Weight Loss Recipes

One good thing to come out of the pandemic is that it forced us all to tiptoe out of our comfort zones a little. We tried new things because the old things were simply not an option any more.

You’ve probably discovered that some of those new things are paying off in ways you never dreamed of. For example, if you gave up your weekly in-person grocery shop for ordering your food and essentials online, you may not give it up once food shopping doesn’t require a mask and a squirt of hand sanitizer.

The convenience of online grocery shopping can’t be beat: All your groceries and essential items, delivered right to your door or placed in your car curbside. The only way that could be better is if your supermarket sent staff to also put everything away.

If you’re a Nutrisystem member, you already know how great it is to have a week’s worth of meals just show up at your front door. It gives you the gift of time.

And if you’re committed to weight control and healthy eating, you’ve probably discovered some other surprising benefits to online grocery shopping. Check out five of our favorite reasons to try it today!

1. You aren’t tempted by junk food.

In one small study done at the University of Albany, online grocery shoppers who were normally impulse buyers bought the same healthy, nutritious food as people who weren’t impulsive when they used an online shopping service. One reason, say the researchers: You have to do more planning to shop online and think more about your choices than if you’re strolling through the store and just grabbing things that look good to you.¹

2. You’re more likely to plan meals and make lists.

It’s so convenient to use your list to search for the foods that you’ll need that week. Plus, you don’t have to worry about having to put anything back that you decide you really don’t need or want. You can also check to make sure that you have everything you need for that great recipe you found on The Leaf.²

3. You save money.

Have you ever come home from grocery shopping to discover that you bought a pound of grapes when you already had a pound in the produce bin? Have you ever struggled to find room in your spice cabinet for that large container of cinnamon you actually didn’t need?

If you’re shopping online, you can double check that you’re not buying something you already have. And since many online services let you see your totals as you go along, you’ll be more likely to stick to your budget. Waste also costs you money. American families spend an estimated $1,600 on produce a year that winds up in the garbage.²

4. You don’t fall into supermarket traps.

And there are many of them which encourage you to buy things that might not be good for you and trick you into spending more money. Have you ever noticed in the produce section that markets tend to pair something healthy like strawberries with shortcakes or pound cake and whipped cream? Or that you can pretty much always find chips with soda?

That’s the store’s “power of suggestion” technique to entice you into buying more. That’s the same reason the bakery scents waft throughout the store and you find tables here and there where you can try free samples.³ Many markets are now throwing tantalizing suggestions and discounts on their online shopping pages,⁴ but they may be easier to resist from the comfort of your home than they are in the store.

5. The kids don’t bully you into buying diet no-nos.

When shopping alone at your computer, you never have to deal with “cereal box psychology”—the placement of sugary products covered in colorful cartoon characters on shelves at a child’s eye level.³

Need some help making good food decisions? Follow these tips to make it a cinch:

• Pick what Flex meals you’re going to make for the week. Browse The Leaf for recipes and decide what looks good to you.
• Check your fridge and pantry for ingredients and write down whatever you’re going to need. Use that list to do your weekly shop.
• Take the virtual aisle-by-aisle stroll through the supermarket in Nutrisystem’s handy Grocery Guide . You’ll learn what products to put in your virtual cart and which to skip. For example, in the canned goods aisle, load your cart with canned beans—the fiber and protein should make them your diet go-to. They’re easier than dried beans because they cook up instantly rather than requiring a long soak. In the freezer aisle, steer clear of veggies that come with sauces or flavorings, and pick the frozen fruit (think smoothies!) with no sugar added. Over in produce, pick a rainbow of fruits and vegetables. The chemicals that give them their color also give them special health benefits.
• Since you won’t have easy access to nutritional labels, look for foods that you know are lower in sodium, fat, cholesterol and sugar yet high in fiber and protein. Use your Nutrisystem tools—particularly your Grocery Guide—to make healthy choices.

Sources:

1. https://www.livescience.com/60072-online-grocery-shopping-reduces-impulsiveness.html
2. https://www.diabetesfoodhub.org/articles/surprising-benefits-of-online-grocery-shopping.html
3. https://cspinet.org/protecting-our-health/nutrition/unhealthy-checkout/8-ways-supermarkets-make-you-buy-more
4. https://www.zmescience.com/science/news-science/online-grocery-11012020/

The post 5 Good Reasons to Start Online Grocery Shopping appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/benefits-online-grocery-shopping/

Reality TV personalities, Julie Chrisley and Dorinda Medley have joined entertainer and longtime Nutrisystem ambassador, Marie Osmond in the new Nutrisystem “Real Talk” commercial. The three women are certainly keeping it real and speaking candidly about their success with Nutrisystem’s high protein, science-backed plan and why it works for them.

Get inspired by these amazing women who took control of their health, lost weight and are now sharing their experiences to help other women do the same. It’s time for some real talk with real people who’ve learned how to lose weight and keep it off with Nutrisystem.

Julie Chrisley

Julie Chrisley is a mother, breast cancer survivor and star of the reality show “Chrisley Knows Best.” She chose Nutrisystem because of its convenience and says it has taken all of the guesswork out of healthy eating. “It fits into my life and my crazy schedule and allows me to be successful without feeling like it’s another job,” explains Julie. “It really can work for anyone’s lifestyle. It’s quick, it’s easy and it’s delicious.”

Why is Nutrisystem so easy? For starters, you get to enjoy perfectly portioned versions of your favorite meals and snacks. One of Julie’s favorite Nutrisystem entrees is the Chicken Parmesan and she raves about the the Butter Popcorn and Lemon Zest Cake. “As a mom, Nutrisystem was something that I could have just for me,” says Julie. “I don’t have to think about. I can still cook for my family and I always have a healthy alternative.” The food is also delivered straight to your door, making meal prep easier than ever. “I love the Nutrisystem home delivery. It just makes it even easier,” she adds.

In addition to meal plan itself, Julie also takes full advantage of the one-on-one coaching that Nutrisystem offers. With the program, you get access to trained Weight Loss Coaches who have a wealth of knowledge and provide real support. They can answer your meal plan questions, help you set goals and provide extra motivation when you need it. “The coaching that Nutrisystem provides me is immeasurable,” says Julie.

Julie has lost 20 pounds* on Nutrisystem and says it has given her a new outlook on life. “I had tried many different diets along the way and just never saw results,” she says. Julie finally feels like she is on the right track and is focused on being physically, mentally and emotionally healthy in every way. “I want to be healthy in mind and body and spirit. I want to be around as long as I can for my children and grandchildren,” she explains. “Being healthy is going to give me that. And Nutrisystem is the tool in which I’m using to get there.”

Dorinda Medley

Former star of “The Real Housewives of New York” and author of the memoir Make It Nice, Dorinda Medley has been loving life with Nutrisystem. Like most us, she lived in sweatpants throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. When she went to try on a pair of jeans, she discovered they no longer fit. ” I didn’t recognize my body,” says Dorinda. “We all got so used to wearing sweats and eating whatever we wanted and thinking that it didn’t matter, but it does matter.”

With a closet full of clothes as her motivation, Dorinda decided to take control of her health and join Nutrisystem. “I just made a decision one day that I wanted to feel good again and I wanted to start wearing all my favorite clothes,” she explains. “I think Nutrisystem has worked for me because it’s a lifestyle, not a short-term fix. This is consistent and it’s satisfying.”

Once she got started, Dorinda had a blast taste-testing the extensive Nutrisystem menu and choosing her favorites. “I love Nutrisystem because I never get bored. It’s doable and I don’t feel restricted at all,” she says. “Sometimes I want pasta. Sometimes I want vegetarian. Sometimes I just want to have a snack bar for lunch and then a shake in the afternoon. There is so many different options. It’s so fun to pick out my meals and snacks. It’s sort of like the way you feel when you go to a restaurant.”

Another key to Dorinda’s success is her support system. “I have six friends right now that are all using Nutrisystem,” says Dorinda. “We connect on Zoom and chat about our favorite menu items and our progress. It’s fabulous!” Dorinda credits much of her success to the NuMi app, her go-to tool for all things Nutrisystem. It allows her to keep track of her meals, log her weight loss, order food and find healthy recipes. “I love using the app,” she says. “It’s very user-friendly. It’s easy, it’s fun, and it adds another layer of support for you.”

Now that she’s lost 14 pounds* on Nutrisystem, Dorinda has more energy and feels better than she has in years. “Listen, everybody loves to feel good on the outside, right? But honestly, it also makes you feel great on the inside. We love to fit in our jeans and dresses again, put on a bathing suit – maybe even a two piece!,” shares Dorinda. “I feel like my light is shining brighter now that I lost 14 pounds.”

Marie Osmond

Nutrisystem doesn’t just help you lose weight, it also teaches you how to keep it off! “I’m living proof,” shares singer Marie Osmond, who has maintained her 50 pound weight loss* for nearly 15 years. “Nutrisystem taught me how to live a healthier lifestyle by making better food choices,” she says. “They showed me what a right portion size should be.”

Before Nutrisystem, Marie tried many different diets in attempt to lose weight. She was sick of wearing spandex and wanted to get healthier for her children. When she found Nutrisystem, she was excited to find that she could enjoy pasta, chocolate and even ice cream. “I think the reason why Nutrisystem was the diet that finally worked for me was because it wasn’t a diet, it was a lifestyle,” explains Marie. “It re-trained me and now I know how to eat, what a correct portion size should look like and the importance of eating more frequently. It’s taught me what healthy eating looks like.”

Like Julie and Dorinda, Marie loved the food and took advantage of all the support that Nutrisystem had to offer. “You’ll never feel alone in this process,” she shares. “Nutrisystem is your personal chef, nutritionist, coach and motivator all wrapped up in one. It’s a fail-proof plan that works.”

Why is Marie still talking about Nutrisystem after all these years? “I love talking about things that really work and change people’s lives. I love sharing the message. I’m truly a success story,” she says. “I love what Nutrisystem has done for me, but I’ve had so much fun the last 15 years seeing what it’s done for other people. Because I know their stories, I’m them. I am a real customer.”

Thanks to Nutrisystem, Marie says she is living her best life. “It just changes your whole perspective. The weight doesn’t own you, the food doesn’t own you, you own your life. You feel good in this body that God gave you to take care of.”

*All Nutrisystem testimonials are real success stories collected from customers, celebrities or casting call participants who lost weight on current or prior programs. Expect to lose an average of 1-2 lbs per week.

The post Real Talk With Real Success Stories: Julie Chrisley, Dorinda Medley and Marie Osmond appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/real-talk-julie-dorinda-marie/

Celebrate spring, sunshine and seasonal produce with a delicious and nutritious smoothie! If you’re craving a creamy, dreamy drink, be sure to head on over to the Nutrisystem Facebook and Instagram pages. We’re giving away a FREE blender to THREE lucky winners who enter our spring giveaway!

Get the details for our spring giveaway below:

When is it?: This giveaway will start on April 29, 2021 at 11:00 AM EST. All online entries must be received by May 4, 2021, at 11:59 PM EST.

How do I enter?:

1. Follow @Nutrisystem on Facebook and/or Instagram.
2. Drop a comment on our giveaway post with your favorite smoothie flavor.
3. Tag two friends who “blend well” with you!

What can I win?: We will select three winners to win a FREE blender!

Click here to follow us on Facebook! >

Click here to follow us on Instagram! >

Check out the giveaway rules here! >

Looking for some delicious smoothie recipes? Check out the link below for some easy, breezy beverage inspiration:

The post Spring into Smoothie Season with Our Blender Giveaway! appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/spring-giveaway/

Adding exercise to your healthy eating regiment is a great way to tone up, boost your metabolism and get your endorphins flowing. Drop some pounds? Another potential bonus of your body-toning workouts.

Maintaining a healthy exercise routine throughout the year is ideal for enjoying these benefits all the time and making getting ready for beach season a bit easier. Regardless of your fitness level, these nine body-toning workouts will get your body in top shape in about 20 minutes a day, with no equipment required!

Helpful hint: Getting started is as easy as clicking the name of the move or the link in the description!

Keep these workouts handy and give them a go if you’re looking to tone up before summer.

1. Lunges >

Drop into some full-body engaging lunges to work multiple muscles groups simultaneously. You’ll tighten your legs, butt and hips, perfect for getting your body beach-ready. Lunges can be performed almost anywhere, too, making them an easy move to work in during the day, whether it’s during a break at work or part of your morning routine. Start with 8 to 12 reps as you get started with exercise. Click here to feel the burn >

2. Jumping Jacks >

For a fun and full-body, cardio exercise, simply start with 8 to 12 reps of jumping jacks to work most of the muscles in your body. If you’re pressed for time, jumping jacks are also easy to squeeze in just about anywhere. For a more intense workout, try doing intervals of 10 to 15 seconds of jumping jacks between other exercises like squats or lunges. That’ll really kick this body toning workout into high gear. Click here to feel the burn >

3. Superman >

Feel super with this hero-inspired routine: It gets your back, glutes and hamstrings working in no time, supporting the muscles that weaken over time from sitting around at a desk all day. All that’s required is enough room to lay flat on the floor, and a few minutes of your day. Before you know it, you’ll be soaring like Superman and getting your booty in shape. Start by doing 8 to 12 reps and work toward 10 to 12. Click here to feel the burn >

4. Hip Raises >

Another great exercise for firmer buns is hip raises, which target the hinging of the hips. Hip raises isolate and strengthen your gluteal muscles, critical for flexibility and movement. This exercise also works the abs, lower back and hamstrings. When you begin with this exercise, start with 8 to 12 repetitions. Click here to feel the burn >

5. Mountain Climbers >

These fun and engaging climbers get your entire body moving, by challenging core muscles and raising heart rate to burn more calories. Incorporating this full-body exercise into your list of body toning workouts will get you looking great in your favorite suit. Ease in to this exercise by starting with 8 to 12 repetitions. Click here to feel the burn >

6. Plank >

Plank is a body-toning gem that any fitness guru would approve of. It targets your entire core, while also calling on the strength of your arm muscles to keep you raised. As long as you stay straight, and don’t lift your butt up too high, the benefits you reap are fantastic for getting you that lean look you want. It builds over time too, so start small, holding for just 15 seconds and over time this could even increase to a minute, plus! Click here to feel the burn >

7. Side Plank >

As if the regular plank wasn’t good enough! The side plank takes your fitness routine to a whole different level, targeting those tricky-to-tone side muscles. You’ve already worked your core with the traditional plank pose, but with side plank, that muffin top doesn’t stand a chance. Like the plank, you can start out just holding yourself up for 15 seconds and over time see some serious progress, as that 15 becomes 30 or 45. Don’t let your hips sag! We teach you how to do a modified side plank right here, which is more beginner-friendly than a regular side plank but still effective. Click here to feel the burn >

8. Burpee >

The burpee is essentially your best friend and worst enemy. This lean mean body toning workout calls on the use of every muscle you can imagine, as you bounce up and down to get your heart racing hard. The trick is quick. The burpee is a combo of a plank, push-up and a jump, alternating hard work with lower-intensity. The results: Maximum burn. You get more bang for your buck. Needless to say, this one’s a keeper, but maybe best saved for the most avid gym-goers. Click here to feel the burn >

9. Push-Up >

Want your weight to go down? Push-Up! Dropping to the floor and giving the old “20,” is an amazing way to get your health moving in the right direction. Form is everything, however, so make sure that when you get down and start moving that you’re following all the right guidelines. Keeping your arms square to the ground, back straight and eyes on the prize will be the trick to working every muscle you can imagine (arms, abs, legs and more!). Click here to feel the burn >

Allergic to exercise? We understand, and have some tips for you: Allergic to Exercise? 5 Fitness Tips You Won’t Hate

*Always speak with a doctor before starting an exercise routine.

The post 9 Body Toning Workouts for Fast Results appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/summer-coming-body-toning-workouts-break-suit/

A good night’s sleep is just as important as a good diet and home exercise plan to help you lose weight. Many studies have found a link between lack of sleep and weight gain. One big reason: Your hormones—specifically the ones that regulate hunger. One study, for example, found that sleep-deprived people had higher levels of the appetite-boosting hormone ghrelin and lower levels of leptin, the hormone that tells you when you’re full. You know what happens when those two are out of balance.

Another reason: When you’re tired, your energy levels are likely to make the couch—and not the walking trail—look like the perfect place to be. In fact, a 2008 review study, published in the journal Obesity, found that sleep-deprived people spent more time watching TV than doing something active.

Most sleep experts recommend that you maintain a consistent sleep routine: Go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on the weekends; exercise regularly; get a good dose of sunshine (to set your internal clock); keep it low-key before you hit the hay, and avoid foods and beverages that can interfere with your eight hours. Here are six foods you should never eat before bed:

1. Anything with Caffeine

You know tea and coffee have this pick-me-up ingredient that can keep you awake at night, but did you know that chocolate and colas do, too? There are a few more sources that might surprise you that should be avoided before bed. For example, some non-cola sodas also have caffeine. One citrus-flavored brand has 41 milligrams per serving—about half the caffeine in a cup of coffee. Energy bars and drinks often rely on caffeine for their boost. And watch out for ice cream and yogurt, particularly those with coffee, mocha or “java,” which is just another word for coffee.

2. Alcohol

A glass or two of wine may help you fall asleep, but it won’t be restful. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, studies have consistently shown that having a drink or two within an hour of bedtime increases wakefulness during the second—and most important—half of the sleep cycle. You’re likely to wake up and not be able to get back to sleep readily, leaving you exhausted (and hungry) the next day. Although that glass might seem like a relaxing way to unwind, keep in mind why it should be avoided before bed.

3. Fatty Foods

There are three big reasons not to indulge in greasy burgers, fries, and full-fat ice cream during the day. You can guess the first—they’re unhealthy and fattening. But the other two relate to sleep. If you have acid reflux or even just suffer from occasional heartburn, fatty meals can wake you—painfully—many times a night. Fatty foods are harder to digest, so they’re in your digestive system longer, requiring more acid to break them down. Plus, they can contribute to weight gain by hurting your healthy diet and interfering with your sleep. Studies suggest that a high fat diet may decrease your sensitivity to orexin, a chemical that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Rats on a high fat menu stopped responding effectively to orexin, decreased their physical activity, and gained weight. Add these foods to your list of things to avoid before bed for a better night’s rest.

4. Spicy Foods

Of course, we all know that spicy foods can lead to indigestion and that can keep us up at night. But that’s only one way that evening enchilada can interfere with our ZZZs. One small study found that a spicy meal (the researchers doused it with Tabasco sauce and mustard) kept their subjects up at night possibly because it increased their body temperatures. A night-time drop in body temperature is suspected to be an essential trigger for sleep.

5. Citrus Fruits

Not only does the acid in citrus trigger heartburn, aromatherapists use the essential oils of citrus fruits as an energizer—not something you want right before bed.

6. A Big Drink of Anything

Drinking even one glass of water before bed can get you up once—or more frequently—to urinate at night. But make sure you’re well hydrated during the day otherwise what might wake you up is a painful nighttime leg cramp, usually in the calf or feet, caused by dehydration. While hydration is beneficial, avoiding over drinking before bed can help ensure a better night’s sleep.

Looking for healthy late-night snack idea? Try this recipe for Late Night Chicken Taquitos! > Then check out these five things to do tonight to lose weight tomorrow and learn to sleep better tonight to lose weight tomorrow, two excellent articles to help you learn how to lose fat.

The post 6 Foods You Should Never Eat Before Bed appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/6-foods-you-should-never-eat-before-bed/

Fitting more fruits and vegetables into your diet can feel daunting. On the Nutrisystem weight loss program, we promote eating at least four servings of non-starchy veggies each day. Fiber-rich SmartCarbs like fruit are also an important piece of our meal plan. Fresh produce is absolutely packed with nutrition and we consider it an essential part of achieving optimal health. However, if you’re not used to eating an abundance of fruits and veggies, it can be difficult to get everything in. It’s time to think outside the box, get creative and fill up your weight loss menu with delicious and nutritious produce!

Check out these seven fun and fresh ways to get in your daily fruits and veggies.

1. Freeze Your Fruit

Freezing your fruit creates many new possibilities for fitting it into your diet. You can use frozen fruit to make easy smoothies, smoothie bowls or nice cream with a little yogurt or skim milk. You can also blend frozen fruit with ice to make snow cones or healthy “slushies.” If you or your family enjoy popsicles, you can get creative with making various fruit purees into icy cold treats. Check out your local dollar store for fun popsicle molds! Frozen fruit can also be used for baking.

You can also keep things simple with your frozen fruit by freezing it with water in ice cube trays. Simply throw a cube in your H2O to create an easy infused water. Try it with blueberries, strawberries, citrus and mint. Frozen grapes and mango chunks are also sweet snack that tastes like candy all on their own. Freezing fruit at its peak ripeness locks in freshness and ensures that it will still taste great.

Luckily, The Leaf Nutrisystem blog has many articles that give you the run down on all of these fruity favorites! Check out some helpful tips, tricks and recipes below:

• 4 Guilt-Free Summer Slushie Recipes >
• How to Make a Smoothie Bowl: Your Foolproof Guide to Smoothie Bowl Perfection >
• 5 Ways You’re Ruining Your Healthy Smoothies >
• 9 Healthy Ice Cream Recipes You’ll Melt Over >
• How to Build the Perfect Smoothie >
• 4 Popsicle Recipes We Can’t Get Enough Of >
• How to Make Your Own Healthy Ice Cream >
• 6 Delicious & Nutritious Smoothie Bowl Recipes You Need to Try >
• 5 Mouthwatering Make-Ahead Smoothies >

2. Get Grilling

Grilling adds unique flavor to fruits and veggies as it allows their naturally occurring sugars to caramelize. You can create tasty fruit and veggie skewers by cubing your produce and cooking it on the grill. You’ve likely tried grilled pineapple and peaches. However, the fruity possibilities are endless! Just about any fruit can go on the grill, as long as it’s not overripe and extremely soft. You want fruits that will remain firm and hold their shape. Check out these 10 fruits that taste awesome grilled! >

The same rules apply for grilled veggies. Some of our favorite non-starchy vegetables to throw on the grill include tomatoes, onions, zucchini, squash and bell peppers. You can even grill up dark, leafy greens! Our Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad and Grilled Romaine and Corn Salad with Honey Mustard Tahini Dressing are perfect for your summer picnics. Get creative, experiment with your favorites and try out new combinations.

The Leaf is here to help you create the ultimate backyard barbecue! Check out these 10 Tips for a Healthy Home Cookout, then read up on How to Throw a Diet-Friendly Summer Picnic. >

3. Sweet Salads

Don’t leave your favorite fruits out of the salad game—fruit can be a delicious way to sweeten up some of your favorite leafy greens. This is another area where you can explore flavor combinations and find something that you like personally. Most people enjoy pairing spinach with strawberries—but fresh spinach can also go great with blueberries or pineapple. Or, what about arugula and apricots—or arugula and watermelon? Look online for ideas of pairings but also feel free to get creative and try your own. You might just come up with the next big trend!

4. Upgrade Your Pasta

Are you onboard the veggie noodle train? Grocery stores have caught wind of this healthy trend and have made it easier than ever with various pre-cut options available. However, you can also make your own veggie pasta at home with a handy spiralizer. From zucchini noodles to spiralized sweet potatoes, we have many ideas for veggie noodle dishes right here on The Leaf Weight Loss Blog. Try out our Zoodle Mac and Cheese with Roasted Veggies or Sesame Soy Cucumber Salad. Once you try out this creative low carb diet hack, you’ll be adding spiralized veggies to every meal you make. Here are Six Veggie Noodle Recipes You Need to Try ASAP! >

5. “Nacho” Average Meal

Ditch the chips and make nachos from fruits or veggies for a fun and healthy snack. Grilled zucchini, thinly sliced sweet potatoes and bell pepper cups are just three examples of veggies that could make a great replacement for tortilla chips—with healthy fixings served on top.

Learn how to make Bell Pepper Nachos in less than one minute with this quick video! > Then check out this low carb recipe for Crispy Cauliflower Nachos. > Got some extra cauliflower? Try these Healthy and Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos! >

Craving a sweet nacho snack? Whip up these easy Apple Nachos! >

You can also get creative and make dessert nachos with sliced fruit and flavorful toppings. Try slicing up some fresh apples and cover them with sweet additions like melted peanut butter, yogurt, stevia-sweetened chocolate chips, chopped nuts and granola. If you come up with a tasty recipe, make sure to submit it on our Recipe Submission page for a chance to be featured right here on The Leaf!

6. Simple Snacking

Dehydrated fruit and veggies are a great way to make produce even more “snackable.” Once dehydrated, they can easily be tossed into a baggy and eaten on-the-go like chips. Mix with other ingredients like nuts or granola to make a trail mix. Even better news—you don’t need a dehydrator to get the process started. You can follow these easy steps to use your oven to create dried fruit. You can even use your air fryer to make these Apple Chips! Once you’ve got your sweet snacks settled, check out these Six Veggies That Make Ridiculously Good Chips.

7. Bountiful Breakfast

Waiting until lunch for your first serving of fruit or veggies can make it challenging to fit enough of them into your day. Instead, look for ways to fit produce into your breakfast. Veggies are great to toss into an omelet or scrambled eggs. Fruit can be added atop your cereal, oatmeal or yogurt. You could have a smoothie or even these simple banana pancakes. The possibilities are endless! Making a point to do this every morning will help you meet your daily recommendations before you go about your busy day.

Check out the healthy breakfast recipes below for a fiber-filled morning:

• Berry Delight Yogurt Parfait >
• Cauliflower Breakfast Hash Skillet >
• Maple Banana Oatmeal >
• Veggie Quinoa Breakfast Bake >
• Mini Pancake Bites >
• 4-Ingredient Breakfast Mushroom Caps >
• Strawberry Fields Overnight Oatmeal >
• Superfood Veggie Omelet >
• Mango Vanilla Chia Pudding >

The post 7 Creative Ways to Eat Fruits and Veggies appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/creative-ways-to-eat-fruits-and-veggies/

Just like football, weight loss requires a strategy. Who knows better about a successful game plan than a Hall of Fame Quarterback? Long-term Nutrisystem ambassador Dan Marino shares his Getting Started Game Plan for a weight loss win. From perfecting your playbook to huddling with a coach, check out Dan’s top tips for success on Nutrisystem.

1. Get the NuMi App

Every player needs a playbook. For Nutrisystem, that playbook is the NuMi app. It’s our FREE tracking app that’s easy to use and fits perfectly into your weight loss game plan.

Easily keep track of your daily meal plan, water intake, exercise and weight loss progress in one organized place. NuMi also has fun tracking challenges and provides easy access to healthy recipes, The Leaf and our a la carte shop. You even have the possibility of getting a surprise message from Dan himself! “The NuMi app is full of rewards and tips to keep you motivated,” says Dan.

2. Call a Coach

Your Nutrisystem plan is simple. However, that doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. “Nutrisystem is more than just food,” says Dan. “It’s a complete system.” That’s why we offer one-on-one coaching with trained Weight Loss Coaches that are available for your support every step of the way. “They have coaches to answer any questions when you have them,” explains Dan.

Whether you’re a Nutrisystem rookie or a seasoned player, our Coaches are here to guide you, motivate you and support you. Even if you fumble and fall off the weight loss track, they can help you get back in the game. “They’ll help you create your own best game plan,” says Dan. “I want to give a shout out to the many dedicated coaches who help people every day.”

You can reach out to a Weight Loss Coach by phone, online chat or email right here! >

3. Set Goals

Get your head in the weight loss game by setting realistic goals that keep you motivated! “When you accomplish certain goals that you have and see the difference in your body and how you feel, it just gets you pumped up,” explains Dan. “It gets you more excited about losing more weight and working harder at it and continuing to see how your body changes.”

Tackle your goals and achieve them every time with our simple strategy! >

4. Stick to the Game Plan

Whether you’re playing football or trying to lose weight, a game plan is key to success. Nutrisystem for Men provides you with a game plan for eating that’s simple, satisfying and specially designed to help guys lose weight. “Nutrisystem for Men is so easy to stick to. The food is great and you get to eat frequently,” states Dan.

Your weight loss plan allows you to eat every two to three hours. Make sure to follow the daily plan in your NuMi app and eat all of the food recommended to stave off hunger and cravings. During the first week, you will eat five times per day (three meals and two snacks). Going into week two, you get to eat six times per day (three meals and three snacks). Dan explains, “The snacks and shakes in-between meals helps you beat hunger throughout the day. You feel full because you are eating all day long.”

5. Stay Hydrated

Any athlete will tell you that staying hydrated is key to their performance. The same thing applies to weight loss progress: Drinking water can help you achieve your goals. That’s why we recommend drinking 64 ounces of water each day on Nutrisystem for Men.

Score a touchdown on your daily water goals by setting a personalized reminder in the NuMi app. You can also invest in a sports water bottle that’s easy to take with you on the go.

Pro Tip: You can get a FREE Nutrisystem water bottle just for downloading the NuMi app!

Check out these 10 easy hacks to drink more water! > 

6. Get Moving

Exercise isn’t required to lose weight on Nutrisystem for Men but it can really help to move things along. After week one, we encourage 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

“Get off the couch and start exercising,” says Dan. “I’ve been spending time on the recumbent bike to add flexibility to my knees due to surgery. I’m also walking and can’t wait to get on the golf course!”

Go for a walk around the neighborhood or incorporate some strength training into your routine. Just try to get up and move around every day. “It’s going to change your life and it’s going to make a difference. You’ll see it, and you’ll get excited about it and you’ll want to continue to do it,” explains Dan.

Pro Tip: Try splitting your 30 minutes of activity into three 10-minute increments throughout the day. This is the perfect solution if you have a busy schedule or are new to exercise. Get started with these 10-minute workouts! >

7. Power Up With Protein

A meal plan high in protein will keep you satisfied, energized and ready to get back in the game. Protein is also more thermogenic than carbohydrates and fats, meaning it requires more energy for digesting and absorbing. This means that you’ll burn more calories eating a high-protein food compared to something higher in carbs and fat.

Your Nutrisystem menu combined with your favorite grocery additions provides you with the protein you need to achieve your goals. In week two, make sure to start incorporating lean protein PowerFuels like grilled chicken, eggs and low-fat cheese. Dan likes to stock up on Nutrisystem Protein and Probiotic Shakes so that he always has a quick and easy PowerFuel option on hand.

8. Pick Your Line-Up

What makes Nutrisystem so special is that you don’t have to give up your favorite foods to lose weight. Being able to choose your top picks and eat your favorite meals and snacks makes it easier to stick to the game plan and see success.

Month one is all about trying different menu items and finding what you love. When it comes time for your second order, make sure to take full advantage of the customization that your program allows and select your second month line-up. “You can pick your own food and create your own menu,” explains Dan. “The burgers and the ice cream and all the different choices you have makes it more exciting. I think that the variety makes you want to work at it even more.”

What does Dan’s monthly order include? “The pastas are my favorite,” he says. “And you got to love the burgers!”

9. Follow Nutrisystem on Social Media

Add some game-changing content to your social media feed by following Nutrisystem on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter! Whether you’re looking for meal plan tips or an a la carte deal, our pages are the place to go for all things Nutrisystem.

Join in on fun giveaways for a chance to score some awesome free stuff (think gift cards, Nutrisystem food and air fryers). Tune into frequent Facebook Live events for expert weight loss advice from Nutrisystem dietitians. Plus, be the first to know about new food launches and get Nutrisystem hacks to keep things interesting. You can also connect with other people on the plan for even more support and motivation!

The post Dan Marino’s Game Plan for Success appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/dan-marino-game-plan/