Weight Loss Recipes

Summer has to be the most active time of the year, with so many chores to be done and opportunities to get outside and enjoy the warm weather. While you’re busy taking advantage of the season, you can also burn off excess calories, helping to speed up your progress toward your weight loss goal. Here are nine popular warm weather activities that kick up your metabolism while you go about your days—no visit to the gym required.

1. Mopping the Floor

The minute the weather turns warm, cleaning tops the “to-do” list in many homes. When you get out the bucket and mop, and move at a steady pace back and forth across the floor, you’ll torch calories plus tone your arms and strengthen your core muscles as your metabolism heats up.

Calories burned: 330 per hour

2. Dusting and Vacuuming

Wiping down your furniture, shelves and decorations gets rid of dust and potential allergens. It also keeps you moving around, bending and stretching as you go. Pushing the vacuum not only removes dirt and other debris from your carpets and floors, it activates your back and leg muscles and cranks up your internal calorie-burning engines.

Calories burned: 160 per hour

3. Ironing

Smoothing wrinkles and pressing creases into your clothes and linens is steady, methodical work you do while on your feet. That effort leads not only to a pile of well-maintained laundry… it can lead to a pile of sweat as well! Try ironing a week’s worth of clothes all at once, then hanging them where they can’t be wrinkled again. You’ll be thanking yourself on those busy weekday mornings, and your waist line will thank you, too!

Calories burned: 150 per hour

4. Painting Walls

When a room in your home needs a fresh coat of paint, there are many tools to work with and tasks to do, from moving furniture to reaching with the roller brush. All of those add up to significant calorie-burning that helps you end up with a fresh look, too.

Calories burned: 350 per hour

5. Mowing the Lawn

Walking back and forth as your power mower cuts the grass keeps your yard looking neat and your body, trim. You don’t get the same benefit from a riding mower, but you can really amp up your calorie burning by using a mower powered only by your legs.

Calories burned: 330 per hour

6. Gardening

Digging, raking, pulling weeds and other gardening tasks get you outside in the fresh air and sunshine and fire up your metabolism as you beautify your yard.

Calories burned: 340 per hour

7. Washing the Car

Sure, you can go to the drive-through car wash, but rinsing, scrubbing and drying your own vehicle is pleasant on a warm day and it burns calories while you’re at it. Vacuum and polish the interior to get the maximum benefit.

Calories burned: 330 per hour

8. Playing in the Yard With the Kids

Taking the kids to play in the backyard is an easy way to burn a few extra calories. Have a swing set? A sliding board and jungle gym helps the kids burn off energy and stay active. The little ones will love for you to join in and you’ll remember what fun it is to play as you turn up your metabolism.

Calories burned: 300 per hour

9. Riding a Bicycle

Pedaling around on two wheels with the warm breeze in your face is a simple joy that can bring you back to carefree childhood days. Skip the skintight clothes and hunched over posture and just ride for fun (with or without kids). While you pedal and smile, your body torches a whole lot of calories.

Calories burned: 400 per hour

*Calories burned are the average for a 155-pound person, based on a report from the Harvard University School of Public Health.

The post 9 Warm Weather Activities That Torch Calories appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/9-warm-weather-activities-that-torch-calories/

Losing weight in the summertime can be tough. From unhealthy picnic food to drinks at the beach bar, it can be hard to resist the warm weather temptations that try to sabotage your success. However, with a little planning and some simple swaps, you can stay on track with your weight loss goals while still partaking in some summer fun! All you need is some healthy recipes for the grill, some summer-inspired sweet treats and a go-to, weight loss-friendly cocktail that you can sip on all season long. For us, that cocktail is Ranch Water; the refreshing beverage that’s easy to make, easy to enjoy and easy to incorporate into your weight loss plan!

What is Ranch Water?

In short, Ranch Water is the trendy summer cocktail that’s perfect for chilling out and staying cool in the summer heat. It’s a super simple drink that only requires three ingredients to make:

1. Tequila
2. Lime juice
3. Topo Chico Mineral Water¹

Never had Topo Chico? This refreshing water is a naturally carbonated mineral water that’s imported from Mexico and bottled at the Cerro del Topo Chico spring.² While you can easily swap in ordinary sparkling water or seltzer water into this summer cocktail, Topo Chico is the recommended mixer for its unique taste and mouthfeel.¹ The bubbles aren’t as intense as standard seltzers and the minerals add a distinct taste that’s light and refreshing. Topo Chico and Ranch Water are very popular in Texas.³

Ranch Water on Nutrisystem

If you’re losing weight with Nutrisystem, you can still kick back and relax with a cold Ranch Water cocktail this summer. Just watch your portion sizes and stick to a maximum of two servings of alcohol per week (we recommend spreading them out and not having them on the same day). One shot or one and half ounces of tequila is considered one serving of liquor.

The rest of the ingredients in Ranch Water—lime juice and Topo Chico—are both considered Free Foods on your Nutrisystem plan. That means you can use as much or as little of them as you’d like when preparing your Ranch Water. You don’t have to measure anything out except for the tequila. Garnish with a fresh slice of lime, grab a straw and chill out with this weight loss-friendly cocktail!

 Healthy Hacks

Because Ranch water is so easy to make, it’s also easy to customize! Swap out the lime juice and wedge with another citrus fruit that you like, such as lemons, grapefruits or oranges. Fresh berries would also be a tasty addition. Want to spice things up? Toss in some sliced jalapenos or coat the rim of your glass with a chili lime seasoning blend.¹

You can add a touch of sweetness to your beverage with a little bit of zero-calorie sweetener like stevia or monk fruit. As we mentioned earlier, regular seltzer or sparkling water (plain or flavored) can be used in lieu of Topo Chico Mineral Water. However, keep in mind that it will change the classic Ranch Water taste. Topo Chico also comes in different flavors that you can use.

Looking for more diet-friendly cocktails for your weight loss plan? Click the link below for some inspiration!:

Sources: 

• https://www.southernliving.com/recipes/ranch-water
• https://www.coca-colacompany.com/news/topo-chico-joins-cokes-portfolio
• https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/why-topo-chico-is-the-best-sparkling-water-review-article

The post What is Ranch Water? The Summer Cocktail You Need to Try appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/what-is-ranch-water/

While a backyard cookout is one of the most popular ways to celebrate the 4^th of July, the options available aren’t always in line with a healthy diet. But at Nutrisystem, we’re all about helping you to still enjoy food—and festivities—to the fullest. We believe that when people don’t feel deprived, they are able to achieve the most success.

That’s why we’ve rounded up 18 healthy 4^th of July cookout ideas. Any of these recipes would make a delicious and festive addition to your July 4^th cookout.

1. Grilled Balsamic Chicken >

This Grilled Balsamic Chicken recipe is a great way to add some serious flavor to plain, old grilled chicken. The trick is to give your chicken some time to soak in the delicious marinade which combines olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Italian dressing, garlic and black pepper. While we love this marinade on chicken, it works great on steak or shrimp, too.

2. Grilled Cedar Plank Salmon >

The reasons for grilling salmon on a cedar plank are two-fold: It acts as a barrier between the heat source and the fish, preventing it from falling apart. It also imparts that delicious, smoky flavor from the cedar. While salmon is sometimes intimidating to prepare, this recipe will show you just how simple it really is to do. It’s a great way to get those valuable omega-3 fats and a boost of protein power.

3. Honey Glazed Chicken Skewers >

Skewers are fun, festive and delicious, making them a great choice for a 4^th of July cookout. This particular Honey Glazed Chicken Skewer recipe will help you to whip up a yummy glaze made from honey, chili powder, garlic, oil, low sodium soy sauce and lime juice. It’s got a little bit of everything—sweet, savory and just a tad spicy, too. You can add veggies of your choice to the skewers to amplify the health-factor. We personally love zucchini, bell peppers and onions, but the choice is yours.

4. Grilled Foil Packet Cheeseburger and Veggies >

Foil packets are one of our favorite 4^th of July cookout ideas for a few reasons. They contain some of the mess, help to lock in flavor, and allow you to create “diet-friendly” portions. This Grilled Foil Packet Cheeseburger and Veggies recipe will guide you in making lean beef cheeseburgers with lots of healthy veggies on the side. With onions, potatoes and zucchini cooked right along with your burger patty, you’ll infuse some delicious flavors into your meat and also get a big dose of antioxidants and fiber.

5. Grilled Shrimp and Scallop Skewers >

Seafood options like shrimp and scallops make a nice lean protein combo that is delicious on the grill. In this Grilled Shrimp and Scallop Skewers recipe, the seafood duo are combined with a medley of fresh produce like zucchini, bell peppers and red onions. They are delightfully colorful and will make an appetizing addition to your 4^th of July cookout.

6. Grilled Feta Salmon Burger >

Salmon and spinach make up the base of these burger patties, while some feta cheese adds creamy deliciousness. It’s a fun way to get your omega-3s and some leafy greens. If you like condiments on your burger, we recommend trying some tzatziki, relish or mayonnaise for added flavor. Or, you can even top this Grilled Feta Salmon Burger with a slice of avocado.

7. Tomato, Cucumber and Mint Mediterranean Salad >

Bright and colorful cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, mint and onions come together in this fresh salad featuring a honey lemon dressing. This refreshing Tomato, Cucumber and Mint Mediterranean Salad recipe is sure to become a staple at all of your upcoming summer get-togethers! And that’s something you can feel good about. A serving is a mere 34 calories and packed with veggie power.

8. Greek Orzo Summer Salad >

Everyone loves a good pasta salad at a cookout! By using whole wheat orzo, this Greek Orzo Summer Salad recipe boosts the health factor without sacrificing flavor. It has fresh diced cucumbers, red onions, bell peppers and delicious feta cheese. The homemade Greek dressing is a combination of lemon juice and olive oil. It’s simple, fresh and tasty.

9. Easy Melon Prosciutto Skewers >

This Melon Prosciutto Skewers appetizer combines some unlikely choices—fresh melon cubes (watermelon, cantaloupe and honeydew) with prosciutto, cucumber and a balsamic glaze. It’s one of those combos you just have to try for yourself to believe. The flavors just work together, making this fabulous finger food a new favorite on your cookout menu.

10. Red Potato Salad >

What’s a cookout without a good potato salad? We know that potato salad is a cookout staple, so we’ve found a guilt-free way that you can still enjoy it. While full-fat mayonnaise is the typical downfall in a traditional spud salad, our version uses healthy Greek yogurt (with some delicious additions) in its place. The result is a creamy, appetizing Red Potato Salad that remains weight loss-friendly.

11. Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad >

We know that salads are a go-to choice on a healthy diet. However, traditional lettuce salads can get kind of boring after a while. Why not switch things up with this Grilled Asparagus Caesar Salad recipe? It’s got all the flavor you love in a Caesar salad but uses nutrient-packed, superfood asparagus as its base. It’s such a fun addition to your cookout that your guests will be begging for the recipe.

12. Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms >

If you’re looking to choose more plant-based options at the cookout, this Grilled Stuffed Portobello Mushroom recipe will provide a meat-like meal that is nutritious and delicious. Simply season your mushrooms with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then grill and stuff with a delicious filling of chopped tomatoes, spinach, garlic and seasonings. It’s a dish filled with veggie power and incredibly tasty, too.

13. Grilled Peach Melba >

Don’t forget that the grill can also be an excellent way to prepare some unique desserts. Grilling fruit helps to caramelize its sugars and adds some unique flavor factor. In this Grilled Peach Melba recipe, halved peaches are cooked on the grill and then topped with a raspberry melba sauce and a mascarpone cheese mixture. It’s a beautiful, restaurant-quality dessert that is sure to impress.

14. Watermelon Fruit Pizza >

This simple, two-step Watermelon Fruit Pizza is a trendy snack recipe that will make a healthy and gorgeous centerpiece at your dessert table. A yogurt mixture including honey, cream cheese and vanilla extract is whipped up and spread atop slices of watermelon. Top it all off with berries, kiwi  and cacao nibs for added flavor and appeal. You could also just stick with blue and red fruits as the topping for a festive and patriotic plate.

15. 5-Ingredient Patriotic Cheesecake >

This Patriotic Cheesecake is the perfect 4^th of July cookout idea! With three cups of red and blue berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc., depending upon your preferences), and a cheesecake filling made from cream cheese and whipped topping, it has all the patriotic colors. Plus, it’s diet-friendly and delicious.

16. Strawberry Pineapple Popsicles >

Nothing quite hits like a fresh and fruity popsicle on a hot day. While typical popsicles are mere sugar water, our Strawberry Pineapple Popsicles are just as delicious while also being made entirely from fresh fruit! One popsicle is just 32 calories and a nice boost of antioxidants and fiber.

17. Smore’s Icebox Cake >

Icebox cakes became popular in the 1920s. They are a dessert that doesn’t require the oven for baking. This particular no-bake Smore’s Icebox Cake is especially summer-friendly with its smores theme. It features layers of creamy, yogurt-based marshmallow filling with crunchy graham crackers, light cool whip and mini chocolate chips. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

18. Grilled Foil Packet Apple Crisp >

Remember how we said that the grill is for desserts, too? Well, here’s another great grilled dessert to try. This Grilled Foil Packet Apple Crisp involves grilling sliced apples in aluminum foil with cinnamon and nutmeg, then topping with an oat, butter and brown sugar mixture. You’ll be amazed by how much the finished product tastes like apple pie—but is just 155 calories per serving.

Looking for more 4th of July cookout ideas? Check out these 8 healthy dessert recipes perfect for July 4th! >

The post 18 Healthy 4th of July Cookout Ideas appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/4th-of-july-cookout-ideas/

While you’re losing weight with Nutrisystem, you’re learning how to eat well for the rest of your life. Your Flex meals are your chance to practice what you know about good food. To inspire you to discover new tastes you love, we’ve put together this list of reasons to try different recipes each week.

1. Battle boredom.

When you feel like you’re stuck in a rut with your favorite healthy foods, those junk food cravings can be hard to resist. Make a new dish every week and you’ll never be bored. The Leaf has thousands of healthy and delicious weekly recipe ideas that fit perfectly into your Nutrisystem program. Explore our recipe section here! >

2. Very versatile.

There are no dull ingredients, just tired ways of preparing them. PowerFuels like chicken or turkey breast and SmartCarbs such as winter squash can be used in so many ways, they may seem like different foods in each recipe.

Turkey Stuffed Acorn Squash features melted mozzarella, meaty mushrooms and zesty garlic. Butternut Squash Turkey Chili serves up steaming bowls full of hearty beans, sweet and hot peppers, and chunks of tender squash. The two main ingredients are the same, but the taste is completely different!

3. Discover new tastes.

You know what you like. Or do you? A good way to find out if you enjoy any vegetable or other healthy ingredient is to try it three different ways before you pass judgment. Get started with these 11 awesome vegetable recipes that aren’t salads! >

4. Explore the world.

The foods of other countries excite your taste buds with exotic flavors. You can experience a bit of Greece with Spanakopita Spinach Pie, get a taste of Thailand with Instant Pot Chicken Pad Thai or enjoy a fiesta with Mexican Corn Dip.

5. Lifetime skills.

Making a new recipe deepens your knowledge about healthy foods and helps you to make well-informed decisions about everything you eat. That know-how will help you maintain your healthy weight for the rest of your life.

6. The power of variety.

Each type of food comes with its own unique balance of nutrients. The more varied your diet, the better nourished you will be. That protects your health and helps you lose weight.

7. Social scene.

Cooking a meal can bring the family together to share the experience. Give each member of the household a chance to pick a new recipe and everyone will be excited about healthy eating. Here are 20 healthy recipes you can make for the whole family! >

8. Easy as pie.

Even if you have limited (or no) cooking skills, you can still try new dishes and enjoy success with them. So many recipes on The Leaf take just a few steps to make. Sheet pan recipes, for example, are so simple because you put all of the ingredients on one tray and cook them together.

9. So many choices.

With the right recipe, you can eat almost anything you like while you’re losing weight. Five-Ingredient Buffalo Cauliflower Breadsticks satisfy several cravings. You’ll be amazed that you can stay on your weight loss plan and enjoy Air Fryer Funnel Cake.

10. Simple pleasures.

We need to eat to fuel our bodies but savoring good food also brings us a little joy. Trying new recipes brings excitement to our daily meals and makes any day a bit more pleasurable. Now that’s something we’ll never get tired of.

The post 10 Reasons to Try a New Recipe Every Week appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/reasons-to-try-new-weekly-recipe/