Light cooking has become a popular way to prepare tasty dishes as people get more concerned about their health and fitness. Cooking light recipes help to nourish our digestive system. It has been widely accepted that the less we cook green vegetables the better it is for our health. Besides, most of major spices can do more than just adding flavor and taste to the food. In addition, they have many medicinal properties, which can do immense good to the body. It is said that these food are not only rich in vitamins and minerals but consist of phytochemicals which build up our immunity system to fight diseases.

Here, we introduce two easy and varied meal options for your home made light recipes:

1. Shrimp and Squash Penne

Ingredients:
- 2 table olive oil
- 2 cups julienne zucchini
- 1 pound of medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined
- 2 cups of julienne yellow squash
- 1 teaspoon each of dried basil and dried oregano
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and a quarter tsp black pepper
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 4 cups hot cooked penne
- 1/2 finely sliced fresh chives/green onions
- 1/4 cup of fresh Parmesan cheese.

Instructions:
First, heat oil on medium heat in a large-sized non-stick pan; then, put in the squash and zucchini and stir fry for ten minutes before adding the shrimp and sautéing. Next, put in the juice and remaining ingredients, go on stirring for two minutes. At last, mix the shrimp mixture, pasta, cheese and chives in a bowl, tossing slowly to mix well.

2. Meat Loaf Potatoes

Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground round
- 1/2 cup picante sauce
- 1 cup frozen whole-kernel corn
- 1/3 cup regular oats
- 1/4 cup minced fresh cilantro
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 large egg white
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 4 medium baking potatoes (about 1-1/2 pounds)
- 1/2 cup fat-free sour cream.

Instructions:
Above all, prepare the meat loaf in advance; shape the ground beef mixture into a loaf, wrap in plastic wrap, and thaw overnight in refrigerator. Preheat oven to 375°. Combine ingredients in a large bowl; stir well. Shape meat mixture into a 9 x 4-inch loaf on a broiler pan coated with cooking spray. Then, brush ketchup over the meat loaf. Arrange potatoes around meat loaf on broiler pan. Bake for 50 minutes. Let meat loaf stand 10 minutes before slicing. Split potatoes in half lengthwise and add sour cream on the top.

Photo Sources:
1. 1st Image: Saffron Chicken
2. 2nd Image: Jerk Pork Loin
3. 3rd Image: Shrimp Penne
4. 4th Image: Meat Loaf Potatoes