Weight Loss Recipes

What if there was a magic meal that could help make your waist smaller, cholesterol lower and heart healthier? Enter oats.

Oatmeal contains loads of a special fiber called beta-glucan. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, consuming just one and a half cups of oats containing this fiber daily can help lower your cholesterol levels and control blood pressure.

Oatmeal is nutrient-dense, too. It’s a great source of manganese, magnesium, iron, zinc, folate and other B vitamins. It’s also full of antioxidants, which is probably why the American Heart Association recommends oatmeal as a heart-healthy meal. Combining oats with vitamin C only helps increase these cardiovascular benefits.

And it doesn’t stop there. Oatmeal may boost your immune response, control blood sugar spikes, and help control your weight. Oats contain more protein and fat than most other grains. Plus, they’re gluten-free, making them a perfect choice for people who avoid gluten.

This well-balanced meal will help keep you satisfied throughout the morning. Extra perk: Oats are relatively inexpensive so gaining these benefits by eating them every day is completely budget-friendly. Even bigger perk? There are plenty of oat options on the Nutrisystem menu!

A half-cup of cooked oatmeal (in water) counts as a SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem meal plan. And, if you’re looking to create a Flex breakfast, you’ll want to sit down to SmartCarbs and one PowerFuels.

Looking for some fun ways to pump up your oats? Here are 10 tips to add some excitement, flavor and extra nutrition to your morning bowl of oatmeal:

1. Fruits and Berries

Add some fresh seasonal berries to your oatmeal. Berries add both natural sweetness and vitamin C to your bowl. Vitamin C boosts the cardiovascular benefits of your oatmeal and aids in iron absorption.

Add your favorite berries to your morning meal to take your oats to another level. One cup of fresh berries counts as one SmartCarb serving on Nutrisystem.

2. Banana Nut Oatmeal

It’s simple to add sliced bananas, chopped walnuts and cinnamon to the top of your cooked oatmeal. And it makes for a restaurant-worthy breakfast dish! Bananas add even more fiber to your meal, plus potassium and antioxidants. One medium banana counts as one SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem program.

Walnuts are rich in omega-3s and vitamin E. This little nut may boost your brain power, too (Remember: Two tablespoons of walnut halves count as a PowerFuel on Nutrisystem). Basically, this delicious dish is the perfect meal for both your mind and your heart.

3. Overnight Oats with Chia Seeds

Overnight oats may be the quickest breakfast with the biggest health benefits. Have less than a minute to put breakfast together? Make oats at night and you’ll be able to grab them and go in the morning.

Combine your favorite nut milk with oats, chia seeds and cinnamon. Chia seeds are loaded with heart-healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. One and a half teaspoons of chia seeds count as one Extra on the Nutrisystem plan, while one cup of unsweetened almond milk counts as one Extra.

Love chia seeds? Try this delicious recipe for Mango Vanilla Chia Seed Pudding! >

4. Unsweetened Coconut flakes

Coconut flakes are crunchy and sweet, adding a hearty bite to your morning oatmeal. Coconut flakes also add fiber, heart-healthy fats and iron to your meal.

Just watch your portions. A little goes a long way, and a lot goes right to your daily calorie intake. Stick with one tablespoon of coconut to keep the serving to one Nutrisystem Extra.

5. “Zoats”

Zoats are taking the foodie world by storm. Its zucchini in your oatmeal. Cooking the zucchini in a pan with the oats and water adds density, richness and loads of fiber to your meal.

Sneaking in some vegetables to your meal anytime you have the opportunity will also help you reach your daily produce requirement. Learn more about this popular breakfast trend here! >

6. Pumpkin Spice

This one is easy! Add your favorite unsweetened nut milk and sprinkle some pumpkin spice for a fall favorite. One cup of unsweetened almond milk counts as one Extra on Nutrisystem. Pumpkin spice is a Free Food, so spice things up to your liking!

7. Coffee

That’s right. Add some instant coffee to your oatmeal. Cook it overnight or in the morning for a delicious and caffeinated bowl of heaven. Incorporating Nutrisystem Free Foods, like coffee, into your oatmeal is a great way to flavor your meal with fewer calories.

8. Fig, Ricotta and Almonds

A little fancy. A little funky. A lot of delicious. Not to mention, a little goes a long way. Try adding one-fourth of a cup of dried figs (one SmartCarb on Nutrisystem), two tablespoons of low-fat ricotta (half of a PowerFuel on Nutrisystem) and a tablespoon of almonds (half of a PowerFuel on Nutrisystem) for a tasty, nutritious twist. Look out brunch!

9. Apple Pie Oatmeal

All you have to do here is chop up an apple and cook it with your oats. Top it off with cinnamon and you’ll be transported back to grandma’s table. One medium apple counts as a SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem program.

10. Nut Butter and Jelly

Using fresh raspberries and your favorite nut butter, swirl together a tasty twist on a childhood favorite. Nut butters are rich in omega-3s and the raspberries will give you a boost of antioxidants and vitamin C. One tablespoon of almond or peanut butter counts as one PowerFuel on the Nutrisystem program, and a cup of raspberries is one SmartCarb.

The post 10 Ways to Give Your Morning Oatmeal a Makeover appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/10-ways-to-pump-up-your-oats/

If you’re looking to add some sweetness to your daily vegetables, it’s time to feel the beet. Those little red roots are packed with natural sugars, so they can provide a burst of sweet flavor to salads, savory one-pan dinners and even snack time.

But unlike added sweeteners, the natural sugars from beets won’t send your blood levels soaring: Beets rank in the “low to medium” range for the glycemic index, which means your blood sugar won’t spike as it would with a sugary treat loaded with simple carbs.

And unlike added sugars, the sweetness of beets comes with disease-fighting health benefits and filling nutrients your body needs. Beetroot has been shown to lower blood pressure, increase blood flow to the brain for a healthier mind, and reduce chronic inflammation, which may be a factor in several diseases, including heart disease and certain cancers.

Beets are also loaded with filling fiber: One cup of sliced, cooked beets has 3.4 grams of dietary fiber, a nutrient that can help you feel full faster—and feel fuller for longer. Fiber helps calm your appetite, fights off belly fat, and can improve your overall gut health.

So beet it! These 15 easy beet recipes make it simple to incorporate more of this sweet red vegetable into your daily diet.

1. Balsamic Beet and Goat Cheese Salad >

Besides its creamy goat cheese, sweetness from beets, and peppery arugula flavor, this Balsamic Beet and Goat Cheese Salad has another benefit: It provides all four of your daily non-starchy vegetable servings in a single dish! And that’s huge for your goals.

Nutrisystem programs have members eat four or more servings of non-starchy vegetables per day for some simple reason: These veggies are weight loss superchargers! They fill you up, give your body nutrients it needs to function, fight off disease and keep your energy levels high. Plus, they’re low in calories to help power your weight loss success.

2. Root Vegetable Chips >

Potatoes aren’t the only vegetables that make delicious chips! The Leaf offers ways to make them from kale for a light, crunchy taste, and in this Root Vegetable Chips recipe, from beets, parsnips and sweet potatoes.

By baking thin slices of the vegetables for 20 to 30 minutes, you’ll have a tray full of crunchy, salty, satisfying chips that help you conquer snack time with salty goodness while staying on track to your goals. Try them with your own seasoning mixes for a personal twist, or go for an even crunchier version by experimenting with an air fryer!

3. Miso Salmon with Kale and Beets >

This dish a smorgasbord of superfoods: Dark, leafy kale is high in fiber and low in calories, and is loaded with nutrients and antioxidants like potassium. Salmon is a superstar of Omega-3 fatty acids. And beets have all those can’t-beet-it benefits outlined above.

But when the three come together in this Miso Salmon with Kale and Beets recipe, they’ve got another super power: They’re delicious! Topped with a homemade miso-ginger glaze and flavored with onions and garlic, this dish is so tasty that you’ll forget it’s great for your health!

4. Red Velvet Beet Brownies >

Double the dessert flavor while reducing your calories and sugar intake with this Red Velvet Beet Brownies recipe. This healthy bake combines the flavors of red velvet cake and classic brownies into a single pan—and reduces sugar thanks to the natural sweetness of beets and a stevia baking blend.

The chocolate flavor is all there, with cocoa powder in the batter and chocolate chips on top. The result are rich, red brownies that are weight loss approved—and delicious.

5. Mega Beet Burger >

Give your Meatless Monday a filling, flavorful kick with this mouthwatering Mega Beet Burger recipe. It’s loaded with protein, fiber and nutrients not just from beets, but from oats, lentils, walnuts and flax. All these ingredients—plus some onions and spices—get mixed in the food processor to create a mix that’s got the same consistency as ground meat, but with far fewer calories. And they’re topped with something even more surprising: a goat cheese and honey spread that adds sweetness, creaminess, and—thanks to Greek yogurt—even more protein to this filling meal.

6. Maple Roasted Root Vegetables >

Nothing says fall flavor like maple … except maybe roasted root veggies. Combine their autumnal powers and satisfy your sweet tooth with this simple to prepare side dish: Just toss sliced carrots, beets, and parsnips in a mix of oil, light butter, maple syrup, and orange juice before baking for 40 minutes. The result? Concentrated sweetness from the natural sugars of the vegetables, plus even more sugary goodness from a maple glaze. You’ll hardly believe this Maple Roasted Root Vegetables recipe is only 152 calories per serving.

7. Roasted Rosemary Beets and Carrots >

Roasting vegetables concentrates their flavors and brings out their natural sweetness. And when it’s beets and carrots, you’re roasting two of the most flavor- and natural sugar-packed veggies you can find! In this Roasted Rosemary Beets and Carrots recipe, they’re slow-roasted with red onion and topped with rosemary for an herby side that’s got all the flavors of harvest time. Best of all, it’s all made on one pan: Just toss the ingredients together, roast them together, and then devour them together!

8. Beet and Goat Cheese Appetizer >

Beets and goat cheese are a classic combination. There’s something about the sweetness of the vegetable and the cool, creamy flavor of the cheese that marries perfectly. This Beet and Goat Cheese Appetizer recipe gives that pairing a gourmet spin that’s worthy of a classic party.

Square slices of beets are layered with a goat cheese, yogurt, milk and lemon mixture to make a striking, red-and-white striped bite that’s straight out of a cooking competition. But unlike those impossible dishes on TV, this layered dish is easy to make, so you can wow your friends and guests with the app’s looks and flavor while sticking to your healthy eating plan.

9. Arugula Beet Salad with Orange Slices >

This Arugula Beet and Orange Salad recipe is a sweet, refreshing way to get two of your daily non-starchy vegetable servings for just 101 little calories—and there’s no cooking required! Spicy, peppery arugula is topped with canned, sliced beets, sharp red onion, cool cucumber slices and sweet, tangy orange. It’s all topped off with a simple, tasty dressing you make yourself from orange juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt and honey.

10. Beetroot and Quinoa Superfood Salad >

Yes, it’s made of superfoods, so it’s loaded with nutrients like protein and fiber from quinoa, and vitamins and minerals in the beets and kale. But this Beetroot and Quinoa Superfood Salad recipe isn’t just healthy, it’s tasty, too, made with lemon, thyme and low-fat feta cheese. It’s got cheesiness, sweetness, crunch, citrusy zest and aromatic herbs … a serious mix of flavors and textures that could make this easy to make salad your new favorite Flex Meal or side dish.

11. Chicken Root Power Bowl >

Power bowls are a delicious way to pack in lots of great-for-you foods in a single, easy-to-eat meal … and they’re always topped with a tasty dressing that ties all the ingredients together. This Chicken Root Power Bowl recipe is no different. It’s loaded with hearty chicken, grains, and vegetables like beets, spinach, cauliflower and sweet potato.

It’s all topped by a simple, flavorful white balsamic dressing, made with vinegar, sharp Dijon mustard, honey, olive oil and black pepper. Toss it all together and you’ve got a lunch that will fill you with power—energy for your day and, thanks to the high fiber and protein content, a full stomach that gives you the willpower to feel satisfied until supper.

12. Spring Beet Orzo Risotto >

Beets give this Spring Beet Orzo Risotto recipe a bright, tantalizing red hue. The meal starts by roasting some beets—just toss them in olive oil and pop them in the oven on a baking sheet for 40 minutes. While they cook, you’ll prepare the orzo the same way rice is prepared for risotto, sautéing it and then cooking it in broth for added flavor.

The pasta is combined with balsamic vinegar and pureed beets for a delicious finish that’s topped with goat cheese and sliced almonds. This side dish has a creamy, crunchy texture you’ll love.

13. Red Velvet Protein Shake >

It’s a protein shake that tastes like cake. Need we say more? Well, we will anyway! This Red Velvet Protein Shake recipe has a rich, chocolate fudge flavor that’s enhanced by coffee, and is hiding a secret: It’s packed with vegetable nutrition from beets and a cup of leafy green spinach. The beets provide added sweetness and a deep, ruby color, but otherwise, you’d never know it’s healthy. The fudge and coffee combo masks the vegetables, so all you taste through your straw is scrumptious cake.

14. Superfood Smoothie Bowl >

If you haven’t had a smoothie bowl, they’re part smoothie, part pudding … and all delicious. They’re a nutrient-packed way to energize your morning with vitamins, minerals and good stuff your body needs. Plus, they have a mix of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

This Superfood Smoothie Bowl recipe has sweet cherries, beets, crunchy pistachios and creamy Greek yogurt that all help to mask the fiber-and-nutrition bonus of riced cauliflower. All you taste is sweet and crunch, though, brightening your a.m. hours and powering you up to tackle the day and stay satisfied until lunch.

15. Farro Roasted Vegetable Salad >

Roasted vegetable salads combine the nutritional punch of a cold side salad with the warm, satisfying flavors and textures of roasted veggies. This Farro Roasted Vegetable Salad recipe features beets, Brussels sprouts, kale and carrots. It gets a bonus bit of filling fiber and nutrition from farro, an often-overlooked, nutrient-dense grain that provides 12 percent of your daily fiber—plus iron and calcium—in a single serving. The farro also makes this already-heaping and -hearty dish even more satisfying, so you’ll feel more full and satiated than you ever have from a salad.

16. Roasted Beet Hummus >

Get ready to elevate your hummus game with a recipe that will make your taste buds sing. The stunning color of this Roasted Beet Hummus recipe might steal the show, but it’s the earthy sweetness that will keep you coming back for more. By adding beets to the classic chickpea and tahini mix, you’re not only making the dip more nutritious, but also adding a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Say goodbye to boring old hummus and hello to your new favorite snack.

The post 16 Easy Beet Recipes That Can’t Be Beat appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/easy-beet-recipes/

Are you feeling drained from jam-packed schedules that stretch from dawn till dusk? With so much on your plate, it’s easy to get zapped of all your energy, leaving you sluggish and depleted after a long day. But don’t chug coffee or reach for sugary energy drinks just yet! There are plenty of ways to boost your energy naturally without resorting to endless caffeine consumption. We’ve got you covered with eight scientifically proven tips to help you power through your day and stay on track towards your weight loss goals. Say goodbye to exhaustion and hello to vitality!

1. Eat a Balanced Breakfast

Breakfast gets your day going with the essential fuel your body needs. The best kind of morning meal includes foods that are high in protein like PowerFuels and lower on the Glycemic Index, like SmartCarbs.

According to a study, published in the journal Gastroenterology and Hepatology From Bed to Bench, “Lower [Glycemic Load] foods and higher protein intake at breakfast were found to be associated with higher energy levels. It is therefore recommended that breakfast foods should be low in [Glycemic Load] and high in protein. These changes may lead to better health status and prevention of disease, especially metabolic and liver disorders, in the long term.”

2. Be More Active

One of the quickest and most effective ways to boost energy naturally is to do some physical activity. That’s right, being active helps you to feel energetic, not tired. 12 population-based studies were examined in a review of research, published in Sports Medicine. According to the researchers, “all of the studies suggested that there was an association between physical activity and a reduced risk of experiencing feelings of low energy and fatigue when active adults were compared with sedentary peers.”

In another study, a brisk 10-minute walk increased the energy of test subjects and the effects lasted up to two hours. Even better, when the participants took 10-minute walks each day for three weeks, their overall energy levels were higher than before. Bonus: they also reported feeling in a better mood most of the time.

3. Take a Nap

When you’re sleepy or just lack energy, a brief “power” nap can help you feel more alert and energetic, according to a report from the University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry. A 20- to 30-minute nap can “help you maintain alertness” and can be used in addition or instead of drinking caffeine.

Don’t sleep more than that, the experts caution, “Staying in the lighter sleep stages during your nap is key to making sure you feel better, since waking up from a deep sleep suddenly during the day (or anytime) can feel jarring and make you feel less-than-rested.”

4. Eat Often

Frequent smaller meals and snacks every few hours provides your body with a steady supply of nutrients throughout the day, say the scientists at Harvard Health. This may help decrease feelings of fatigue because the brain doesn’t have many of its own energy reserves.

Skipping meals and not getting enough calories can cause fatigue and lead to crashes in your energy level. With a Nutrisystem weight loss plan, snacks play an important role in keeping your energy up while making sure your appetite is satisfied.

5. Smart Snacking

The ideal snacks to boost energy naturally include fiber-rich SmartCarbs along with protein-packed PowerFuels. SmartCarbs are carbohydrates with lots of fiber and valuable vitamins and minerals. They are low to medium on the Glycemic Index, so they don’t cause your blood sugar levels and energy to rise and then fall quickly. Fresh fruit, hummus and whole grain crackers are SmartCarbs that keep you energized and full.

6. Stay Hydrated

When your body doesn’t get enough water, you are likely to feel mentally and physically fatigued, says a report in the journal Nutrition Review. By the way, you may also feel hungry when you’re dehydrated, so if it’s not time for your next meal or snack, try drinking water. Nutrisystem’s dietitians recommend that you drink at least 64 ounces of water each day.

7. Limit Sugar

You may feel a “rush” of energy when you eat sweets and other foods that are high in added sugar and low in fiber. But that boost of energy quickly fades as your body burns up those empty calories and you are likely to feel even more lethargic than before.

According to a report, published in Open Heart, “Not only do added sugars displace nutritionally superior foods in the diet, but they may also deplete nutrients from other foods that have been consumed, as well as from body stores, in order to enable their proper oxidation and liberate their calories as energy. Additionally, the consumption of added sugars damages the mitochondria and hence impairs energy generation.”

You probably know that spooning a lot of white sugar into your coffee or breakfast cereal is an unhealthy choice and that eating candy loads you up with extra calories. But you also want to pay attention to the added sugar content of foods that don’t even taste too sweet, such as tomato sauce, non-dairy milk and flavored yogurts. Check nutrition labels for details on how much sugar is in a product before you buy it and choose low-sugar options whenever possible. Also check out these 25 Nutrisystem meals and snacks with no added sugar! >

8. Maintain Magnesium

A mineral that plays a key role in turning the food you eat into energy is magnesium. When you don’t get enough magnesium in your diet, you may feel fatigued and your body may need to work harder to do physical tasks. Nuts, seeds, whole grains and greens are all good sources of magnesium. Be sure to regularly eat foods rich in magnesium and with these other tips, you may feel energized and ready to face whatever your days demand of you.

The post 8 Tips to Boost Energy Naturally (Without Caffeine!) appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/boost-energy-naturally/

Surprised that eggs are considered a superfood? It wasn’t too long ago that eggs picked up a reputation as an unhealthy food to avoid because they could contribute to serious health problems. Now we know that just the opposite is true: Eggs are a concentrated source of potent nutrients and provide many health benefits. They can play a vital role in our diets, especially when we’re trying to shed excess pounds.

Here’s a breakdown of some of the many benefits of eggs… and a few tasty ways to prepare them!:

Nutrition Highlights

Eggs count as a PowerFuel on the Nutrisystem plan because they are a source of high-quality protein with only about 80 calories per serving. One large egg (one serving) comes with five grams of fat, including 1.6 grams of saturated fat. The concerns about egg consumption were based on the 187 milligrams of cholesterol in an average egg.  High blood cholesterol levels are associated with heart disease, but recent research has determined that eating foods high in cholesterol does not directly increase the levels stored in your body. (Foods loaded with saturated fats, such as fatty meats, are more likely to lead to high blood cholesterol.)

A typical large egg provides you with about seven grams of complete protein (yet another one the superfood benefits of eggs), contained in both the yolk (yellow) and the albumen (white) parts. The yolk is a rich source of vitamin A and D, B vitamins, zinc and iron. It also delivers two important antioxidants, lutein and zeaxanthin. These nutrients protect your eyes from aging related conditions, such as macular degeneration, a leading cause of blindness in the United States that affects over 10 million people. They also support healthy brain functioning.

Eggs supply you with choline, a nutrient that is especially important for pregnant women, as it plays a key role in fetal brain development. For everybody, choline helps our bodies maintain and replenish all kinds of cells, transmit nerve impulses and process fat and cholesterol in our diets. Only beef liver gives you more choline than eggs do.

For all of us on a weight loss journey, eggs may be most valuable because they help stave off hunger. People who ate an egg breakfast felt fuller afterwards and consumed significantly fewer calories at lunch and over the next 24 hours than those who ate a bagel-based breakfast with the same number of calories, according to study published in the journal Nutrition Research.

RELATED: The Benefits of Almonds >

Buyer’s Guide

If you buy eggs in the supermarket, they most likely have white shells. You may also see eggs with brown shells in grocery stores and if you shop at farmer’s markets or other sources, you may come across bluish and even speckled eggs. The color of the shells is directly related to the breed of chickens that laid them—there are no significant nutritional differences between eggs of different colors.

Many stores and farmers now offer “free-range” or “pasture-raised” eggs, which come from hens that feed themselves on their natural diet—insects and seeds—while roaming around outside. Chickens raised in standard conditions are kept inside and they get feed that’s pre-formulated for them, mostly from corn and soybeans. Egg yolks from free-range chickens tend to be brighter yellow or more orange than standard. Some research has found that free-range eggs are lower in saturated fat and higher in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

Fresh Ideas

The many benefits of eggs make this superfood a healthy way to fuel up for your day, but breakfast isn’t the only time to enjoy them. Separating the yolk from the white greatly expands the kinds of dishes you can make with eggs.

RELATED: Why You Need More Ginger in Your Diet >

Now check out these six delicious and egg-cellent superfood recipes to reap the many benefits of eggs:

1. Cloud Eggs >

For a light and fluffy egg dish, whip up the albumen (the white part!) and then cook the yolk within the foamy cloud of white.

2. Veggie Omelet Muffins >

Take your eggs to go with these simple muffins, loaded with cheese and veggies, along with the nutritional punch of eggs.

3. Not So Devilish Deviled Eggs >

The party-time favorite gets a healthy makeover, so you and your guests can enjoy it during the holiday season or whenever you all get together.

4. Skinny Avocado Egg Salad Sandwich >

You can make a filling flex lunch with all of the creaminess and flavor you love, but with more healthy fats and plenty of protein to keep you energized all afternoon.

5. 5-Ingredient Veggie Frittata >

Eggs are the foundation of this filling and nutritious meal that comes with rich mozzarella and cottage cheese.

6. Spicy Buffalo Deviled Eggs >

Buffalo wings and deviled eggs come together to create this unique appetizer. Our Spicy Buffalo Deviled Eggs recipe is perfect for your holidays or Sunday football parties.

The post Superfood Saturday: Why Eggs Are So Egg-cellent appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/benefits-of-eggs/

With Easter just around the corner, you might be planning to celebrate in various ways. Whether you do breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner, use these tips or a healthy and fun celebration!

1. Choose Healthier Basket Fillers

For many, Easter includes a basket full of candy as part of the celebration. But you can lighten your candy calorie load by making some of your own, healthier Easter candy. We have lots of ideas on The Leaf including our Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs, our Vanilla Cream Easter Eggs or our Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch Bars. You can also stock up on smart snacks like nuts, dried fruit, granola bars or Nutrisystem snacks.

Of course, you can also swap out candy for other fun basket fillers like small toys, makeup, gift cards, toiletries and art supplies. Or think about items that will get your family active and outside like jump ropes, sidewalk chalk, water balloons, water bottles or free weights. There are many creative basket filler ideas that will keep Easter healthier for the whole family.

Put together the perfect healthy Easter basket with these five creative ideas! >

2. Lighten Your Side Dishes

If you’re anything like us, you might live for the sides. Ham is yummy, but it’s those side dishes that you’re reaching for the most. Fortunately, there are lots of healthy side dishes to serve with your Easter meal.

If it’s breakfast or brunch, try this Vegetable Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust or Cauliflower Breakfast Hash Skillet. If it’s lunch or dinner, try our Honey Balsamic Glazed Carrots, our Cheese Sauce Smothered Broccoli or our Roasted Green Beans and Mushrooms with Honey Balsamic Drizzle. We have loads of ideas on The Leaf for healthier side dishes that are both filling and delicious.

3. Go Easy on the Ham

For many, ham is a must-have on the Easter table. But ham also happens to be heavily processed. Most of the ham sold and served in the United States is cured, which is a preservation process involving the addition of salt, nitrates, and other additives to process the meat. We believe that enjoying favorites in moderation is important in sticking to a healthy diet plan. But you can still choose a smaller piece of ham and then load up on veggies.

We also have a recipe for a Hawaiian Honey Ham and Quinoa Salad that goes light with a slice of ham and will help you fill up with a side of fiber-rich quinoa.

Of course, there’s no rule that says you have to serve ham! You can swap out your ham for a different main course like turkey, chicken, or even lasagna! At the end of the day, a meal around the table with family and friends is usually most special because of the memories made together.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

If you’ve spent any time on our blog before, you know that we love talking about staying hydrated! That’s because there truly are so many benefits. Before a big meal, like an Easter feast, drinking plenty of water will help you to feel full without overeating.

It’s also important to remember that sugary drinks like soda or lemonade can add lots of added calories to your Easter meal. Instead, consider a nice cold pitcher of ice water at the table. You can even toss in some sliced fruit to make it more festive and slightly sweet without tacking unnecessary calories onto your meal.

5. Go for a Walk!

Since it’s Springtime, unless it’s raining, it should hopefully be nice enough weather to go for a walk after your Easter meal. Walking can increase your energy, boost your mood and strengthen the immune system. Anecdotally speaking, people often feel better getting a little bit of movement or exercise in after a big meal.

If you have family or friends over, why not go on a big walk together? Or get out in the yard to have an Easter egg hunt or to play some yard games. Anything you can do besides remaining sedentary can be helpful in staying healthy this holiday!

The post 5 Healthy Tips for Celebrating Easter appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/healthy-tips-for-celebrating-easter/

Forget store-bought Easter candy! We’ve got three delicious chocolate Easter egg candy recipes that are healthy and easy to make.

Each candy Easter egg has a unique, delicious filling. And they all fit into your Nutrisystem weight loss plan! Pick your favorite or make all three. Even the kiddos will love these tasty treats.

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs >

Calories per Serving: 162

On Nutrisystem, Count As: ½ PowerFuel and 3 Extras

A classic candy combination with a healthy holiday twist, these Easter eggs will be a hit with the whole family. Peanut butter, maple syrup and whole wheat flour are the at the center of this chocolate Easter egg. A blend of melted chocolate chips and coconut oil creates the perfect chocolate shell. Feel free to swap the flour with a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or coconut flour.

2. 5-Ingredient Vanilla Cream Easter Eggs >

Calories per Serving: 105

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 3 Extras

The creamy vanilla filling in this chocolate Easter egg recipe consists of soaked cashews blended with vanilla extract and vanilla whey protein powder. Feel free to use vanilla Nutrisystem shake mix! Melted chocolate chips coat the delicious center. You can even create a beautiful presentation with egg-shaped plastic or silicone molds (check your local dollar store!).

3. Chocolate Covered Cookie Dough Easter Eggs >

Calories per Serving: 153

On Nutrisystem, Count As: ½ PowerFuel and 3 Extras

This last chocolate Easter egg candy recipe features a delicious combination of homemade oat flour, cashew butter, vanilla extract and maple syrup to create a healthy cookie dough-inspired filling. Egg-shaped balls of the dough are dunked into a blend of rich, melted chocolate chips and coconut oil. Feel free to drizzle the candies with more of the chocolate mixture for a pretty presentation.

Use these delicious chocolate Easter egg recipes to fill up your family Easter baskets! Get more tips for creating a healthy Easter basket at the link below:

The post 3 Chocolate Easter Egg Candy Recipes appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/chocolate-easter-egg-candy-recipes/