Source: heart.org

5 Healthy Meals To Enjoy When Losing Weight

When it comes to losing weight, most people are put off by the meals available to them. This is because healthy food has a stigma surrounding it that they are all bland and flavorless, but that is not the case.

Healthy meals can be filling and delicious, you just need to know what foods and seasonings to use.

The key to finding healthy meals that will work for you is balance. You want a diet that consists of protein, vegetables, and healthy fats that will give you the energy you need for the day.

With the rise in popularity of home delivery meals, more and more people are discovering the joy of home cooking. You are able to make delicious and healthy meals and also get a sense of pride for your hard work.

In this article, we provide 5 healthy meals that can help you win your battle against weight loss. Each of these is very delicious and more substantial than a salad or smoothie.

1. Loaded Sweet Potatoes

Source: worldofvegan.com

Loaded sweet potatoes are the ultimate comfort food. Not only do sweet potatoes taste arguably better than regular potatoes, but they are also high in fiber which can help your gut health.

You can fill your sweet potatoes with whatever you like but we recommend quinoa, beans, and tomatoes. The use of grains and legumes helps to make the meal extra filling and also provides you with loads of nutrients.

You can also cook an egg in your sweet potato for a delicious brunch. Eggs are a fantastic source of protein and go wonderfully with sweet potatoes.

2. Lentil Stew

Not all healthy meals have to be difficult to make. Lentil stew is super easy and can be done with minimal cleaning, which is always a plus.

It is a very warm meal that makes it perfect for the colder season. You are able to make it in large batches which makes it ideal for meal planning.

Lentil stew is high in protein, but low in calories which aids in weight loss. Lentils are also high in fiber which helps with bloating and can also help to lower cholesterol. Overall, lentil stew is a very nutrient-dense dish.

3. Rice Bowls

Source: taste.com.au

Rice bowls are super customizable to your diet and are perfect to make when you have leftover rice. When you use leftover rice it also makes them incredibly easy to make since you will have to do minimal cooking (if at all).

In your rice bowl, you can include vegetables, meats, and fish. A good choice is prawns since they are rich in iron and vitamin B12. You can use your favorite toppings to create a delicious and filling meal.

For a more nutrient-rich version, you can use brown rice instead of white rice for your meal.

4. Zoodles Or Spaghetti Squash

While pasta is delicious, it is high in gluten which is not great for your gut. A great alternative is zoodles or spaghetti squash. Zoodles are zucchini noodles made from a spiralizer, and spaghetti squash can be shredded with a fork to mimic spaghetti.

They are both easy to make and give a fresh take on your favorite pasta dishes. They are also very colorful (especially the zoodles) which makes your dish look even more impressive.

You can pair them with a lightweight pasta sauce, preferably homemade, or simply use soy sauce. Next, select your protein of choice, chicken is a good selection since it pairs well with the flavor of the vegetables.

They are a great way to put a low-carb twist on your favorite pasta recipes.

5. Roasted Salmon

Source: mypricechopper.com

Salmon is a great ingredient when you are trying to lose weight. It has a lot of healthy fat in it such as Omega-3 which helps to reduce inflammation which is pivotal to weight loss.

Roasting salmon is a great way to keep all its nutrients while providing a deep flavor. You can roast your salmon on a sheet pan with vegetables for ease.

Salmon is able to be marinated with a bunch of flavors but one of the best is simply lemon juice and chili flakes.

What To Drink When You’re Trying to Lose Weight

There are so many great beverage options when it comes to staying on track with your weight loss goals. From healthy water choices to calorie-free sweeteners, these drinks will help you stick to your healthy eating plan while enjoying yourself!

Water is essential for all types of diets, including those aiming to lose weight. A study published in the “Journal of Applied Physiology” found that women who drank 128 ounces (3 liters) or more of water per day were 43% less likely to be obese than those who drank fewer than 64 ounces (2.1 liters). Not only does drinking plenty of water help you stay hydrated and reduce the number of calories you take in, but it can also help reduce cravings by filling up on healthier fare rather than unhealthy snacks.

Source: innovativehomecare.com

Green Tea

Another great choice for staying hydrated and limiting calorie intake is green tea. In a study published in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition,” participants who drank green tea every day for six weeks had lower body weights and blood pressure levels than those who didn’t drink the tea. The antioxidants present in green tea may work together with other ingredients to boost your metabolism and help you burn more calories. If you’re looking for a caffeine-free option, try decaffeinated green tea instead!

Sparkling Water

If carbonated beverages aren’t your thing, consider sparkling water instead! A recent study published in “The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” found that participants who drank sparkling water every day for six weeks lost more weight and body fat than those who didn’t drink the water. The high level of carbonation in sparkling water may help you to feel full faster and reduce cravings, while the potassium and other minerals may help to promote muscle health and keep your blood sugar levels stable.

Low-Calorie Sweeteners

If you’re looking for a way to sweeten your drinks without adding unnecessary calories, consider using low-calorie sweeteners like stevia or saccharin. These sweeteners are calorie-free, so they can be used in place of sugar or other sweetening agents in most drinks. Just be sure to read the ingredients list to make sure there are no other added sugars.

Final Thoughts

Of course, all of these healthy meals will need to be paired with regular exercise in order to see healthy weight loss.

Each of these meals can provide your body with the nutrients it needs in order to become healthy.

The amount of food needed for each person varies so make sure you are having accurate portion sizes.

About Nina Smith