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27 of the Best Healthy Salad Recipes For Any Meal

Blog, Cooking Advice, Food, healthy lunch, healthy meals, healthy salad recipes, Meal Prep + Plans /

27 of the Best Healthy Salad Recipes For Any Meal There’s nothing more nutritious than a bright, healthy salad recipe loaded with veggies and colorful, crunchy goodness! These are some of the healthy salad recipes that I make on repeat in my house (and for good reason).  Of course, salads don’t all have to be leafy greens—plenty of alternative salads make for great side dishes, such as at a BBQ alongside my favorite grilled foil packets or for a quick lunch.  Here are 27 of my favorite healthy salad recipes that are nutritious, filling, and, of course—delicious! 1. Apple Manchego Salad (Café Lurcat Copycat) This simple salad is quick to make and super refreshing. It contains just five ingredients: crunchy apples, sharp Manchego cheese, spicy chives, olive oil, and lemon juice. Add nuts, dried fruit, or different cheeses if you feel like switching it up! 2. Healthy Teriyaki Salmon Salad (15 Minute Recipe!) In need of healthy, easy salads? Give this teriyaki salmon salad a try! It’s loaded with broiled salmon, carrots, almonds, and a quick, zesty teriyaki dressing. Not only is this salad delicious, but it’s also a great way to sneak in plenty of nutrients. 3. Healthy Cobb Salad Who doesn’t love a good Cobb salad? If you love the combination of flavors but want to skip the calories found in the typical creamy dressing, my zingy homemade dijon vinaigrette is the perfect alternative. This healthy Cobb salad is loaded with colorful veggies and protein-packed edamame, chicken, hard-boiled eggs, and turkey.  4. Wild Rice Salad with Chicken The fresh flavors in this healthy wild rice salad will have you making it over and over again! Chicken, pecans, and cranberries are tossed in a tangy dressing made with Dijon mustard, rice vinegar, and lemon. The wild rice makes a nice alternative to white or brown rice if you’re looking to add more whole grains to your diet. 5. Orzo Kale Salad Yep—delicious, healthy pasta salad recipes are a thing! This incredibly tasty orzo kale salad features crunchy nuts, parmesan, and a lemon vinaigrette. (Who knew kale and pasta couple make one of the best salad recipes out there?) Serve this Mediterranean-inspired salad warm or cold, as a side dish, or add protein and make it a main meal. It holds up well in the fridge, making it a great option for packed lunches for work or school! 6. Southwest Quinoa Salad Quinoa is a plant-based protein packed with nutrients, making this Southwest quinoa recipe a superfood salad! Just one cup of cooked quinoa has 8 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber, and all nine essential amino acids. This salad features black beans, avocado, spices like chili powder and cumin, and the bright flavors of crisp bell pepper. Switch it up by adding cherry tomatoes, green onion, chicken, or ground beef! 7. Pear, Walnut & Gorgonzola Salad This pear, walnut & gorgonzola salad recipe is the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and salty. We paired fresh pears with fresh greens, fennel, blackberries, and fennel. Depending on the time of year, you can easily swap some of the ingredients to fit what you have on hand.  8. Crunchy Thai Chicken Quinoa Salad with Peanut Dressing (GF + DF) Salad is my go-to lunch choice for healthy eating, so I knew this quinoa salad would hit the spot! Make this Thai chopped salad for a potluck or prep it for healthy lunches all week long. You can also make this a vegetarian dish by skipping the chicken. 9. Wild Rice Salad With Walnuts And Orange (+ Video) Wild rice has a rich, nutty flavor and is high in protein but low in fat. It’s a popular gluten-free option and offers great nutritional properties. The walnuts, oranges, and red wine vinaigrette dressing make this salad exceptionally delicious and light! The best part? It’s super easy to make. 10. Crunchy Detox Kale Salad This crunchy detox kale salad is one of my go-to healthy recipes! It’s simple enough for a healthy side dish at dinner but delicious enough for a packed work lunch. It’s a vegan and gluten-free salad that offers plenty of detoxifying ingredients, such as carrots, lemon, pomegranate seeds, and green apple. 11. Kale Butternut Squash Salad with Almonds and Goat Cheese The savory flavors of this fall-inspired salad can be enjoyed all year long! Fresh ingredients like roasted butternut squash, kale, almonds, goat cheese, and dried cranberries topped with a citrus vinaigrette make for a delicious and healthy main dish. 12. Grilled Golden Beet Salad With Quinoa and Citrus Dressing This golden beet salad made with quinoa and a citrus dressing is so flavor-packed, nutritious, and beautiful to boot. I absolutely love beets. They are one of my favorite foods, so when I spy the beautiful and less common golden beet at the farmer’s market or grocery store, I get really excited to make this 13. Berry Arugula Salad Adding sweet fruit to any salad is bound to make it even more delicious! This arugula salad does just that by adding berries and a tart strawberry dressing. It’s one of those everyday salads that can be served alongside dinner or as a big bowl for a potluck or family gathering. 14. Beet Salad with Cucumber, Mint, & Feta If beets typically aren’t your thing, give this recipe a shot! The spiralized roasted beets are the perfect addition to fresh cucumber, mint, and Feta cheese. I use candies walnut pieces for extra protein and crunch, along with Brianna’s brand Blush Wine Vinaigrette. (But any vinaigrette you have will do!) 15. Grilled Caesar Salad This Caesar salad recipe is a fun twist on the classic version! Here, you’ll grill the romaine hearts along with your favorite protein, such as fish or chicken. I use my homemade rub and Casar dressing recipe, so you get the traditional Caesar salad taste without any of the seed oils or other additives typically found in store-bought dressings. 16. Asian Noodle Edamame Salad with Peanut Dressing My Asian noodle edamame salad is packed with tons of healthy, crunchy veggies like red pepper, carrots, purple cabbage, and

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25 Healthy Low Calorie Meals That Fill You Up

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25 Healthy Low Calorie Meals That Fill You Up Use my filling low calorie meals to pack your day with nutrients and flavor, all while staying on track with your health goals! There’s often a great divide between the word “healthy” and “filling” when it comes to food. One of the scariest myths about eating better is that, along with giving up the foods we love, we’ll be hungry all the time. Thankfully, that’s not the case! There are so many healthy, filling recipes that satisfy your taste buds without packing a ton of calories. Whether it’s savory chili or a comforting shepherd’s pie (yes, really!), you don’t have to sacrifice your fullness for the sake of healthiness. The following are 25 of my favorite healthy lunch or dinner meals that are low in calories and packed with deliciously healthy ingredients.  1. Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup There’s nothing more comforting than a steaming bowl of nutritious soup—especially when we’re talking about this golden turmeric chickpea chicken soup! It’s packed with flavor and antioxidants, thanks to the turmeric and ginger. Add in boneless skinless chicken breasts, chickpeas, chicken broth, onions, carrots, celery, and spices, coconut milk, and boom—talk about a hearty bowl of deliciousness.  As a bonus, this soup also freezes well in case you want to make it ahead of time! 2. Healthy Shrimp Alfredo Good news—even traditional Alfredo can be made into a healthy dinner! This version of the classic Alfredo sauce skips the heavy cream and uses low-fat milk and a bit of cream cheese, and swaps pasta for zucchini noodles. Top with a hearty serving of tender shrimp, and this dish may change the way you think about pasta! (In a good way, of course.) 3. Wild Rice Salad with Chicken This healthy wild rice salad with chicken, pecans, and cranberries is tossed in a tangy dressing made with dijon mustard, rice vinegar, and lemon juice. Who knew healthy eating could be this delicious? If vegan recipes are more your style, no problem—simply skip the chicken and use maple syrup instead of honey for the dressing. 4. Healthy Eggplant Parmesan The classic eggplant parmesan, while tasty, can be pretty heavy since it’s higher in fat and calories. So, we’ve lightened it up by baking the eggplant slices (rather than frying), using lower fat mozzarella and parmesan cheese, and topping it with delicious marinara sauce. These simple swaps help make this dish healthier than the original but still packed with flavor! 5. Low Calorie Southwestern Chicken Soup This low-calorie southwestern chicken soup recipe has been a family favorite in my house for two decades! With less than 10 ingredients, this simple soup is sure to become a staple in your house, too. It’s also a great way to sneak veggies and fiber into your diet! I love adding shredded zucchini, diced onion, sliced green or red peppers, corn, and even canned pumpkin.  As for toppings? Sour cream, cilantro, shredded cheese, tortilla chips, sliced jalapeño pepper, green onions, or lime wedges all make perfect additions. You can double this recipe and prepare portions into airtight containers for an easy meal any day of the week! 6. Easy Hamburger Soup with Potatoes This hamburger soup recipe is simple, inexpensive, and hearty! It’s family-friendly and full of veggies, lean ground beef (or turkey), potatoes, tomato sauce, seasonings, macaroni (or  brown or white rice), and a little Worcestershire sauce. Simmer all day in the slow cooker or prepare in 35 minutes or less on the stovetop. 7. Healthy White Chicken Chili The secret to making this white chicken chili extra creamy without butter or cream cheese (where the calories typically come from in this dish) is to puree cooked cauliflower and a can of white beans. It adds tons of creaminess without a lot of added fat, and you can sneak in an extra serving of veggies! This chili recipe is simple to make as a midweek meal for the family or to feed a crowd on game day. For a tangy kick, top it with Greek yogurt! 8. Orzo Kale Salad It doesn’t get much better than this orzo and kale salad! This veggie-based orzo salad recipe features fresh, colorful veggies and a light, zesty lemon dressing. The roasted almonds add a flavorful crunch and bonus — you get a ton of nutrients from the heart-healthy kale. 9. Tuscan Tomato Soup If you are looking for a hearty and creamy tomato soup without the need for heavy cream, you’ll love this Tuscan tomato soup! Use chicken stock or vegetable broth for the base, onion, garlic, and carrot for added flavor, and chickpeas for extra plant-based protein and texture. There’s no need to wait for a cold day to make this soup — you’ll crave it all year round! 10. Turkey Chili Need to cut back on your saturated fat intake? Ground turkey is a great (and heart-healthy) substitute for ground beef. Our turkey chili recipe features fiber-rich black beans, fresh veggies, canned tomatoes, and plenty of seasoning. You can make this healthy recipe on the stove in around 30 minutes or let it simmer all day in the slow cooker.  11. Shepherd’s Pie with Sweet Potato Topping Our variation on the ever-comforting shepherd’s pie is a great addition to a healthy lifestyle! It features sweet potatoes instead of mashed potatoes and is packed with protein and fiber. With seasoned ground beef, herbs like rosemary and thyme, and plenty of veggies, you’ll get a delicious, hearty meal without boosting your calorie intake. 12. Southwest Quinoa Salad Did you know one cup of cooked quinoa offers around 8 grams of protein and 5 grams of fiber? Quinoa is a plant-based, whole-grain superfood that offers plenty of health benefits—and it’s the star of this dish! Add in black beans, veggies like red onion and bell pepper, lime juice, and seasonings, and you’ll love this zesty, colorful salad.  13. Stuffed Zucchini Boats Stuffed zucchini boats are low-carb, gluten-free, protein-filled, and kid-friendly! There are plenty of ingredient substitutions to make them your own, whether you want a “pizza,” “taco,” or

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6 Healthy Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss

Blog, Cooking Advice, Food, Meal Prep + Plans, Nutrition /

6 Healthy Smoothie Recipes for Weight Loss Enjoy these simple and healthy smoothie recipes for weight loss packed with delicious, fresh ingredients that will satisfy your hunger and keep you energized! If you’re looking to shed those extra pounds in a delicious way, smoothies are an excellent addition to your weight loss journey. Offering plenty of health benefits, smoothie recipes are an easy and convenient way to incorporate a variety of fruits, vegetables, and other nutritious ingredients into your diet. Weight loss smoothies can help control cravings, provide essential nutrients, and contribute to your overall wellness. Packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, these five delicious smoothie recipes can help you reach your goals while satisfying your taste buds. Healthy Mixed Berry Smoothie This healthy mixed berry smoothie is made with simple ingredients like unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, non-fat greek yogurt and chia seeds. It’s rich in fiber and protein and helps keep you feeling full all morning long! One way I like to sneak in a bit of extra fiber in smoothies is with oats. (That’s right, oats aren’t just for oatmeal!) The oats blend up small with the rest of the smoothie ingredients so you hardly notice them in this mixed berry smoothie recipe. Want to sneak in some veggies, too? Add in some leafy greens like a handful of fresh baby spinach or kale. If you’re looking for a sweeter fruit smoothie without a bunch of added sugar, you can include maple syrup, honey, a frozen banana, or any other healthier sweetener. Strawberry Peanut Butter Smoothie This simple strawberry peanut butter smoothie tastes almost like a sippable PB&J! I love that this delicious smoothie recipe is packed with protein and antioxidants — but made with simple ingredients. To ensure your fruity smoothie actually keeps you full until lunchtime, make sure to include some fiber and plenty of protein. Bump up the protein in this smoothie by using Greek yogurt and your favorite protein powder. Peanut butter (or almond butter) is also a great way to make a smoothie more filling since it has both healthy fats and protein. Need it vegan or dairy-free? Use a plant-based milk, yogurt, and protein powder. Soy milk and pea protein milk are the highest in plant-based protein. Green Protein Smoothie This green protein smoothie recipe combines nutrient-packed kale, frozen mango, and almond milk. It’s high-protein (thanks to our favorite protein powder) and packed with vitamins. This low calorie green smoothie recipe will definitely give your body a kickstart. It’s like a tastier version of a protein shake, making it a great breakfast smoothie option! I like to sip on this smoothie alongside some toast for a pre- or post-workout snack. The mango and banana add just the right amount of natural sweetness so there’s no need for added sugar. Healthy Coffee Smoothie Coffee smoothies give you the sweet flavors you enjoy with filling nutrients that will keep you satisfied! Instead of drinking your coffee, why not make it a smoothie instead? This caffeinated smoothie is made with almond milk, brewed coffee, frozen banana, vanilla protein powder, almond butter, and cinnamon. It the perfect way to start your day! Cashew Banana Smoothie Peanut butter is often my go-to nut butter for smoothies, but I wanted to change things up. Cashew butter is just as flavorful and packed with protein heart healthy fats. This smoothie is also a great source of potassium — an essential electrolyte that plays an important role in a multitude of body functions including muscle contraction and blood pressure regulation. Many Americans struggle to get enough potassium in their diet, but sipping on this cashew banana smoothie will get you 12% of the daily value! Tropical Smoothie Bowl Add some sunshine to your morning by whipping up this tropical smoothie bowl recipe made with mango, pineapple, and banana. This easy recipe provides plenty of vitamin C and gets a boost of filling protein from a scoop of our favorite protein powder. To make a smoothie into a “bowl,” the key is thickness. So before you add extra almond milk, give it a chance to blend up! I love pouring it into a bowl because it feels like I’m eating something hearty. It’s a delicious option for a healthy breakfast! As for the toppings? (Arguably the best part!) Try coconut chips, flax seeds, hemp hearts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, granola, cereal, fresh fruit (such as blueberries, raspberries, mango chunks or strawberries), nuts, or nut butter. How Can Smoothies Help You Lose Weight? When it comes to weight loss, incorporating smoothies into your healthy eating routine can be a game-changer! Not only are they delicious and refreshing, but they also offer plenty of benefits that support your weight loss journey. Here’s how weight loss smoothie recipes can help you reach your weight loss goals: Control Cravings: Smoothies can help you satisfy your hunger and control cravings by providing a nutrient-dense and filling option. Increase Nutrient Intake: Smoothies allow you to pack in a variety of nutrient-rich ingredients by blending fruits, vegetables, and other superfoods. You can easily increase your intake of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting weight loss. Support Overall Wellness: In addition to aiding weight loss, smoothies can contribute to your overall health and well-being. They can help boost your energy levels, improve digestion, and enhance your immune system. By incorporating smoothies into your daily routine, you can feel more energized and motivated to maintain a healthy lifestyle! Can Meal Replacement Smoothies Help With Weight Loss? Swapping out a meal for a healthy smoothie can certainly help with weight loss.(And the above recipes offer some great choices!) Meal replacement smoothies allow you to monitor your calorie intake easily. By carefully selecting the ingredients, you can create a smoothie that aligns with your specific calorie needs and supports your weight loss efforts. Since our healthy smoothies are packed with essential nutrients like fruits, vegetables, protein sources, and healthy fats, they ensure a well-rounded meal replacement. They can also save

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Easy Shredded Chicken Recipes With A Healthy Twist

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Easy Shredded Chicken Recipes With A Healthy Twist Discover nutritious and delicious healthy shredded chicken recipes perfect for easy meals. Quick to make, these dishes are guaranteed to satisfy! Shredded chicken is one of the most versatile ingredients to use in a variety of recipes. Whether you cook and shred chicken yourself or use a store-bought rotisserie chicken, it’s a great healthy protein to always have on hand. (Leftover chicken for the win!) Cooking meat is often the most time-consuming part of a meal, but when you have shredded chicken ready to go, it can cut your prep time in half. (Making it a convenient weeknight dinner!) It’s a snap to add to your favorite dishes, whether you’re craving chicken noodle soup, chicken enchiladas, or a chicken casserole. If you’re looking for a quick and healthy meal that satisfies your cravings, try any of these shredded chicken recipes. I promise, you’ll want to make them time and time again! Healthy White Chicken Chili I love a rich and creamy bowl of white chicken chili! That’s why I created this easy and healthier version that skips the cream cheese. Chicken, jalapeno, green chiles, cauliflower, and white beans are the stars of this deliciously creamy chicken chili. Healthy Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl Skip the long lines at Chipotle and make this healthy chipotle chicken bowl recipe at home! With minimal cooking time, it only takes about 30 minutes to make. It’s low-calorie comfort food you can customize with all of your favorite toppings, like diced tomatoes, jalapeno slices, Monterey jack cheese, and more. Low-Calorie Southwestern Chicken Soup Packed with flavor, this lower-calorie southwestern chicken soup recipe has been a family favorite in my house for two decades! With less than 10 ingredients, including a blend of spices and tasty veggies, this simple and gluten-free soup is sure to become a staple in your house, too. Top with shredded cheese, crispy tortilla strips or chips, and jalapeno for a kick. Wild Rice Salad with Chicken Change up your salad routine with this healthy wild rice salad with chicken, pecans, and cranberries! It’s tossed in a tangy dressing made with Dijon mustard, rice vinegar, and lemon to brighten things up. Golden Turmeric Chicken Soup There’s nothing more comforting than warming up with a steaming bowl of nutritious soup like this golden turmeric chickpea chicken soup. It is packed with flavor as well as flu-fighting antioxidants thanks to the turmeric and ginger, so bring on cold and flu season! Quick and Easy Chicken, Bean and Rice Burrito with Avocado Lime Spread This burrito recipe is the very definition of quick and easy thanks to a few simple shortcuts. I use leftover shredded chicken, along with Trader Joe’s frozen pre-cooked brown rice packets that pop in the microwave. Simply mix everything together in a bowl, stuff it into tortillas, roll, and grill! Chicken Quesadilla (With Black Beans & Acorn Squash) One of everyone’s favorite Mexican foods — the chicken quesadilla! This recipe adds black beans and your choice of acorn squash or sweet potatoes. Plus, we’re swapping out the traditional white flour tortilla with a whole wheat tortilla for added fiber. Perfect for an appetizer at a party, or lunch at home. Copycat Trader Joe’s Curry Chicken Salad If you’ve ever had Trader Joe’s curry chicken salad, you know its cool and creamy goodness makes it a fan favorite. And now we’ve made the perfect copycat recipe that you can make yourself! This chicken salad has fewer calories because we swap the mayo for yogurt. You also have the control to make it even lighter—choose celery instead of carrots, cilantro instead of green onion, or whatever you prefer! Curry Chicken Lettuce Wraps These easy chicken lettuce wraps are filled with a delicious and creamy curry chicken salad. The cashews add a nice, sweet crunch that offsets the stronger, spicier flavors of the curry powder!  Not to mention, lettuce makes a wonderful and low-carb substitution for white or even whole wheat wraps or bread. Skipping the bread in these wraps saves at least 100 calories! Benefits of Eating Shredded Chicken Shredded chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue in the body. (Not to mention, it keeps you feeling full for longer.) Shredded chicken is also low in saturated fat, making it a heart-healthy option that can help you maintain a healthy weight. Another great benefit? Its versatility! You can use shredded chicken in a wide range of cuisines, from Asian to Mexican, and a variety of dishes, including chicken tacos, BBQ chicken, chicken salad, nachos, buffalo chicken, alfredo, lettuce wraps, and even pizza! Whether it’s a crockpot, instant pot, or stovetop recipe, shredded chicken’s mild flavor makes it a perfect candidate for incorporating different sauces and spices (especially chicken-friendly options like paprika and garlic powder) to create unique flavor combinations. How To Meal Prep for Shredded Chicken Recipes Before you dive into making of these amazing recipes, I wanted to share a super easy way to make shredded chicken at home if you prefer to do it yourself: Place some boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs in a pot and season with salt and pepper. You can also add other herbs and spices depending on what recipes you’ll use the chicken in. Cover with water (or chicken broth, if preferred) about an inch higher than the chicken. Bring to a low simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer. Chicken is cooked at 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Remove the cooked chicken from the water and shred it by using two forks to pull it apart. Better yet, try this new chicken shredding tool I found! (It’s a game changer.) Chicken Shredder Machine, Shredding Tool, Meat Shredder with Handles Check Price We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Now that you know how to make homemade shredded chicken, you can include it in any

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10 Expert Tips to Lose Weight Without Dieting

Blog, Body Positivity, Dietary Trends, Food, Healthy Living, Meal Prep + Plans, Nutrition, Women's Health /

10 Expert Tips to Lose Weight Without Dieting Discover expert strategies to lose weight without dieting! Embrace these simple lifestyle changes to achieve your weight loss goals. Are you tired of counting calories and following strict diets to lose weight? As a personal trainer, the only diet I will ever suggest is this: healthy lifestyle changes. Losing weight doesn’t have to be a daunting task if you focus on simple but powerful lifestyle changes. To lose weight you need to: Make better food choices to nourish your body Eliminate processed foods Eat in a calorie deficit There are a million diets out on the internet that don’t work because they are typically super restrictive and hard to maintain for a long period of time. ` Instead of focusing on fad diets, I’m going to walk you through expert tips and strategies to help you achieve your weight loss goals in an approachable way. By implementing simple changes you can effectively lose weight without feeling deprived. Keep reading for my top 10 tips! Table of contents Understanding the Basics of Weight Loss 10 Simple Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting 1. EDIT Your Food Choices 2. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle Mindset 3. Use the 80/20 Rule 4. Watch Your Portions 5. Eat More Protein 6. Eat More Fiber Rich Foods 7. Use a Calorie Tracking App 8. Drink More Water 9. Move Your Body More 10. Get More Sleep FAQ Understanding the Basics of Weight Loss Weight loss can seem like an overwhelming task, but it all comes down to consuming fewer calories than your body needs. By doing so, your body taps into its stored body fat for energy, leading to weight loss. While diets are often centered around elimination of food groups, fasting, and special supplements,, there are alternative approaches you can take to lose weight while still enjoying your favorite foods. Here are a few of the key takeaways for understanding the basics of how weight loss works: Reducing portion sizes can help prevent weight gain and promote weight loss. Focusing on consuming nutrient-dense foods can be more impactful than specific diets. Practicing mindful eating can help avoid overeating. Staying hydrated throughout the day can help reduce cravings and boost metabolism. Regular physical activity, such as strength training, walking or dancing, can help burn calories and increase muscle tone. 10 Simple Ways to Lose Weight Without Dieting If you are tired of the weight loss roller coaster and you want to shed pounds for good, you are not alone. In fact, nearly 1 in 3 adults are overweight. Weight loss journeys can be an incredibly frustrating process, especially if you’re focusing on the wrong things. These are my favorite tips for successful weight loss (without the dieting!): 1. EDIT Your Food Choices Rearrange those four letters in the word “diet” and “edit” what you eat instead. Editing means making better food choices, being smarter about what you will eat, what you will eat less of, and what you might cut out altogether. It’s about gradual changes and mindful eating. Not crazy elimination diets, or intermittent fasting, or tedious counting calories. It’s about feeling in control of what you eat. Not saying you are on a diet, but rather making better choices to help improve your overall health. When you make smarter food choices, you end up naturally eating fewer unhealthy foods. This will ultimately reduce your overall calorie intake. Think of your strategy as meal planning or clean eating, not dieting. You will find that your relationship with food and your choices become a lot easier when you ditch the diet mentality! 2. Embrace a Healthy Lifestyle Mindset Accept that successful weight loss takes time. Remember, it’s a process and you’ll need to have patience and a positive mindset. Make your ‘why’ for eating healthy about deeper more meaningful things. Reducing blood sugar, reducing cortisol, improving cholesterol and blood pressure are all great examples. But your why should be unique to you! Remember that how you feel is a direct correlation to what you put in your mouth. Food is fuel and what you eat and the nutrients you get or don’t get into your body will affect how you feel, think, and act everyday. The best weight loss plans are foiled when the only motivation is weight loss. Make it about deeper reasons and think about how healthy eating can improve every aspect of your life. 3. Use the 80/20 Rule Use the 80/20 rule when it comes to eating. Eat healthy 80% of the time and give yourself 20% wiggle room. Some days you will do better than other days, and that’s perfectly okay. You don’t have to become the perfect clean-eating human. Each day try and get more of your choices to favor your health. If you have a bad day, wake up tomorrow and reset your mindset. Lean your life toward healthier choices. Be compassionate and kind to yourself when you make less-than-stellar choices. Skip the mentality of “I’m on a diet or I’m not.” Super restrictive diets have been proven not to last. The 80/20 rule is about moderation not perfection. 4. Watch Your Portions Weight gain and weight loss is an energy equation. Yes, that’s simplified, but if you take in too many calories—more than your body needs or can burn—you will gain weight. To lose weight steadily and keep it off, you need to eat fewer calories and watch your portion sizes. So what’s the difference between portions and servings? A portion is how much food you choose to eat. A serving is a standard amount (or guideline) used by food companies to identify how much to eat, as well as the calories and nutritional content in your food. Think about it, one of your portions could be several servings! They key to weight loss may be not having to eliminate your favorite foods, but just to eat less food overall. Take a nod from one of my favorite authors,

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