Foooooood!
We all love it and need it.
It’s the thing that can give you medicine and energy, but also hurt you when trying to lose weight. Food isn’t an enemy though! Many believe that they have to do away with food in order to reach their weight loss goals. This is not the case!
Cooking for pleasure and weight loss is absolutely possible; choosing the right ingredients is key. Each of the recipes found in this article will prove to be healthy, easy, and delicious! It’s all about options and there are plenty- even when weight loss is top priority.
Here are my 5 go-to plant-based recipes that are affordable, time friendly, delicious, and will help you reach your weight loss goals!
Fruit and Vegetable Smoothies
(You can get your 6 servings of fruits and vegetables in one smoothie depending on the size!)
Ingredients & instructions:
1 cup frozen strawberries
1 frozen banana
1/2 cup frozen mango
1 Small Avocado
Your choice of ¼ cup of fruit juice or nut milk
Your choice of protein
Steamed Vegetable Fajitas
Ingredients & instructions:
Steam or sauté your favorite veggies
Season with your favorite seasoning and spices (minced garlic adds flare)
Eat alone for carb/ starch control
Load into a tortilla if carbs aren’t an issue (try turning this into a salad!)
Oatmeal with Smoothie Topping
Ingredients & instructions:
Instant oatmeal cooked- place in a bowl
Your favorite smoothie mix- blended and placed over the oatmeal
(strawberry, mango, and pineapple used in photo).
Your favorite nut and seed mix over the smoothie mixDrizzle a little agave over the top.
Chickpea and Chopped Veggie Pita Pockets
Protein and fiber! You’ll be satisfied for hours!
Ingredients and instructions:
1 can of chickpea/garbanzo beans- mashed and seasoned with salt, pepper, and Italian spices
Your favorite veggies- chopped and topped with a little Italian dressing
Pre-sliced pita pockets
Load your pita with the goodness of the protein and fiber- enjoy!
Rice & Lentils
Ingredients and Instructions:
Your choice of rice- cooked
½ cup of lentils- prepared, cooked, and seasoned with your choice of seasoning.
When all complete, layer and enjoy.
There are so many ways to achieve your weight loss goals through diet.
With a little creativity, food can be the sidekick and not the enemy. Time cannot be an excuse. These recipes are easy and won’t take you hours to create. Consider meal prep. Each of these meals can be turned into multiple servings!
It comes down to mindfulness! We have to be aware and intentional. For more tips on mindful eating, check out this article.
Photo and Recipe Credit- Author- Veronica Castillo