheese curds, duck, maple syrup, local vegetables. Short distribution channels are gaining in popularity and help support local producers. A supper is an opportunity to rediscover classics revisited in your own way.

Choose a country and prepare a complete menu: Spanish tapas, Moroccan couscous, Japanese ramen... It's a chance to travel without leaving your kitchen. According to Expedia, 54% of Canadians like to explore new cuisines at home. Invite some friends and let them guess the theme!

Set aside two hours on Sundays to prepare several meals in advance. You'll save time during the week and eat a balanced, stress-free diet. According to a Dalhousie study, meal prep reduces the time spent in the kitchen each evening by 30%. Perfect for organized guys (or those who want to become organized)!

With Fresh Prep, you get fresh ingredients and original recipes delivered straight to your door. It's the ideal solution for varying your menus without wasting time. Over 85% of users claim to cook healthier since adopting this service. Convenient, fast and stress-free!

A good stew is simple: you prepare everything in the morning, let it cook gently and come home in the evening with a meal ready to enjoy. Stews are economical and perfect for leftovers. According to Ricardo, slow-cooked meals are among Canadians' winter favorites.

Make a change from white rice or classic potatoes! Try couscous, bulgur, polenta or even oven-roasted vegetables. Varying your side dishes is the key to never getting bored at the table. According to Health Canada, diversifying cereals and vegetables improves dietary balance.

Organize a dinner party where everyone brings a dish or cooks together. It's an opportunity to trade recipes and discover new flavors. According to a study by Université Laval, cooking together increases the pleasure of eating and strengthens social ties. What better way to end the week on a high note!