Do you want to eat healthier and lose weight without having to resort to bland and boring food?
Do you still want to eat food that tastes good while on your weight loss journey?
Good news: this is very possible and easier than you think!
Many people who are thinking of starting a weight loss journey think to themselves, "I really want to lose weight, but what will I eat?!" You may already have a few healthy meals in mind that you really enjoy. But do the people in your household also really enjoy them? Maybe not--so let's try some new ideas.
Here are some healthy cooking ideas that even your family will enjoy:
1. Sneak blended veggies into pasta sauce.
2. Increase the use of fresh herbs and spices, and reduce the use of salt.
3. When cooking vegetables, swap oil with broth. It adds more flavor while being a healthier option.
4. If you do use oil, use extra virgin olive oil.
5. When making salads, include crunchy and colorful vegetables (such as cucumber, carrots, tomatoes, and bell peppers).
6. Add protein without adding fat by including beans and peas in soups and stews.
Struggling to find healthy meals that you actually WANT to eat isn't just a "you" problem--MANY people struggle to identify ways to eat healthier. But it's not just about meals; snacking is a great way to curb hunger throughout the day while maintaining energy levels. Snacking has a bad reputation, but it's a key component in weight loss, so don't be afraid to indulge!
Here are some healthy snack ideas:
1. Low-fat cheese cubes
2. Whole-grain crackers with peanut butter
3. Fruit with fat-free yogurt
4. Carrot sticks with hummus
Still not sure what to eat?
Even with these tips, tricks, and ideas on hand, you may still get stuck when deciding what to eat. That's understandable--so here are some more ways to help:
1. List out some recipes you enjoy that are familiar to you, or that you’ve tried before. Then list the ingredients needed for each of the recipes. Then, find recipes to try that also use these ingredients!
2. Be creative with substitutions. For example, try using lettuce to make lettuce wraps instead of bread for sandwiches, or swapping out ground beef for lean ground turkey for burgers or meatballs.
3. Try eating meals from cultures that use more whole grains and veggies, such as Indian or Mediterranean cuisines.
Key takeaway: You can lose weight while still eating meals that you and your family enjoy!
It involves some creativity, but it's very achievable! Keeping these ideas in mind will be a huge help while you develop a healthier eating habit, and you won't have to feel like your family has to "accommodate" you during meals. They can enjoy your healthy meals just as much as you do!
Feel free to implement these ideas at your own speed; healthy eating is not all-or-nothing, and your weight loss journey won't happen overnight. Even small steps toward healthier eating will empower you to keep going!
