It can be a challenge for people who are on a diet to prepare meals and snacks that are healthy, filling, and nutritious and will still help them lose weight. Many nutritionists suggest following meal plans for weight loss, low-calorie, low-fat, or low-carb diets, but following these plans exactly can become repetitive and tiring, and they don’t allow for much creativity in the kitchen. However, it’s possible to make your own meals and snacks while still staying true to your diet.
Brown Rice Stir Fry
Brown rice is far more beneficial nutritionally than white rice, and it has a chewier, nuttier texture that many people prefer. Because of the added fiber that brown rice has, you’ll likely feel fuller after eating less of it, and stay fuller for a longer time. Brown rice naturally goes well with fresh, stir-fried vegetables and a simple ginger sauce, peanut sauce, or low-sodium soy sauce.
Fresh Fruit Salad
When dieting and trying to eat healthfully, it should be a goal to eat as many whole, natural foods as possible. Fruits are an example of a whole food that is not processed and provides many natural vitamins and minerals in a ready-to-eat package. To prepare a dish with fresh fruits, slice up a variety of berries, tropical fruits, and apples or citrus fruits. Combine all of the fruits in a bowl, and eat with a portion with low-fat yogurt or cottage cheese when you need a snack.
Vegetable Soup
Broth-based soups are naturally low in calories and often contain a wide variety of fresh vegetables, which offer fiber, vitamins and minerals. Making your own vegetable or chicken broth will help cut down on the total sodium content of the soup. To prepared broth, add chopped fresh vegetables, an assortment of spices, and boiled chicken breast, tofu, beans, or lentils for protein. Let the soup simmer on low heat for several hours to give the flavors a chance to meld together.
Roast Fish
Roast halibut, salmon, tuna and other fish offer protein and essential fatty acids and boast a relatively low saturated fat content. As an added bonus, these fish pair well with many fresh or lightly cooked fruits and vegetables. To enjoy the protein and fat from the fish, and vitamins and minerals from vegetables, try serving fish with dark, leafy greens, steamed asparagus or broccoli, roasted root vegetables, or a sauted vegetable medley.
