Inspiration for healthy cooking- key ingredients?

I'm new to this calorie counting and although I do usually eat healthily I am not very clued up on the whole cooking thing and so I end up getting bored of bland or cold meals.  I also don't usually have a lot of time to cook and since counting my calories I've realised that I'm not really getting enough because of this.  Aslo, I've recently been looking into the Ayurveda philosophy - which is very interesting, and it says I should eat warm foods. 

So this is what I'm lacking - does anyone have any tips on essential incredients? Basic wholesome recipe ideas? Inspiration?  The kinds of things your mother teaches you that mine hasnt? ... I would be very grateful :-)

Not sure what your dosha is, but that will guide you for food choices.

Many veges are quick and simple to saute' in a little olive oil. Try putting slices of onion in a pan w/a teaspoon of olive oil or a spray of Pam over med-high heat. Stir a lot and when the onions start to brown a bit, add lots of garlic (from one of those wonderful little jars of pre-chopped garlic!), then add some mushroom slices (one portobella or any type you may want to try, a mix is good too), When the mushrooms start to cook, add in some baby spinach straight from the pre-washed bag. Cook til the spinach wilts. You can serve it over brown rice - which is now available in "quick" 10 minute versions from the two major rice people. Fast, healthy, warm - add some Thai ground chili (jar) or Tabasco if you like spicy things. One thing to remember is that the veges will all cook down, so what looks like a lot at the start will shrink after cooking, so start with more than you think you will need.

Your saute' pan or wok will be your friend for a lot of things. If you like spicy foods, check out some Thai recipes - lots of on line places to get good stir fry recipes which will be fast, warm, and often quite simple.

Have fun searching CC for easy to cook meals. Use the search field up at the top of the screen and be sure to select Recipe.

Thanks Jannid.... My Dosha is Vata and Kapha.  And I do like spicy foods, I will be sure to invest in a wok and some spices

how goes the cookery?

Another thing that is good, fast, and easy is soup! Here's a low cal very fast

soup:http://caloriecount.about.com/jannids-potato- carrot-soup-recipe-r225914

You can make a batch, eat what you want and then use some of those great disposable single meal containers and portion out the rest. Then all you have to do is nuke 'em!

Hi - Its going not too badly, although because of the weather i've been eating alot of salads.  Yesterday I made a healthy mediterranian veg pizza - I saw a few recipes that had suggested using flatbread as the base.  I bought one with the cheese and tomato already in it and just topped with courgettes, peppers, onion etc.  Was lovely and very quick and easy.

I have tried making soup before - I made carrot soup and it was ok but I think I put in slightly too much garlic.  A real trial and error type of food I think.  But as you say good for storing and taking to work for lunch the next day.  I'll try your recipe - Thanks!