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.

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 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 will receive seven Nutrisystem® shakes to use as your morning snack during this first week. These delicious shakes feature 15 g of protein to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, Vitamin D to support immune health and Chromax® chromium picolinate to help reduce body fat and support lean body mass.**

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 enjoy our ready-to-go menu. If you opted for one of our other packages, your shipment will include top-rated frozen foods.

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 enjoy Nutrisystem meals and snacks each day. 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.

This first week includes Nutrisystem meals, snacks and shakes each day. Every food item is color-coded so you know if it’s intended for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack.

Once you’ve completed your first week (congrats!), you will continue losing weight in week two and beyond while enjoying Nutrisystem meals and snacks. You’ll also start to add in some 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 for Nutrisystem today! >

*Results vary based on starting weight and program adherence.

*IMPORTANT INFORMATION: Continuing this meal plan for more than one week in any consecutive four-week period may lead to health complications and is not recommended. If you have diabetes, are under 18 years of age, are pregnant or a nursing mother, or are following a specialized diet for health issues, you may not use this meal plan. Please consult with your physician before beginning Your First Week on Nutrisystem or any other weight loss program. Please be sure to eat all of the food that’s recommended for this program. Failure to follow the program protocol and eat all recommended food may result in developing health complications.

**As part of a healthy diet and exercise program.

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/

For many, New Year’s Eve is code for slim-down sabotage. Between the celebratory spread, the bounty of adult beverages and the late night curfew, it’s no wonder so many people vow to jumpstart their diets the very next day. But you can still ring in the New Year without packing on the pounds. Here’s how:

Eat!

Stick to your normally scheduled mealtimes, and don’t “save room.” Showing up for a party ravenous is a fast-pass to diet failure. Eat your meals as you would on any other day and don’t forget to drink your water—it can help you feel fuller and slow down your noshing. If you feel like you have to eat once the festivities begin, pile your plate with raw veggies and fresh fruit. Remember, if you’re on Nutrisystem, we don’t recommend drinking alcohol—especially since it can cause your willpower to wane. If you decide to break the rules tonight, opt for one light beer or small glass of wine, then switch to seltzer with lime or mix it up with a festive mocktail.

Bring a Healthy Appetizer

Ever head to a party with the best of intentions, only to find there isn’t a single healthy option available? Take the guesswork out of the equation by arriving with your own guilt-free dish. Offer to bring a big salad, fruit tray or some healthy appetizers. Or be the healthy hit of your party with these fun and simple skewer recipes. The hostess will thank you—and so will your waistline.

Exercise Before You Go

You know it burns calories. But did you know it may also keep you from overeating? A study, published in 2009 in the American Journal of Physiology, revealed that vigorous exercise may suppress a key hunger hormone for up to 30 minutes after workouts and can increase the levels of a key appetite-suppressing hormone for as long as three hours after exercise. Plus, exercising may play a role in what you put on your plate. A 2013 study, published in the journal Neuroreport, revealed that participants who exercised craved healthier foods, like fiber-rich beans and veggies rather than those packed with refined sugar, like cookies, cakes and other sweet treats. The natural mood-boosting effects of exercise may also keep you feeling so content, you won’t feel the need to dive into all the diet destruction at your disposal.

Pay Attention

Practice mindfulness: hone in on why you’re eating and always give your body time to tell you it’s full. In a study, published in the Journal of the American Dietetic Association, researchers found that people who ate more mindfully weighed less than those who reported eating when not hungry or in response to anxiety or depression.

Go Ahead, Wear THAT Dress

You know the one—it fits like a glove and doesn’t leave much room for overindulging. Although there isn’t much science to back this one up, we all know what happens when the elastic waistbands come out. Wearing something snug may just be the thing to help you skip seconds.

The post How to Enjoy New Year’s Without Falling Off Track appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/enjoy-new-years-without-falling-off-track/

Work out an hour a day! Lose 20 pounds! Stop eating cookies! These may sound like some of the overly-ambitious promises you make at the start of every year, only to break a few weeks later. Get-healthy goals are good, but only if you can actually keep them.

Here at Nutrisystem, our mission is to make healthy living easier. We want you to succeed at this. And this year, to help you get off to a successful start, we’re dishing out 10 New Year’s resolutions to consider making in 2022. They’re realistic and achievable, so you won’t abandon them in a month. Plus, they’ll help jumpstart your journey toward a happier, healthier you.

Here’s to the very best year yet! Check out these 10 New Year’s resolutions for a healthy 2022:

1. Aim to drop one to two pounds a week.

Evidence shows you’re more likely to keep the weight off when you lose it slowly and steadily, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And as you work toward your ultimate goal, your effort along the way does your body good: Even a modest weight loss, such as five percent of your total body weight, can help improve blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels. [If you weigh 200 pounds, a five-percent weight loss equals 10 pounds.] A weight loss program like Nutrisystem can help you achieve this healthy rate of weight loss.

2. Walk more.

You’ve heard it a million times, and for good reason: It’s safe for most people, low-impact and requires nothing more than a pair of supportive shoes. Walking helps manage your weight, strengthen your body, and boost your mood; do it regularly and research suggests you’re likely to live longer. Begin with a slow stroll, for just a few minutes a day; then gradually build up your time and pace to the recommended 150 weekly minutes at a moderate-intensity. Break that up into small chunks if that’s more doable for you: Three, 10-minute brisk walks a day, five days a week.

3. Do body weight exercises.

Lunges, push-ups, crunches and squats: These equipment-free moves are a great way to add strength training to your routine. Regular strength training helps build lean muscle mass so you burn calories more efficiently; it also helps strengthen bones, manage your weight and sharpen thinking skills.

4. Add veggies to every meal.

That’s one way to help meet your “eat healthier” goal. Vegetables are low in calories, high in filling fiber and loaded with nutrients that may help reduce your risk of disease. And while you’re pretty good about getting some greens on your dinner plate, don’t skimp on other meals: In the morning, add spinach to an omelet or try smashed avocado on whole wheat toast; pile a lunch sandwich high with extra fixings (tomatoes, cucumbers, avocado) or use lettuce as a wrap (instead of bread); and during snack time, munch on carrots dipped in hummus or blend frozen broccoli or cauliflower into a fruit smoothie.

5. Practice deep breathing.

It’s one of the simplest and most effective ways to start meditating. Find a quiet spot, get in a comfortable position and focus all your attention on feeling and listening as you slowly inhale through your nostrils for a count of three, then exhale. Try placing your hand right below your navel so you can feel your belly rise and fall. Spending even a few minutes a day in meditation can help reduce stress and ease anxiety.

6. Sip water throughout the day.

Research has shown even mild dehydration can sap energy, reduce your ability to concentrate and negatively affect your mood. Plus, scientists from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign found people who drank one, two or three more cups of water a day cut calories and reduced their consumption of saturated fat, sugar, sodium and cholesterol. One guideline we like at Nutrisystem is to drink a half ounce of water for every pound of weight you weigh (so divide your weight in half and drink that many ounces of water per day).

7. Schedule a physical.

Regular health exams can help find problems before they start, or earlier when your chances for treatment and cure are better, says the CDC. Talk to your doctor about what screenings or exams you may need, and when you need them. To make the most of your visit, compile your medical history, bring along any medications (including vitamins and supplements), prep a list of questions ahead of time, be specific with any symptoms you may be experiencing, and be honest so your doctor can better assess you.

8. Make time to volunteer.

When people contribute to their community or an organization they are passionate about, they lead happier lives, have lower rates of depression, and may even live a little longer than those who do not volunteer, according to a research review of more than 50 studies. Think about causes that are important to you, and research groups that deal with those issues. Also consider what you have to offer: if you love building or outdoor work, or have a knack for teaching kids, look for opportunities where you can use your skills.

9. Pace your drinks.

Especially around the holidays, all that toasting and cheersing could lead to one too many cocktails. One drink a day for women, two for men is considered light to moderate, and may even help protect against heart disease. But heavy drinking (more than three drinks on any day or more than seven per week; for men, more than four on any day or more than 14 per week) can actually hurt your heart and your liver, as well as raise your risk of depression and certain cancers, according to research. To help keep consumption under control at a party, pace yourself to no more than one alcoholic beverage per hour. Sip slowly, and space them out by making every other a non-alcoholic drink, such as water, soda or juice. Also, don’t drink on an empty stomach—alcohol is absorbed more slowly with food in your belly. And throughout the year, keep a drink diary: Note each drink before you drink it—on a card in your wallet, in a note on your smart phone, on your kitchen calendar, or wherever works for you. It may help you slow down, and shed light on any potential problem.

10. Set a bed-time alarm.

As odd as that may sound, the most important sleep strategy is to stick to a schedule—go to bed at the time every night, get up at the same time every morning. So set an alert to ring about a half hour before you plan to hit the sack to give you time to wind down, power off the laptop, put down the smart phone and get ready for bed. When you get into a regular sleep rhythm, you get better quality and more sound rest.

The post 10 Healthy New Year’s Resolutions You’ll Actually Keep appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/10-new-years-resolutions-youll-actually-keep-this-year/

Okay, who says there’s no such thing as instant gratification? Imagine being on a weight loss diet and getting to enjoy delicious, guilt-free, healthier, no bake dessert recipes! No need to imagine. On Nutrisystem, we’ve got you covered. The Leaf Weight Loss Blog is filled with easy sweet treats that are ready to enjoy in a jiff. From no bake cookies, pie and cheesecake to freezer fudge, pudding cups and icebox cake, you’re sure to find a new favorite on this delicious list.

Here are 17 decadent, no bake dessert recipes for your healthy menu: 

1. No Bake Strawberry Pie Parfait >

A couple of crushed graham crackers create the crust for this parfait which combines nonfat Greek yogurt, strawberries (or the berry of your choice), vanilla and cinnamon between layers of a light whipped topping. At just 252 calories per serving, it counts as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel and one Extra on the Nutrisystem program.

2. No Bake S’mores Protein Balls >

No campfire required for this recipe! These fire-free S’mores Protein Balls feature almond butter (the protein source), crispy rice cereal, cocoa powder, mini-marshmallows and honey with a coating of crushed graham crackers. A great mid-afternoon pick-me-up! Only 169 calories per serving, which counts as one PowerFuel and two Extras.

3. Mini No Bake Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Bites >

Whip up a batch of these healthier no bake mini cheesecakes and you can experience the flavors of a tropical paradise every day! The recipe makes 20 cakes that are only 50 calories each. One serving counts as two Extras on Nutrisystem. All you need is a food processor! Simple blend together raw almonds, unsweetened coconut and dates to make the sweet crust, then press it into a mini-muffin tin. Whip up low-fat cream cheese, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice and stevia to make the filling. Throw these little cakes in the freezer for four hours before serving.

4. 3-Step Pumpkin Mousse >

Don’t you love a recipe with only three steps? That’s all it takes to make a creamy, pumpkin-y no bake dessert in the blender. The ingredients: pumpkin puree, of course, mixed with cottage cheese, pumpkin pie spice and sugar. Place it into a cup and throw it in the freezer for 15 minutes to set. Add some light whipped topping on top and sprinkle with cinnamon and chopped pecans (or your favorite nut or seed). It’s like no bake pumpkin pie in a glass! Enjoy one serving for only 203 calories.

5. 4-Step Skinny Chocolate Cream Pie >

This is the perfect dessert for a get-together. The recipe makes 16 servings, each only 228 calories. One counts as two Extras on Nutrisystem. The flavorful crust is made in a food processor from walnuts, cocoa powder and dates, then pressed into a nine-inch pie pan. The filling? Silken tofu, soy milk, cashew butter, unsweetened cocoa powder and stevia. It needs to chill for 12 to 24 hours so it’s perfect for making ahead.

6. No Bake Candy Cane Pudding Cups >

Even if it isn’t the season, these pudding cups will get you into the spirit. Four mini peppermint candy canes are crushed for the topping of this creamy, no bake dessert made with sugar-free pudding, nonfat milk, a dash of peppermint extract and a dollop of light whipped topping. The recipe makes eight servings that clock in at 107 calories each. One serving counts as three Extras.

7. S’mores Icebox Cake >

This icebox cake is so simple to make, you’ll be turning to this recipe all the time. It’s a combo of mini marshmallows, mini chocolate chips and nonfat Greek yogurt layered with graham cracker sheets. Top with a light whipped topping and a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips before refrigerating overnight. The recipe makes 16 servings, so it’s perfect for your summer and holiday parties. Even better, each serving is less than 100 calories and counts as three Extras.

8. No Bake Samoa Chocolate Cookies >

You don’t have to go to another room when your family or co-workers are enjoying their unhealthy holiday cookies. You can enjoy these healthier knock-offs made with shredded unsweetened coconut, pitted dates and chocolate chips. No need to preheat the oven, of course. All you need is your food processor and your fridge. Each cookie is 130 calories and counts as half of a SmartCarb and three Extras.

9. 4 Ingredient Coconut Lime Energy Bites >

For a quick solution to a mid-afternoon slump, keep some of these energy bites on hand! You can enjoy three of these Key Lime bites for just 246 calories. Simply blend cashews, sweet pitted dates, unsweetened coconut and the juice and zest of one lime. They’re a great combo of protein, fiber and healthy carbs to give you a boost when your energy is flagging. (They make a great dessert, too!). You can switch out the cashews for your favorite nut and substitute another fruit, such as lemon or orange, for the lime. Best of all, they’re ready to eat once you’ve run the ingredients through the food processor and rolled them into balls. One serving counts as one SmartCarb, one PowerFuel and one Extra.

10. Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups >

You may need to delay gratification with this recipe since the main ingredient—a can of light coconut cream—needs to sit in the fridge overnight. But it’s worth it. Once you whip that cold coconut cream into fluffy goodness, all you have to do it add nonfat Greek yogurt, the zest and juice of one lemon, a packet of stevia and two sliced strawberries for a fancy and guilt-free dessert that’s only 95 calories. On Nutrisystem, one counts as three Extras.

11. Almond Butter and Sea Salt Freezer Fudge >

If you’re a fan of salty-sweet, this is the no bake dessert recipe for you. Almond butter, coconut oil, maple syrup and sea salt make the fudge, while you use a package of Nutrisystem NutriChocolaty Wafers and more sea salt for the top. The fudge is cooked on the stove top and then spends 90 minutes in the freezer. The recipe makes 20 one-inch servings that contain 113 calories each. One serving counts as one PowerFuel and one Extra.

12. No-Bake Chocolate Chip Cheesecake Bites >

You may like this version of cheesecake better than the real thing. The crust is made from almonds, cocoa powder and Medjool dates that are blitzed in a food processor or blender. The cheesecakes filling is made from low-fat cream cheese, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, stevia and mini chocolate chips. Four hours in the freezer and they’re ready to eat. Two bites count as one serving and come in at 115 calories. On Nutrisystem, they’re one PowerFuel.

13. Dirt Pudding Cups >

You’re going to have to hide these from the kids. This fun, decadent, no bake dessert starts with instant sugar-free chocolate pudding and skim milk that will set in five minutes. Meanwhile, toss walnuts, dates and cocoa powder into a food processor or blender until it forms a crumbly mixture to which you add strawberries and pineapple cut into matchstick pieces and unsweetened coconut.

Spoon the pudding into a cup then add the “dirt,” topping with a mint leaf. This dessert is only 215 calories and counts as one PowerFuel, half of a SmartCarb and two Extras.

14. Strawberry Icebox Cake with Lemon >

Six ingredients and four steps—that’s all it takes to make this delicious icebox cake

Most icebox cakes use chocolate wafers and whipped cream. However, this slimmed-down but equally delicious alternative uses graham crackers, nonfat Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, stevia and strawberries for a dessert you’d be proud to bring to a party. The recipe makes five 152-calorie servings. On Nutrisystem, a serving counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra.

15. Lemon Poppy Seed Energy Bites >

Three bites makes one 189-calorie serving that’s so portable, you can take this energy snack to work as dessert or a mid-afternoon slump-reliever. These piquant bites are made with the juice of one lemon and its zest, oats, cashews, golden raisins and dotted with fiber-rich poppy seeds. One serving counts as one PowerFuel and one SmartCarb.

16. Chocolate Covered Strawberry Banana Kebabs >

Nothing could be easier than this recipe that layers fresh strawberries, banana slices and marshmallows on a skewer, then tops the whole thing with melted chocolate. The only thing left to do after that is to eat a couple. Yes, two kebabs make one 75-calorie serving that counts as two Extras.

17. Pumpkin Icebox Cake >

Pumpkin mousse layered with maple mousse—this is a diet recipe? Yes, one serving of this seasonal dessert is only 127 calories and counts as one SmartCarb and one Extra. The pumpkin mousse is made from light whipped topping, Neufchatel cheese (usually sold as reduced-fat cream cheese), canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice. Place a third in a baking dish, then add a layer of graham crackers. Repeat three times. Top with maple mousse made from maple syrup, maple or vanilla extract and light whipped topping. Freeze for at least six hours or overnight before you dig in!

Looking for more easy and convenient sweet treats? The Nutrisystem menu is filled with delicious options. Learn more about our meal plans or shop our menu a la carte! >

The post 17 No Bake Dessert Recipes appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/17-no-bake-dessert-recipes/

You’d think the season that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a heated blanket, a bowl of beef stew and a hunk of bread might be the worst time to expect to lose any weight.

But you can make winter the best time for weight loss. The chilly season has loads of advantages—not the least of which is that it’s chilly. Sound intrigued?

Here’s why winter is the best time to lose weight… and how to make the most of winter’s charms:

1. Have some soup.

You know you want to. Winter is traditionally soup season, and if you choose a low-fat vegetable-based soup, particularly if you start your meal with a cup, you can count on eating fewer calories during the meal. In a study done at Penn State University, people who had soup before lunch actually consumed a higher quantity of food, but 20 percent fewer calories at the meal, than when they had the same meal without a soup appetizer. The secret: You can eat plenty of a veggie soup without piling on the calories, plus it helps fill you up so you don’t eat as much during the rest of the meal.

Craving hot and hearty soup made easy? With Nutrisystem, you have access to tons of delicious soups that have already been prepared for you. Stock up your cart with our classic Chicken Noodle Soup! > Or, if you like your soup as a side dish, click on the link below for some Nutrisystem-approved soup recipes perfect for warming you up while you continue to slim down.

2. Hit the gym, the slopes or the mall.

After the holidays, your opportunities for social activities tend to take a dive. What that means is that you have more time to focus on getting healthy and fit. Even better, once January first rolls around, many gyms and fitness programs offer deep discounts so working out is never cheaper. Can’t afford a membership? Think about the mall. Many malls open early in the morning to accommodate walkers who take advantage of the wide, well-lit, and pedestrian friendly “paths” with the added bonus of restrooms, water fountains and importantly, safety.

Don’t forget winter’s outdoor adventures, like skiing, ice skating, snowboarding, cross-country skiing and sledding. You can burn about 400 calories an hour just playing with your kids on their snow saucers and sled, says the National Personal Training Institute. Click here for a list of 12 more winter activities that torch calories! >

3. Stay chill.

Research suggests that cold temperatures can trigger the growth of brown fat, which burns far more calories than white fat, which is more abundant in the body. Researchers at Maastricht University in the Netherlands found that being cold (though not to the point of shivering) can help you burn three to 30 percent more calories. (With its freezing cold temps, it’s no wonder winter is the best time to lose weight!)

Being outside can help, but you may have limited tolerance to winter weather. But studies have found that keeping the thermostat on the colder side can also help increase brown fat activity while also helping your body use glucose more efficiently. Too much glucose lagging in the bloodstream is a symptom of metabolic problems, such as prediabetes and Type 2 diabetes. In one study, reducing indoor temperature to just 61 degrees resulted in brown fact activation.

4. Catch More ZZZs.

More hours of darkness and cooler bedroom temperatures can help you get more sleep, making winter definitely the best time for weight loss. That’s important because studies have found that not getting enough Zzzs is a risk factor for weight gain. The National Sleep Foundation suggests bedroom temperature should be between 60 and 67 degrees F for the best sleep. It’s your body’s natural state for sleep. Your body temperature actually drops to put you to sleep so keeping the thermostat a little lower will help you drift off faster. They also recommend that, like bears, you encourage some winter hibernation by keeping the room in cave-like darkness.

Can’t sleep? Read up on these five common reasons why! >

5. Embrace the motivation.

Ever hear the phrase “Summer bodies were made in the winter?” It’s true! You may have months before you have to worry about how you’ll look in a sleeveless dress or a bathing suit, but think of winter as the gift of time to pare off pounds and get healthier.

And don’t just focus on how you’ll look. Losing just five percent of your body weight can help lower your cholesterol, stave off diabetes and lower your blood pressure. You can pick a goal and take the entire winter to train for it, like a spring or summer 5K to raise money for your favorite charity.

A convenient meal delivery service like Nutrisystem is the perfect solution for your summer body goals. You can avoid the crowded grocery store and long lines by getting delicious meals and snacks delivered directly to your door. From savory soups and hearty dinners to crunchy cookies and salty snacks, our menu is jam-packed with tasty options that are perfectly portioned for weight loss. We even have personalized plans that are tailored to YOU!

What are you waiting for? Lose weight this winter with Nutrisystem! Get started with a meal plan today >

The post 5 Surprising Reasons Winter is the Best Time to Lose Weight appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/best-time-lose-weight-winter/

Calling all partners: Our latest and greatest giveaway is here! 100 days. Over 100 winners. $100,000 in CASH PRIZES! Enter the Nutrisystem $100,000 Better Together Partner Plan Giveaway and you could win BIG.

What would you do with the grand prize of $25,000? Buy a car? Go on a second honeymoon? Team up, lose weight, and win big!

Over the next 100 days, we will be giving away $100,000 in cash prizes to over 100 winners. There is no purchase necessary to enter or win Nutrisystem’s $100,000 Better Together Giveaway. There are two easy ways to enter:

1. Order the Nutrisystem Partner Plan because losing weight is better together! You’ll be automatically entered to win.
2. Download the NUMI app in the Apple or Google Play store, go to the Newsfeed Card by clicking “More” and “News Feed”, and click “Special Offers” to submit an entry form, OR click here to download an entry form to submit via U.S. mail to Nutrisystem, Inc.

No purchase necessary. For official rules, click here.

The post Team Up, Lose Weight & Win BIG! Enter The $100,000 Better Together Partner Plan Giveaway appeared first on The Leaf.

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

Want to enjoy holiday festivities without packing on the pounds? Sip on these low-calorie non-alcoholic mocktails that taste so delicious, you won’t even miss the booze! Plus, they fit perfectly into your Nutrisystem weight loss plan.

Here are five diet-friendly mocktail recipes for your holiday menu:

1. Hot Toddy

There’s no better way to kick off the cold holiday season than with this warm, soothing drink.

Servings: 1

Calories per Serving: 53

Each Serving Counts as: 1 Extra

Ingredients:
7 oz. hot black tea
1 tablespoon sugar-free honey
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 lemon wedge

Directions:
1. Pour honey, lemon juice and spices into large mug.
2. Top with hot tea, stir, then add lemon wedge for garnish.

2. Cran-Raz Spritzer

This booze-free beverage doesn’t just look delicious, it tastes that way, too!

Servings: 4

Calorie per Serving: 74

Each Serving Counts as: 1 SmartCarb

Ingredients:
2 cups cranberry cocktail juice
2 cups seltzer
2 tablespoons lime juice
4 lime wedges for garnish
8 frozen raspberries

Directions:
1. Combine cranberry juice, seltzer and lime juice in a pitcher.
2. Divide among 4 ice-filled glasses then add 2 frozen raspberries to each glass and garnish with lime wedges.

3. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch

Your guests will love this delicious drink that packs a flavorful punch thanks to tangy pomegranate juice.

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: 67

Each Serving Counts as: 1 SmartCarb

Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups seltzer
2 cups pomegranate juice
Lemon twists, for garnish

Directions:
1. Combine pomegranate juice and seltzer in large bowl or pitcher.
2. Serve over ice with a twist of lemon.

4. Grapefruit Mock-Mosa

Get your festivities off to a sparkling start with this tasty treat featuring orange, grapefruit and lime juice.

Servings: 3

Calories per serving: 59

Each Serving Counts as: 1 SmartCarb

Ingredients:
3/4 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup fresh grapefruit juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon sugar-free honey
1 12 – ounce bottle sparkling water, chilled
Long, thin strips of orange peel, grapefruit peel and/or lime peel, curled for garnish (optional)

Directions:
1. Combine orange juice, grapefruit juice, lime juice and honey and stir until honey is dissolved. Cover and chill for at least 2 hours to blend flavors.
2. Pour juice mixture into four glasses then stir in sparkling water.
3. Garnish with citrus peel strips.

5. Skinny Bloody Mary

This guilt-free take on a cocktail classic serves up all the flavor you love!

Servings: 4

Calories per Serving: 24

Each Serving Counts as: 1 Vegetable

Ingredients:
2 cups no salt added tomato juice or low-sodium vegetable juice
2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon prepared horseradish
Few drops bottled hot pepper sauce
Ice cubes
Celery sticks for garnish (optional)

Directions:
1. Mix all juices, Worcestershire sauce, horseradish and hot pepper sauce.
2. Pour mixture over ice in glasses.
3. Garnish with celery sticks.

The post 5 Holiday Mocktail Recipes You Have to Try appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/5-holiday-mocktails-you-have-to-try/