Weight Loss Recipes

Chicken dinners are winners just about every night of the week. That’s because chicken breast has become a weight loss champion—it is high in protein yet low in saturated fat. Plus, it’s so versatile that it fits into any cuisine, from Italian to Mexican to classic American. To inspire you with chicken breast dinner ideas for your Flex meals, we’ve gathered our most popular, weight loss-friendly chicken recipes. Some of them are sure to become favorites at your table!

1. One-Pan Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel, 1 Extra and 1 Vegetable

Here’s the perfect dish for those days when you need a meal that’s simple to make, easy to clean up and certain to please the whole family. Everybody’s appetite will be satisfied with protein-rich chicken breast seasoned with garlic and fresh lemon, savory rice and tender zucchini (or your gang’s favorite veggie). And there’s only one skillet to wash when you’re done.

2. Pizza Stuffed Chicken >

 

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuels and 1 Extra

Put everything you love about pizza—zesty marinara sauce, melty cheese and spicy pepperoni—between tender pieces of chicken breast and you’ve got a healthy meal that’s loaded with flavor. The recipe makes four servings so you can share it with others or freeze extra portions for quick meals on busy days. Feel free to garnish with some fresh basil for more fresh flavor!

3. Slow Cooker Pumpkin Chicken Chili >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 1 Vegetable (add 1 Extra if using cream cheese)

This chili isn’t just healthier than standard calorie-laden recipes, it’s tastier. The pumpkin adds a naturally sweet note to balance the pungent flavor of the fire-roasted green chilis and jalapenos. With a slow cooker, the ingredients have hours to blend while you are taking care of your to-do list. You even have the option to add some low-fat cream cheese for extra creaminess!

4. French Onion Stuffed Chicken >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra

Chicken breast recipes are just about the perfect host for so many of your favorite flavors. In this dish, you can savor the comforting tastes of classic French onion soup—including zesty onions and creamy cheese—while also powering you up with essential protein.

5. Italian Chicken Casserole >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 SmartCarb and 1 Vegetable

Casserole recipes are a convenient way make chicken breast and whole grains like quinoa in a single meal and infuse them with your favorite flavors. We made this one Italian style, with tangy tomatoes, zingy garlic and melted Mozzarella cheese. We also add savory herbs, such as oregano and basil.

6. Air Fryer Dry Rubbed Chicken Bites >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels and 1 Extra

The air fryer gives these seasoned nuggets a crispy coating without loading them down with greasy oil, while the chicken inside stays tender and moist. The whole family will clamor for more, so it’s a good thing you can have a batch ready in about 10 minutes.

7. Healthy Chicken Piccata >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels and 2 Extras

Breaded chicken on a bed of pasta and topped with creamy garlic and lemon sauce can be a part of your weight loss plan when you make it our way. This version is lip-smacking good and it’s sure to keep you feeling full for hours.

8. Instant Pot Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 Extra and 1 Vegetable

All of your taste buds will light up when you bite into the flavorful filling of spicy buffalo chicken, creamy blue cheese and crunchy veggies in these irresistible lettuce wraps. With the Instant Pot, you can them whip up for a quick lunch or dinner on a busy night. The Instant Pot makes healthy chicken breast recipes a breeze!

9. Teriyaki Chicken Foil Packet >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable and 2 Extras

You can keep it simple but satisfying with this easy dish, made with chicken breast and a mix of vegetables, all glazed with sweet and tangy teriyaki sauce. Each serving cooks in its own foil packet, so you can vary the veggie choices to match the preferences of everyone at the table.

10. Chicken Pot Pie >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels and ½ Vegetable

With this recipe, you can enjoy the comforts of digging into a warm, fragrant chicken pot pie and stay on track with your weight loss goal. It has everything you want—bites of white-meat chicken breast, tender veggies, creamy sauce and a crusty biscuit topping—but comes with just 267 calories per serving.

11. Chicken A La King >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels and 1 Vegetable

A favorite for many families, Chicken A La King recipes feature sweet peppers and hearty mushrooms along with chunks of chicken breast on top of a bed of pasta. With this recipe, you make six belly-filling servings, so there’s plenty to share or to save for another day.

12. Fiesta Chicken and Rice Bowl >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras

This recipe is your solution when you’re craving a burrito—it has all of the best parts and none of the excess calories. Start with seasoned and grilled chicken breast, add fresh avocado, salsa, lettuce and cilantro. Serve it over cooked brown rice. Watching your carbs? Swap the brown rice with riced cauliflower!

13. Instant Pot Chicken Creole >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra

Dishes like this zesty Chicken Creole are proof that healthy eating is never boring. It’s spiced with onions, garlic, cayenne peppers and more that amp up the flavors of the tangy tomato sauce and the plump bites of chicken.

14. Creamy Spinach Stuffed Chicken >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels, 1 Vegetable

The outside of this dish is tender chicken breast, while the inside is a savory mix of spinach, melted cheese, crispy breadcrumbs and nutty quinoa. This fancy-looking feast is surprisingly easy to make yourself, even if you’re not a whiz in the kitchen.

15. One-Pan Chicken Parmesan and Green Beans >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels, 1 Vegetable, 2 Extras

This version of the Italian classic has everything you expect—tender chicken breast with a crispy coating topped with rich marinara sauce, creamy mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. But instead of filling up your kitchen sink with pots and pans, you make it in your oven on one single pan with a side of juicy green beans.

16. Hasselback Chicken >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels, 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra

When you want something different than your usual chicken dishes, try our “Hasselback” chicken. It’s a plump chicken breast sliced open and filled with red potatoes, colorful sweet peppers and zesty red onion. It’s flavored with the zing of Cajun seasoning, treating you to different tastes and textures in every bite.

17. Easy Chicken Fajita Bake >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, 2 PowerFuels, 1 Vegetable and 3 Extras

Fajitas can turn any meal into a fiesta, and you are sure to celebrate when you sit down to this flavor-packed meal of seasoned chicken breast, shredded cheese, black olives, colorful bell peppers and onions, spiced Southwestern style with chili powder and lime juice. Add hot sauce to taste and let the party begin!

Hungry for more chicken dinners? Check out the Nutrisystem menu for convenient home delivery! Get started with a weight loss plan today >

The post 17 Healthy Chicken Breast Recipes for Your Weekly Menu appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/healthy-chicken-breast-recipes-for-weight-loss/

Guys faced with a challenge tend to go for the straightforward approach to dealing with it. So, when men want to lose excess weight, they will choose a plan that’s proven to work, easy to follow and lets them enjoy the foods they love. That’s why so many guys are signing up for the ridiculously uncomplicated, super simple weight loss solution from Nutrisystem! If you’re ready to look your best, feel great and get healthy, here’s why Nutrisystem for Men is the right weight loss diet plan for you.

Check out these eight reasons why Nutrisystem for Men is your simple weight loss solution:

1. Strong platform.

A man’s weight loss journey is a bit different than woman’s, as men’s bodies tend to have more muscle mass. Maintaining muscle burns calories, keeping your metabolism working even when you’re at rest. However, when men begin losing weight, they may shed some of their muscle mass along with the fat. Protein is the building block of muscle and it’s essential for keeping your body strong as you drop the extra pounds. Our healthy living team designed the Nutrisystem weight loss plans to include the right mix of nutrients to fuel your body, including plenty of healthy, lean protein. So, men can avoid eating high-fat foods while holding onto their muscle as they slim down.

2. Designed for you.

Men have different needs than women. However, not every guy is the same. That’s why all-new personalized plans from Nutrisystem tailor a program to you and your unique metabolism. This includes a calorie goal to support weight loss based on YOUR weight, height, gender, age and activity. We also recommend grocery additions that are best for you based on your age, gender and body type. As you move through your weight loss journey, your plan will adapt with you as you hit weight loss milestones. It’s a simple weight loss solution designed for YOU.

3. Easy action.

Dieting can seem so confusing. Magazines, online articles and books offer contradictory advice that’s hard to sort out. Friends and co-workers may tell you about the secret they discovered, like eating only certain foods at specific times of the day. Some weight loss programs expect you to weigh food and tabulate scores before you decide what to eat. Nutrisystem for Men makes it so simple: You get a simple meal plan to follow, along with a wide variety of tempting, perfectly portioned meals and snacks delivered to your door. You don’t have to think about anything except what you feel like eating. With our handy Grocery Guide and Dining Out Guide, you’ll have all the information you need to make smart choices when you prepare your own meals or go out to eat.

4. Keep it simple.

Grocery store shelves are full of “diet” or “light” products made with artificial ingredients. They are as fake as their promises that they are the secret to weight loss. Here at Nutrisystem, we keep things simple and ridiculously uncomplicated. Our meals and snacks are free of artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors and trans fats. Enjoy delicious foods created with the right balance of protein, carbs and fats, served in portions that satisfy your hunger for hours and keep you energized throughout your day.

5. Choose your favorites.

Weight loss doesn’t mean that you have to give up the foods you love. Nutrisystem has remade guys’ favorite foods so you can enjoy them and stay on track with your weight loss goals. We’re talking about burgers, pizza, pasta and more. Whether you like Italian, Tex-Mex or the hearty classics, the Nutrisystem menu offers many options that are sure to please any guy’s tastes. That means you’ll look forward to eating every day and never have to worry about “cheating” on your diet when you have a craving for your favorites.

6. Feeling full.

Walking around hungry all day can lead you to give up on your weight loss plan. With Nutrisystem for Men, hunger will be the last thing on your mind. Research suggests that eating smaller, balanced meals throughout the day promotes greater weight loss and maintenance. That’s why our program calls for eating six times a day, every two to three hours. This includes three meals and three snacks each day. Even better, some foods like non-starchy vegetables are “unlimited,” so you can eat as much of them as you’d like any time you feel hunger pangs.

7. Always convenient.

Know what’s less hassle than picking up takeout or even ordering delivery? Having your pantry and freezer stocked with your choice of delicious Nutrisystem meals and snacks that are minutes away from being ready to eat. You pick a selection of the foods you love each month and they’re delivered right to your door. What’s more, many Nutrisystem options are easy to bring along wherever your day may take you, so you never have to search for a place to get a quick, filling and satisfying meal whenever hunger strikes.

8. Built to last.

Reaching your target weight is a great accomplishment, but the real goal is to maintain it, right? Nutrisystem for Men teaches you the keys to keeping the weight off for good. You learn about the right portion sizes for you and find out how to shop for healthy ingredients. We even teach you how to cook healthy and provide easy recipes here on The Leaf! Throughout your journey, Nutrisystem Weight Loss Counselors are available to answer all of your questions. All of the guesswork about losing weight and keeping it off goes away. It’s so simple, we have to call it “ridiculously uncomplicated.”

Are you ready to lose weight, improve your health and have more energy? Get started with Nutrisystem for Men today! >

The post Ridiculously Uncomplicated: A Simple Solution for Men’s Weight Loss appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/simple-weight-loss-for-men/

If you’re like millions of Americans, your New Year’s celebration ended with a resolution to lose weight in 2021. Making a commitment like this is a great first step toward a healthier and happier you. But we all know that setting a goal is far easier than actually making it happen. Staying on track and maintaining weight loss can be quite challenging. But you can do this!

Here are 10 tips to make it easier to stick with your weight loss resolution this New Year and beyond:

1. Drink Up

Hunger and thirst are easily confused, so stay hydrated. But don’t make the mistake of drinking your calories. Opt for water. If you feel like you need a flavor boost, add fresh fruit slices, a few squeezes of lemon, or some sprigs of mint leaves.

2. Snack Mindfully

It is all too easy to derail an otherwise flawless diet by overeating at snack time. Be mindful of your snacks. Opt for fresh fruits and veggies, lean proteins and healthy fats. Make sure your choices serve up nutritional value and will keep you satisfied until your next meal.

3. Sleep

Studies show a link between sleep deprivation and excess pounds. Getting enough sleep will make it easier to make clear-headed, healthful choices throughout the day.

4. Jumpstart Your Weight Loss

Studies show that early weight loss is a predictor of long-term success. Look for programs that keep you motivated like Nutrisystem, which include a special first week to jumpstart your weight loss in the first seven days.

5. Eat Small

Research suggests that eating smaller, balanced meals throughout the day promotes greater weight loss and maintenance. Schedule meals every two to three hours, six times a day.

6. Get Moving

Exercise doesn’t have to be daunting! Get started with 10-minute sessions, three times a day. Movement sets your metabolism in motion so make sure it’s a consistent part of your weight loss efforts.

7. Eat Out, the Healthy Way

Restaurant portions can be monstrous. Set aside half the meal and save it for later. Avoid menu terms like “breaded,” “fried,” “crispy” and “smothered.” At buffets, fill your first plate up entirely with greens before moving on to other options. Try these simple tricks for dining out in slim-down style!

8. Embrace Setbacks

Sometimes diets get temporarily thrown off course by a missed workout or a second slice of birthday cake. Rather than throwing in the towel entirely, view the setback for what it really is, a temporary misstep.

9. Be Accountable

Keep a food and exercise diary to reinforce good habits. Log food, drinks, activity, weight and more to stay accountable. Try Nutrisystem’s FREE online tracking tool, the NuMi app, which makes logging simple.

10. Don’t Go It Alone

We know that losing weight isn’t exactly a cakewalk. But it doesn’t have to be impossible. If you haven’t already, check out Nutrisystem’s weight loss plans, which have been developed by experts to make it easier to lose weight and live healthier. We even have a Partner Plan so that you and a family member or friend can tackle your goals together!

If you are already on the Nutrisystem program, take advantage of our Weight Loss Counseling services. Our counselors are standing by to help answer all of your questions about Nutrisystem or weight loss in general. Sign up for the Nutrisystem newsletter so you can get recipes and fresh new weight loss tips from our experts delivered right to your inbox. Visit The Leaf Weight Loss Blog daily to get the latest nutrition and fitness tips, plus hundreds of healthy recipes that fit with your plan.

With the right attitude and the right tools, you can make 2021 the year you finally lose the weight for good. Get started with Nutrisystem today! >

The post 10 Tips for Sticking with Your New Year’s Resolution appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/10-tips-for-sticking-with-your-resolution/

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. (Just look at all those smiling faces below, eager to help you make this your best year yet!). 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 2021. 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 2021:

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; in fact, “back to basics” body weight training is predicted to be a top fitness trend of 2017, according to a survey by the American College of Sports Medicine. 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 you 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/