Weight Loss Recipes

Happy YOU Year! Now’s the time to lose the weight and become your healthiest self. Whether you have significant weight to lose or just want to shed a few pesky pounds that showed up over the holidays, the new year is a great time to tackle your weight loss goals. Nothing says clean slate like tossing last year’s calendar in the trash and hanging up a brand new one.

But if you’re like most people, setting a goal and putting a plan into motion are two very different things. Even for those who get off to a good start, life can end up getting in the way. For a weight loss resolution, that could mean finding yourself reverting back to old eating habits or skipping workout sessions. Without structure and support, it can be really hard to keep working toward those healthy living goals.

Trust us; we get it. Here’s the good news: The Nutrisystem weight loss program was designed for people like you–people who want to lose weight but aren’t exactly sure the best way to go about doing it.

With Nutrisystem, you’ll be set up for success from day one. Research suggests that eating smaller, balanced meals throughout the day promotes greater weight loss and maintenance. On the Nutrisystem weight loss program, you’ll be doing just that. You’ll be eating a variety of guilt-free, nutrient-dense foods every two to three hours. Enjoy a mix of Nutrisystem breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks along with some of your favorite grocery add-ins like fruits and veggies.

And because we know that any weight loss meal plan that’s overly restrictive is bound to fail, we’ve also built Flex meals into our program. These are healthy meals you prepare at home (with our guidance!) or order while dining out. Flex meals give you the freedom you crave while keeping you moving along toward your weight loss goals.

And here’s the best part: Because everyone knows that weight loss isn’t always a one size fits all approach, Nutrisystem now offers personalized weight loss plans! With this option, you can receive a weight loss meal plan that’s tailored to YOU. It even adapts to your unique metabolism as you lose the weight!

Ready to start the clock? Click here to sign up today! >

Want a little more info before you take the pound-trimming plunge? Here’s everything you need to know about losing weight with Nutrisystem:

What You Get

We know how eager you are to see results after starting a weight loss program. That’s why we include our One-Week Reboot in your first shipment. This is a low-calorie meal plan for your first week on the program and is formulated to deliver fast weight loss results.*

• You will receive a specially designed Week 1 Guide to help maximize your weight loss.
• During your first week, you will eat Nutrisystem® breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks for all seven days. You can choose any meal or snack from your entire order to enjoy during this first week.
• You will receive seven Nutrisystem® shakes to use as your morning snack during this first week. These are packed with protein and probiotics to support digestive health and help shrink your belly as part of a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.

In addition to this first week meal plan, your shipment will include your Nutrisystem meals and snacks for the remainder of the month. If you selected our Basic package, you’ll get our most popular picks. If you opted for one of our other packages, your shipment will include the foods you hand-picked when ordering.

You’ll also have access to our awesome weight loss app, NuMi. NuMi is the perfect companion to your weight loss program since you can use it to track what you’re eating, how much you’re moving, how much water you’re drinking and more. And don’t forget to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages! We offer up tons of tips and tricks for navigating the program plus awesome giveaways and exclusive offers.

Of course, you’ll also want to check back here daily since The Leaf is your healthy hub! We are always adding fresh content, Flex meal recipes and fool-proof tips for making the most of your Nutrisystem weight loss program.

What You Do

During your first week, we keep it super simple. You will follow your Week 1 Guide and can choose from all of the Nutrisystem meals and snacks from your entire order. The Nutrisystem shakes will be your morning snack during this first week. The only things that you will have to add are non-starchy vegetables and water.

Every food item is color-coded so you know if it’s intended for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack. Since all of the food has been formulated to deliver weight loss results, you can feel free to choose any of the breakfast items from your order in the morning, any lunch that sounds appealing during your mid-day meal and any dinner you are in the mood for. You don’t have to stick with certain meals on certain days. This helps to ensure that this experience is an enjoyable one. After all, the best weight loss plan is the one you can stick with!

Once you’ve completed your first week (congrats!), you will continue losing weight with our Quick Start Guide and Nutrisystem meals and snacks. You’ll also start to add in a few of your favorite grocery foods (think fruits, veggies, nuts and nut butters, eggs, etc.). Plus, you’ll get to enjoy Flex meals–healthy meals you enjoy cooking at home or ordering out at your favorite restaurant. Don’t worry, we will give you all the guidance you need to make smart and healthy selections. That’s what our weight loss blog, The Leaf, is for! And get this; you can even relax with a glass of wine while on the Nutrisystem weight loss program.

Does it Work

One look at all of our awesome Success Stories and you’ll know; Nutrisystem works. And not in the quick fix, crash diet kind of way. Our customers tell us all the time that they love Nutrisystem because it’s a sustainable lifestyle after you lose the weight. Even when they’re ready for life after our weight loss program, they are successful because they’ve mastered the skills they need to eat healthy for life.

Are you ready to become our next weight loss success story? Click here to sign up! >

*In a study, avg weight loss was 5.4 lbs in the first week. The avg weight for the study participants was 207.3 lbs. Results vary based on starting weight and program adherence.

*Usage of this kit for more than one week in any consecutive 4-week period may lead to health complications and is not recommended. Please be sure to eat all of the food recommended for this program. Failure to follow the program protocol and eat all of the food recommended may involve developing serious health complications. If you have diabetes, are under 18 years of age, are pregnant or a nursing mother, or following a specialized diet for health issues, you may not use this kit. Please consult your physician before purchasing (or beginning) this kit.

The post New Year, New You! Lose the Weight with Nutrisystem appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/lose-the-weight-with-nutrisystem/

If you got an Instant Pot as a holiday gift—or if you went out and bought one for yourself—you’ll be happy to learn that you can make Nutrisystem-friendly meals in a snap using your new kitchen toy. According to the manufacturer, Instant Pot speeds up cooking by two to six times using up to 70 percent less energy.

The Instant Pot is the Swiss Army Knife of kitchen tools. It’s the next generation pressure cooker, but it also sautés and acts like a slow cooker, rice cooker, steamer, yogurt maker and a food warmer. If there’s ever an attachment that slices and dices or sends your shopping list to a grocery delivery service, you’ll be able to call it your own personal chef.

We’ve developed 11 delicious recipes that make good use of this versatile appliance:

1. Quick & Easy Pot Roast >

You can have this Sunday night special meal any old time since the Instant Pot makes it ultra-easy and quick to prepare. Loaded with flavor from garlic, Italian seasoning, onions and black pepper, it’s equally loaded with nutrients since you’re adding carrots and potatoes to the dish. This recipe calls for two pounds of lean beef, such as rump roast, eye of round or bottom round. The cooking method is what turns these normally tough cuts into tender, juicy morsels luxuriating in a rich tomato-laced gravy. Only 359 calories, this dish counts as one SmartCarb, two PowerFuels, one Vegetable and two Extras on the Nutrisystem program.

2. Simple and Spicy Instant Pot Carnitas >

Choose your protein—chicken, pork or beef—and add garlic, Mexican spice and fire-roasted tomatoes to your Instant Pot for instant, South-of-the-Border flavor. Avocado adds a dose of monounsaturated fat—the one that’s extra good for you—and this dish is garnished with pico de gallo and chopped cilantro. This recipe makes four, two-tortilla servings at just 306 calories per serving. On Nutrisystem, this Instant Pot recipe counts as two PowerFuels, one SmartCarb and one Extra.

3. Tomato Basil Frittata >

You’ll bounce out of bed to enjoy this egg-based breakfast made with cheddar cheese, tomatoes, spinach and hash browns that’s ready in just 20 minutes… And so will your entire family! This recipe makes enough for eight servings. Whatever you don’t eat, you can save for later in the week. One serving is only 115 calories and counts as one PowerFuel and one Extra.

4. Rotisserie Chicken >

With your Instant Pot, you don’t need a rotisserie, nor do you need to spend extra money to buy a ready-made chicken at the grocery store. All you have to do is use the “sauté” setting on the appliance, add one whole chicken, garlic powder, paprika, dried herbs (your choice) and some low-sodium chicken broth and olive oil. After the skin is golden brown, use your Instant Pot as a pressure cooker. Your “rotisserie” chicken will be done in 25 minutes! One two oz. serving of chicken is 116 calories and counts as one PowerFuel. Pair it with a large salad and a whole grain roll and your Flex meal is complete.

5. Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli Soup >

This soup is a hearty, satisfying, nutritious meal, bursting with flavor and warm comfort on a cold day. Don’t let the lengthy ingredients list daunt you. Once you get your veggies diced—or you get your already prepared vegetables out of the fridge—it takes no time to make. Imagine yourself sitting down to tuck into this steaming tomato-chicken broth-based soup rich with vegetables, beans, ditalini pasta and chicken, spiced with red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, pepper, thyme, bay leaves and rosemary. The recipe makes six servings, each 303 calories. On Nutrisystem, a serving counts as one PowerFuel, one Smart Carb, one Vegetable and one Extra.

6. Instant Pot Chicken Creole >

It’s easy to whip up this traditional dish from Louisiana’s Big Easy using the slow cooker setting of your Instant Pot. Six hours before you plan to eat, place one pound of boneless chicken breast in the pot with onions, minced garlic, bell peppers, carrots, tomato, Creole seasoning, some broth and cayenne pepper for a real bayou flavor. When it’s done, shred the chicken and serve over cooked brown rice. This recipe serves six. Each serving is 262 calories and counts as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel, one Vegetable and one Extra.

7. Instant Pot Salmon with Chili-Lime Sauce >

You’re going to wonder how anything that tastes this good can be good for you, but it is. Salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids that help douse dangerous inflammation in your body, which can contribute to heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s and arthritis. Salmon is also an excellent source of lean protein, as is the cup of chickpeas in this recipe, which are blended with raw vegetables such as zucchini, asparagus, bell peppers or broccoli. And did we mention Chili-Lime Sauce? That mix of chili powder, garlic, honey, lime juice and other flavorful ingredients makes the meal. The recipe makes two servings, and each clocks in at just 342 calories. One serving counts as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel, half a Vegetable and three Extras.

8. Easy Instant Pot Herb Roasted Potatoes >

In the world of side dishes, this delicious Instant Pot recipe reigns supreme. Imagine roasted potatoes done to perfection in seven minutes! You’ll need three cups of baby potatoes and a mix of herbs like thyme, rosemary, marjoram, oregano, some garlic powder and water. After sautéing briefly, use the pressure cooker setting to finish. Three cups of potatoes make six servings at 99 calories each. On Nutrisystem, this side counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra.

9. Instant Pot Key Lime Cheesecake >

This isn’t the only cheesecake on the Nutrisystem diet, but it might become your favorite. It’s a satisfying cream cheese-ricotta style cake with a kicked-up lime flavor thanks to two whole limes zested and juiced, and sweetened with stevia, an all-natural plant-based sweetener. You’ll need a mixer or a fork to work the ingredients together, but the rest is all Instant Pot. Best of all, this Instant Pot recipe is only 157 calories a serving and the recipe makes five servings, which each count as one PowerFuel and three Extras.

10. Instant Pot Rice Pudding >

 

It’s up to you what you want to call this. It could be breakfast, dessert or your afternoon snack. Made with brown rice, raw cranberries, skim milk, light coconut milk, with a sprinkle of cinnamon and stevia, this 152-calorie bowl of comfort counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra.

11. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps >

Buffalo chicken lover? You need to bookmark this recipe. Shredded buffalo chicken is cooked to perfection with this help of an instant pot and served atop a lettuce wrap for a spicy and hearty meal. Complete with a homemade blue cheese dressing, this diet-friendly instant pot recipe has all the flavors of your favorite buffalo chicken dish without the added calories!

The post 11 Instant Pot Recipes You Need to Try This Instant appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/instant-pot-recipes/

When it comes to losing weight, do you want to become unstoppable? Being unstoppable means becoming a force to reckon with. In terms of weight loss, it means not just losing weight early on in a program or plan but continually going until you meet your goal weight—and then maintaining it.

If you’ve ever started off really enthusiastic with a plan in the past, you know how good it can feel to forge ahead with commitment and willpower. But what if you could maintain that momentum for the long haul? You’d not only lose the weight but continue to keep it off.

The fact is even ordinary people are filled with extraordinary potential and can become unstoppable if they’re equipped with the right tools and support. So often, people have great intentions when they first start on any weight loss program. However, they lose steam because they were never set up for success in the first place. The best way to lose weight is to find support in a system that will keep you on track for the long term.

Nutrisystem is looking to change all of that with personalized weight loss plans that will set people up for success from the very start.

Let’s look at what that can mean in terms of turning your plans into an unstoppable force.

What is a personalized plan?

A personalized diet plan from Nutrisystem is exactly what it sounds like—a plan that is designed for YOU. The truth of the matter is that no two people are alike. How you are best equipped to lose weight might be completely different from your friends, coworkers and neighbors.

That’s why when someone boasts that a diet plan worked wonders for them, it doesn’t automatically mean it will work for you, too. If you’ve ever tried to hop onboard a plan that worked for someone else only to get less-than-satisfying results, this is exactly why.

Nutrisystem personalized plans are a new weight loss solution that tailors a plan to YOU. We create a plan for your unique metabolism to help you become unstoppable! This includes a calorie goal to support weight loss based on YOUR weight, height, gender, age and activity. We also recommend grocery additions that are best for you based on your age, gender and body type. As you move through your weight loss journey, your plan will adapt with you as you hit weight loss milestones.

With our all-new personalized programs, you’ll be able to feel confident that you’re making wise choices that you can feel good about. It eliminates that uncertainty and replaces it with actionable steps towards weight loss success. Learn more about how we create your personalized plan here! >

You’ll lose weight and learn how to keep it off (for good!).

By making healthy changes to your lifestyle and smart food choices, you’ll learn how to not only lose weight but to keep it off, too. That’s important because nothing is more frustrating than starting back at square one after all your hard work.

Because Nutrisystem is all about helping people to find foods they actually love to eat, success is simple to maintain. We provide you with an easy-to-follow meal plan and delicious foods for convenient weight loss. Throughout your journey, we’ll teach you how to make smart food choices at your favorite restaurants and prepare healthy meals and snacks on your own. This will ultimately set you up for continued, unstoppable success. Lose weight and learn how to keep it off with a plan that adapts to your unique metabolism!

As a result, it ends up that not just your weight changes—YOU change, too.

Once you take hold of that forward momentum, you just keep going. You’ll feel and look your best and you won’t slow down. It becomes part of your lifestyle—and smart choices for your body become easy.

With the tools and support you need for success, healthy living becomes part of your everyday life. In other words, YOU BECOME UNSTOPPABLE.

Nutrisystem can help make unstoppable success possible by being a simple and streamlined system. After getting started, you stay motivated and keep building on that momentum until you reach your weight loss goal. But Nutrisystem doesn’t just disappear when that happens. We’ll continue to provide the support you need to maintain your success.

The bottom line is simple—No matter what your size or shape, if you have a personalized plan that’s designed for you, you can become unstoppable.

Become unstoppable with a personalized weight loss plan from Nutrisystem. Click here to get started! >

The post Become Unstoppable with a Personalized Weight Loss Plan appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/unstoppable-personalized-weight-loss-plan/

The holidays sure do look a little different this year. However, you can still have some old fashioned family fun! If you’re home for the holidays, try some of these fun activities for a healthy holiday at home.

1. Bake some homemade goodies.

It just isn’t the holiday season without some homemade holiday treats! Grab your apron and whip up some healthy baked goods that fit into your Nutrisystem plan. Got a sweet tooth? Try these 16 healthy and easy holiday cookie recipes! > Looking for something a little more savory? Check out these 11 healthy bread recipes! > They’re so delicious, the whole family will want some.

2. Have a Christmas movie marathon and game night.

If you’re staying in with your family, you can celebrate the holiday with some classic holiday movies and board games. They are the perfect activities for family bonding! Looking for some healthy snacks to enjoy during your  movie marathon? The Leaf Weight Loss Blog has plenty of healthy ideas! Check out these nine festive treats that are healthy and easy to make. >

3. Build a gingerbread house.

Gingerbread is a holiday classic that we all love. If you’re staying home this holiday season, consider building a homemade gingerbread house with the family. Many stores even sell gingerbread house kits that are easy to assemble! Make it your own unique creation by adding in some sugar-free candies or holiday sprinkles. Looking for more gingerbread goodness? Try the healthy recipes below!:

• Instant Pot Gingerbread Cheesecake >
• Healthy Gingerbread Freezer Fudge >
• Coconut-Covered Gingerbread Bites >
• Whole Wheat Gingerbread Bundt Cake >

4. Play in the snow.

If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a white Christmas where you live, get outside and enjoy some fun winter activities this holiday! Get the kiddos out of the house and build a snowman, make snow angels or even have a snowball fight. Just don’t forget to bundle up!

5. Try some holiday crafts.

The internet is filled with creative holiday crafts that you can make with the family. A quick online search will provide loads of inspiration! From homemade Christmas tree ornaments and decorations to holiday gifts and cards, there is no shortage of ideas to try. As your kids get older, you’re sure to treasure them for years to come!

6. Sing Christmas carols or read a book by the fire.

Ahh, Christmas music. It just isn’t the holidays without the classic songs we all know and love. Get your family together and sing your favorite songs by the fire! You could even put on a virtual performance for the family and friends you aren’t able to see. Not into singing? Read some books or have a holiday family dance party instead!

The post Home for the Holidays? 6 Activities for a Healthy Holiday at Home appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/holiday-activities/

Chocolate and maple and pumpkin, oh my! The holidays are here—which means so are all of the sweets and food that come along with them. Just because you’ve made the decision to make healthier choices, doesn’t mean you have to deprive yourself of some of your favorite holiday snacks. That’s right, you can still enjoy sweet and savory desserts (think holiday fudge), all while staying on track with your diet plan.

We are here to tell you that you can have your holiday fudge and eat it, too. We have created the ultimate recipe book to include five holiday fudge recipes to satisfy a sweet tooth. These recipes are so simple, you’ll want to make each one at least once this holiday season! Whip them all up for a holiday get together, or pick out your favorite flavor to indulge in throughout the week. Whatever the case may be, one thing is certain—your sweet tooth is sure to be satisfied and your taste buds are sure to be thanking you.

So enjoy this printable recipe book as our gift to you this holiday season—and a perfect gift, indeed! Who doesn’t love a piece of fudge? Especially when the fudge is Nutrisystem-approved and the perfect sweet treat to satisfy all of your holiday cravings!

Click here to get your free printable recipe book featuring five holiday freezer fudge recipes! >

The post Printable Recipe Book: 5 Holiday Freezer Fudge Recipes to Satisfy a Sweet Tooth appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/holiday-fudge/

In winter, your daily brisk walk can quickly turn from “feel the burn” to “feel the brrrrr” as temperatures plummet. But don’t let a little cold stop you from doing winter workouts! Cold weather exercises may actually help you lose weight faster.

According to AccuWeather, “Regardless of exercise, studies have shown that being outside in cold weather can transform white fat, specifically belly and thigh fat, into calorie-burning beige or brown fat.” They explain that brown fat burns calories to generate heat and keep you warm. So try to get outside this winter, even just for some fresh air and a brisk walk!

The hardest part of winter workouts is the first few minutes you spend out in the cold. It’s like jumping into an unheated pool in early summer, before the sun has done its magic. You’re cold for a little while but as you move around, you literally get warmed up.

Of course, there are ways to exercise smartly and safely that will make your winter workouts pure enjoyment. Here are seven fitness tips to follow.

1. Wear layers.

You may want to put on that puffy down coat to handle the plunge into the cold, but you’re going to want to leave it by the roadside in short order. Outdoor winter workouts going to generate a lot of heat, so you’ll feel much warmer than the thermometer would have you think. You’re going to sweat and when that sweat evaporates, you’re going to feel colder again, says Mayo Clinic. That’s why they recommend a series of layers that you can easily remove and add will take care of that. Start with a base layer made of polypropylene which will wick sweat away from your body. (Cotton does just the opposite.) Add a jacket that’s made of wool or fleece, then an outer waterproof layer that’s breathable, so you aren’t trapping sweat inside. Experiment to see what combo works best for you.

2. Protect your extremities.

Unfortunately, exercise doesn’t generate much heat for your head, ears, hands or feet. According to Harvard Health Publishing, it’s all concentrated in your core. Mayo Clinic recommends a headband to protect your ears, a hat for your head, gloves for your hands and warm socks for your feet. Think layers for gloves, too. Start with a thin sweat-wicking polypropylene glove covered by wool or fleece gloves or mitten that you can pull off and on. If it’s really cold, wear thermal socks on your feet and consider a ski mask, scarf or balaclava for your face and head.

3. Get colorful.

Consider wearing bright colored outerwear or reflective gear. It’s not only cold in the winter, it can be pretty dark. You want motorists, cyclists and winter sports enthusiasts on the same trail to be able to see you.

4. Apply sunscreen.

It’s not just to protect you from the hot rays of summer sun. The winter sun can burn you too, particularly if there’s snow on the ground which reflects the sun’s UV rays.

5. Stay hydrated.

According to Nutritional Needs In Cold And In High-Altitude Environments, military studies of soldiers in arctic climates have found that you can lose as much if not more body fluid in cold weather as in hot. For one thing, cold weather exercising can make you sweat which can lead to fluid loss. You also lose fluid when you’re breathing. Plus, you’re more likely to not replace the fluid you’re losing when you exercise in the cold because you don’t feel the same thirst sensation you do when it’s warmer. Keep a water bottle with you and drink even if you don’t feel thirsty.

6. Keep an eye on the temp.

You can risk frostbite if the temperature drops to low or if the wind chill makes it feel that cold. “At wind chill levels below minus 18 F (minus 28 C), frostbite can occur on exposed skin in 30 minutes or less,” according to experts at Mayo Clinic. Likewise, hypothermia—an abnormally low body temperature—is also a risk. The symptoms of hypothermia include exhaustion, shivering, fumbling hands, confusion, memory loss and slurred speech, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can occur when temperatures are very low, but also if it’s warmer (above 40 F) but you’re chilled from rain, snow or sweat. Hypothermia is a medical emergency.

7. Warm up your muscles.

Cold weather plus cold muscles is a recipe for injury. Static stretching should be avoided. You want to do some simple, dynamic stretches and moves that wake up your joints and get your blood flowing. Do a few arm swings and circles, high steps or lunges before you start out, says experts at Harvard Health Publishing.

Pair your winter workouts with a convenient meal delivery service! Get started with Nutrisystem today >

The post 7 Winter Workout Tips for Cold Weather Exercise appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/winter-workouts-tips-for-cold-weather-exercise/