Weight Loss Recipes

Lemons are a powerful aid to your weight loss plan. The tart citrus fruit brightens the taste of so many healthy ingredients, yet it doesn’t add extra calories. In fact, lemon juice is a Free Food on your Nutrisystem plan, so you can enjoy as much of it as you want. Fresh lemon adds flavor to breakfasts, lunches and dinners, as well as satisfying snacks, desserts and refreshing drinks. To help you enjoy more of this bright and sunny fruit in your diet, we’ve gathered this list of 20 fresh lemon recipes to add some zest to your menu.

1. Lemon Thyme Vinaigrette >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 Extras

Pass on the high-fat salad dressings and overly sweet marinades and instead use the sparky taste of lemon to boost the flavors of salads, chicken, turkey and fish recipes. This simple vinaigrette also features zesty shallots, zingy mustard and earthy thyme, all blending together to elevate the taste of many different dishes. Click here for the full recipe! >

2. Strawberry Lemon Icebox Cake >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra

What could be better than a delicious no-bake lemon cake that is made with six ingredients and four steps? How about this treat, which brings together juicy fresh strawberries, real lemon zest, creamy Greek yogurt and crispy graham crackers? Now here’s the best part: you can enjoy this irresistible dessert and stay on track to your weight loss goal. Click here for the full recipe! >

3. One-Pan Lemon Chicken Rice Skillet >

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

Love lemon chicken recipes? The tart, acidic taste of lemons brings out the flavor of lean chicken breast in a variety of dishes. We put them together in this one-pan meal that also features mild-tasting zucchini, butter, garlic and parsley, plus a serving of high-fiber rice. Because you cook it all in one skillet, the clean-up is as easy as the preparation. Click here for the full recipe! >

4. Lemon Poppy Seed Energy Bites >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 SmartCarb

On busy mornings or those days when you need an afternoon pick-me-up, Lemon Poppy Seed Energy Bites are the tasty way to fuel up. The base is made with filling ingredients like oats, cashews and raisins, while lemon juice and crunchy poppy seeds—a classic cake combination—turn them into a treat that no ordinary granola bar can match. Click here for the full recipe! >

5. Strawberry Lemon Mousse Cups >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 3 Extras

You could bring this treat to a party and everyone would rave about the perfectly balanced flavors of sweet strawberries, tart lemons and the creamy, fluffy texture of the rich mousse. Only you have to know it’s made with healthy ingredients like Greek yogurt, canned coconut cream and natural sweetener. Because each serving has a mere 95 calories, you don’t even have to wait for a party to enjoy it yourself. Click here for the full recipe! >

6. Air Fryer Lemon Pepper Haddock >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel

Fresh lemons and zesty lemon pepper pump up the flavor of haddock, while the air fryer turns the breadcrumb coating crispy without adding extra calories or fats. If you’d like, you can substitute other varieties of light and flaky white fish, such as flounder or cod. Click here for the full recipe! >

7. Lightened Up Lemon Bars >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 3 Extras

Sweet and tart lemon bar recipes hit the spot when you’re craving a light, refreshing dessert or snack. Our version is made with healthier ingredients like whole wheat flour and unsweetened applesauce, so you stay on track with your weight loss plan. Click here for the full recipe! >

8. Virgin Jalapeno Lemon Margarita >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 Extra

Any day becomes fiesta time with this sweet and spicy lemon mocktail. You can enjoy it whenever you want because it’s made with light lemonade rather than calorie-laden sugary syrup. The fresh jalapeno slices add a spicy kick that perks up your taste buds. If you want to make it extra refreshing on a hot day, you can put this mix in the blender with plenty of ice and then sip on a frozen “slushie.” Click here for the full recipe! >

9. Lemon Coconut Cheesecake Bites >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 Extras

If you thought you couldn’t indulge in the pleasures of lemon cake recipes when you’re trying to drop excess pounds, this recipe is good news for you. The filling includes cream cheese, along with tangy Greek yogurt and the spark of real lemon zest and juice. Each batch makes 20 scrumptious bites that you can share or save for another day. Best of all, there’s no baking necessary. Click here for the full recipe! >

10. Healthy Lemon Salmon with Green Beans >

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

An elegant meal like this does not have to take hours in the kitchen to prepare and it needn’t weigh you down with loads of calories. Salmon is a PowerFuel with plenty of lean protein that’s the foundation of a satisfying yet sophisticated dish. We love it with the bright taste of lemon baked right into it, spiced up with a bit of garlic and accompanied by crunchy green beans and a side of rice. Click here for the full recipe! >

11. Blueberry Lemon Chia Jam >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 Extra

The jellies and jams you find in the supermarket are likely to be loaded with sugar, artificial flavorings and loads of empty calories. Pass on those and instead make yourself this easy and healthful spread with sweet blueberries, tart lemon juice and super-nutritious chia seeds, which help thicken the jam. It’s easy to make on the stove in minutes or in the refrigerator overnight. Click here for the full recipe! >

12. Lemon Blueberry Tart >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 2 Extras

You can enjoy luscious homemade desserts without derailing progress to your weight loss goal. This sweet tart starts with a firm crust of whole-wheat pastry flour flavored with real vanilla. The filling is lemony cream cheese and the topping is made with fresh blueberries that add natural sweetness to this tart. Click here for the full recipe! >

13. Berry Lemonade Mocktail >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 Extra

Here’s a refreshing, low-calorie way to chill out on a warm, sunny day: mix up a batch of these cool and fruity drinks, made with sweet blueberries and raspberries, real lemon juice and fizzy lemon seltzer. They’re so quick and easy to prepare and because they’re alcohol-free, you can enjoy them any time of the day. Click here for the full recipe! >

14. Lemon Garlic Shrimp Kebabs >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 1 Extra

Shrimp are a lean protein source with a mild taste that take on the flavors of other ingredients. We matched them with the complementary tastes of zesty garlic, tart lemon juice and fresh herbs to make a simple yet satisfying Flex meal. You can cook this dish in minutes in the oven or, for even more flavor, cook them briefly on the grill. Click here for the full recipe! >

15. Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes >

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

Breakfast turns into a meal fit for a fancy brunch when you whip up a batch of these Lemon Poppy Seed Pancakes. Lemon zest, lemon juice and poppy seeds add flavor and texture that elevate the pancakes above ordinary flapjacks. The batter is made with bananas and eggs, so the pancakes are as filling as they are delicious. Click here for the full recipe! >

16. Lemon Raspberry Yogurt Parfait >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, ½ PowerFuel and 2 Extras

This light and airy lemon dessert is ideal for enjoying with warm weather and sunshine. Lemon and raspberry create the perfect combination of sweet and sour. It also features protein-rich Greek yogurt and crunchy granola for a sweet treat that’s easy to prepare. Click here for the full recipe! >

17. Raspberry Lemonade Slushie >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb

Whip up this easy summertime drink that fits into your weight loss plan! Featuring just a handful of simple ingredients, including lemon juice, frozen raspberries, sweetener, ice and water, you can easily create a healthy raspberry lemonade slushie to help you cool down on a hot summer day. Click here for the full recipe! >

18. Healthier Raspberry Lemon Scones >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 2 Extras

This Healthier Raspberry Lemon Scones recipe is made with a few Nutrisystem-approved ingredients and won’t totally derail your weight loss goals. Say goodbye to Sunday morning stops at the local bakery—these Raspberry Lemon Scones can be whipped up in the comfort of your own kitchen. Click here for the full recipe! >

19. Lemon Zest Ricotta Cream >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 PowerFuels

When life gives you lemons, make Lemon Zest Ricotta Cream! If you’re searching for sweet lemon recipes to get in your protein, this creamy, dreamy and lemony idea will be your go-to treat. This customer submitted recipe is a quick and easy way to satisfy your sweet tooth without sabotaging your weight loss. Click here for the full recipe! >

20. Tropical Shrimp Salad with Lemon Herb Dressing >

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

Enjoy summer on a plate with this tropical shrimp salad! It features tropical fruit, romaine lettuce and tender shrimp, along with a homemade lemon herb dressing made from lemon juice, olive oil, white wine vinegar, thyme and black pepper. It’s the ultimate lunch or dinner for warm weather! Click here for the full recipe! >

The post When Life Gives You Lemons: 20 Easy Lemon Recipes for Weight Loss appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/easy-lemon-recipes-for-weight-loss/

Have you ever hit the drive-thru or ordered take-out simply because you didn’t feel like preparing or cooking a meal? If you have, you’re not alone—it’s a common diet detour. That’s why meal prep can be one of the best ways to keep your weight loss plans on track. We’ve rounded up five of our best meal prep tips to help you achieve your weight loss goals with some simple meal planning.

1. It’s all about the right container.

Successful meal prep starts with stocking up on the right containers to support your efforts. These days there are so many options for meal prep storage. You can even get creative and think outside of the “typical storage box.” As an example, for salads, mason jars make a lovely way to stack ingredients and create beautiful and delicious salads for grab-and-go meals.

But there are also many great food storage containers with pre-portioned sections or in various sizes, all ready to meet your specific needs. Some storage containers even come with built-in utensils so you can just grab them and head out. You might even consider containers that are safe to heat in the microwave so that you can literally heat and eat!

2. Make use of your free time.

A lot of people say that they are most successful with meal prepping when they dedicate specific weekly time to the effort. If you set that same time aside each week, it helps to stick to it on a regular basis. It becomes part of your weekly schedule.

Of course, meal prepping is more than just preparing the food. It starts with creating a plan for the week, shopping for those food items and then moving into the prep period. Many people use Sunday to complete these tasks for the work week ahead. But you can choose the day or days that work best for you. The idea is to set that time aside so that you consistently stick to it.

3. Go frozen!

You can also take advantage of your freezer and prep meals much farther in advance. Whether it’s a healthy casserole or a crockpot or instant pot meal (prepared in a gallon baggie that just has to be “dumped” into the pot), this is a great way to take advantage of some free time and stock up your freezer with meals you can heat up later when time is of the essence. Your future self will thank you!

We’ve even heard that some people take a weekend day and prep meals for an entire month. This is a great way to make a busy month less stressful—and avoid ordering out too often. Just be sure to label meals—not only what they are, but also how to cook them and what date they were prepped. This will ensure you stay organized.

No time for cooking? Try one of the best meal prep tips of all: Stock up your freezer with frozen Nutrisystem meals to make healthy eating even easier!

4. Make sure there’s variety.

One way that things can go awry with meal planning is when the meals get boring. If you find yourself saying, “I don’t feel like having that again,” you might fall into the trap of ordering take-out instead. But with meal prep, it’s not like you have to prepare the same meal for multiple days of the week. What works best is preparing some staple foods that can work well in a variety of dishes.

For instance, you could batch cook a large quantity of grains but then use them as part of a few different meals, such as a salad, a power bowl and a stir fry. Roasted veggies are another great food that can be batch-prepped but then eaten in various ways. Ensuring that you fit some variety into your weekly meals will help prevent you from getting bored and falling off track.

5. Think about all your meals and snacks.

If you meal prep for lunch and dinner but fail to think about breakfast or snacks, you could still fall victim to the drive-through for an unhealthy breakfast or the vending machine for an easy snack. But you can avoid these traps by thinking ahead about all meals and snacks, too.  Overnight oats have become very popular thanks to their ability to be prepped in advance. Hardboiled eggs, pre-cut fruit and yogurt parfaits are other breakfast ideas that can be made in advance of eating.

Prepping healthy snacks in advance is another great way to avoid grabbing for something unhealthy, just for convenience’s sake. A lot of times people tell us that they’re more inclined to enjoy veggies and dip if they pre-cut all the vegetables and have them ready to eat!

Nutrisystem can also help you simplify meals and snacks with plenty of grab-and-go options or frozen meals which just need to be heated up. This can remove all of the guesswork for weeks that you’re too busy to meal prep or plan ahead. At the end of the day, the more simplified you make the process, the easier it will be to stick to your weight loss goals.

Let Nutrisystem do the healthy meal prep for you! Get started with your meal plan today >

The post 5 Easy Meal Prep Tips for Healthy Weight Loss appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/meal-prep-tips-for-healthy-weight-loss/

Cinco de Mayo is the day to celebrate Mexico’s unique culture and enjoy the delicious food it inspires. Whether you’re planning a party or just want to share in the fun with your family, you can indulge in tasty Cinco de Mayo appetizers and still stick to your weight loss plan. To help get the fiesta started, we’ve gathered our favorite Mexican-inspired appetizer recipes. They’re all simple yet bursting with real flavor. You will love them on Cinco de Mayo, and any other day of the year!

Chips and Nachos:

1. Air Fryer Tortilla Chips >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 Extra

You can enjoy restaurant-style tortilla chips at home. All you need are corn tortillas and an air fryer, the handy appliance for making low-fat food. The chips come out fresh, warm and crisp. Give them extra spice with chili powder or add a bit of sweetness with cinnamon. Get the recipe for Air Fryer Tortilla Chips here! >

2. Bell Pepper Nachos >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: ½ PowerFuel, 1 Extra and 1 Vegetable

There is no more enjoyable way to get in a serving of non-starchy vegetables than this version of nachos. We replaced the chips with crunchy yet sweet mini bell peppers but kept all the savory nacho toppings, including plenty of melted cheese and fresh avocado, black beans, pico de gallo and fresh cilantro. Add lean ground meat, soy chorizo or shredded chicken breast and your nachos become a well-balance meal. Get the recipe for Bell Pepper Nachos here! >

3. Crispy Nacho Chips >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb

Cheese-flavored tortilla chips are so addicting but the bags you get in the store are loaded with unhealthy fats and excess calories. You can get all the pleasure and none of the grease when you make your own in minutes in your oven. Simply cut mini corn tortillas into triangles and bake them in the oven until they’re crisp. Toss them in a blend of spices (as fiery as you like it) and nutritional yeast, an ingredient that tastes like powdered cheese, and prepare to snack. Get the recipe for Crispy Nacho Chips here! >

4. Crispy Cauliflower Nachos >

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

Firm, mild-flavored cauliflower makes a filling and nutritious foundation for the nacho ingredients you love. After the cauliflower browns and turns crisp in the oven, you top it with seasoned ground turkey and shredded cheese, plus tomatoes, red onion, pickled jalapeno and fresh cilantro. This alternative to standard high-calorie, high-fat nachos just might become a new favorite for your gang. Get the recipe for Crispy Cauliflower Nachos here! >

5. Healthy and Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos >

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

Pull this version of nachos out of the oven and everyone will reach for a bite. Along with the cauliflower you get lots of ground turkey with taco spices, melted cheese, creamy avocado and fresh pico de gallo. For even more fiber and protein, add black beans. Get the recipe for Cheesy Cauliflower Nachos here! >

Salsa, Guacamole and Dip:

6. Easy Homemade Pico de Gallo Salad >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 Vegetable

Pico de gallo (pronounced peak-oh day guy-yo) is a raw, chunky type of salsa that’s loaded with flavor and nutrients. We make it with cherry tomatoes, red onions, colorful bell peppers, jalapeno peppers and fresh cilantro. You can dip chips or veggies in it, and it’s a tasty topping for salads, whole-grain pasta, rice, meat or seafood. Best of all: it’s an unlimited recipe so you can use as much as you want. Get the recipe for Homemade Pico de Gallo Salad here! >

7. Mexican Street Corn Dip >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 3 Extras

Instead of the same old dips, try this fresh way to enjoy one of Mexico’s most beloved snacks. It stars sweet corn that’s been charred to bring out its flavor, plus cheese, avocado, jalapeno peppers, onions and garlic blended with mayonnaise. You can serve it warm or cold, with raw vegetables or tortilla chips to swipe through it. Get the recipe for Mexican Street Corn Dip here! >

8. Fiesta Crab Guacamole >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 2 Extras

Bring Fiesta Crab Guacamole to a party and you can just sit back and watch it disappear. It takes the familiar ingredients of the popular dip and adds the succulent taste and texture of real crab meat. The seafood spice blend known as Old Bay kicks the flavor up to the next level. Get the recipe for Crab Guacamole here! >

9. Baked Salsa Verde Chicken Dip >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extras

A heated dip makes an elegant appetizer that’s filling and flavorful. To make this one, you start with shredded chicken (a cooked rotisserie chicken from the grocery store saves you time). It is blended with low fat cream cheese, nonfat plain Greek yogurt, along with roasted tomatoes and green chiles. After baking in the oven, the dip comes out warm and melted with a lightly brown top. You won’t be able to resist dipping in before it cools. Get the recipe for Salsa Verde Chicken Dip here! >

10. Mango Salsa >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb

For a sweet variation on classic salsa, swap out the tomatoes for mangoes. The citrus-flavored fruit pairs well with hot and sweet peppers, plus onions and cilantro to make a dip that lights up all of your taste buds. You can also use this salsa to punch up the flavor of grilled seafood or chicken. Get the recipe for Mango Salsa here! >

11. Tropical Guacamole >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 3 Extras

Pineapple and mango bring their sweet, tropical flavors to this delicious version of guacamole. It still starts off with the familiar ingredients: ripe avocados, diced onions,  jalapeno peppers and fresh-tasting cilantro. When you add in the fruit, you get a whole new blend of taste sensations for your dipping delight. Get the recipe for Tropical Guacamole here! >

12. Party-Perfect Pico de Gallo >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: Free Food (Unlimited)

Pico de gallo and chips are ideal mates. When you dip, you get a satisfying crunch from the chips and the complementary flavors of tangy tomatoes, spicy and sweet peppers, zingy onions and garlic in each bite. This pico de gallo is easy to make in a few minutes, but it’s sure to be a hit at any party. Get the recipe for Pico de Gallo here! >

13. 7-Layer Southwest Dip >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: ½ SmartCarb, 1 PowerFuel, 1 Vegetable and 1 Extra

Seven delicious ingredients, including avocado, shredded cheese, hearty black beans and diced tomatoes come together in every bite. This dip is ready for any party, but it’s so low in calories and high in nutrition you can make it for yourself whenever you want. Enjoy it with a serving of non-starchy vegetables like cucumbers and bell peppers. Get the recipe for 7-Layer Dip here! >

Quesadillas:

14. Easy, Cheesy Veggie-Lover’s Quesadilla >

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

Take an everyday quesadilla to the next level with ingredients that pump up the flavor and the nutrition. For this version we used semi-soft goat cheese, which has a mildly tangy taste and it melts into delicious creaminess. Caramelized onions, sautéed kale and sweet cherry tomatoes add texture, fiber and potent nutrients. If you’re not a fan of those veggies, you can substitute spinach, bell peppers or mushrooms. Whichever you choose, you get in one of your four daily servings of non-starchy vegetables. Get the recipe for Veggie Quesadillas here! >

15. Spicy Shrimp Quesadilla >

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

Plump, juicy shrimp are an ideal PowerFuel to add to quesadillas. They’re high in protein, tender to bite into and their mild flavor pairs well with many other ingredients. This recipe also features lightly spicy jalapeno peppers, sweet bell peppers and green onions, plus cayenne pepper and chili powder to give it a zesty taste. Melted cheddar cheese holds it all together. Get the recipe for Shrimp Quesadillas here! >

16. Cheesy Chicken Quesadillas >

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

Sometimes simple meals are the most satisfying. These quesadillas, for example, feature basic ingredients such as chopped chicken breast, shredded cheese, onions and peppers melted together between whole wheat tortillas. Top with fat-free sour cream and all the salsa you’d like and savor every bite. Get the recipe for Chicken and Cheese Quesadillas here! >

Other Cinco de Mayo Appetizers

17. Healthy Late Night Chicken Taquitos >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel

What can you do when you have a craving for a Mexican-inspired snack long after the dinner hour? With this simple recipe, you can have the answer in less time than it takes to go to the drive-thru or call for delivery. These taquitos are simple to make with just a whole wheat tortilla, shredded or canned chicken breast, cheese, salsa and all the chili powder your taste buds can handle. Get the recipe for Chicken Taquitos here! >

18. 5-Ingredient Avocado Chips >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel

Avocados are high in healthy fats and they can be the nutritious foundation of golden brown and crispy chips. You make the chips in the oven with just a handful of ingredients, including real parmesan cheese. You can flavor them with your choice of seasonings, spicy or mild. Get the recipe for Avocado Chips here! >

19. Chicken Taco Pinwheel Wraps >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 PowerFuel and 2 Extra

Pinwheel wraps are easy to prepare and fun to eat. Stuff a whole-wheat tortilla with a blend of protein-rich shredded chicken, Mexican cheese, cream cheese, salsa and chili powder, Roll it up tightly and put it in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then just slice it into pinwheels you can pop in your mouth or dip into a bowl of salsa. Get the recipe for Chicken Taco Pinwheels here! >

20. Shrimp Taco Bites >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb and 1 PowerFuel

Shrimp are party food that is healthy enough to eat anytime because they’re high in protein and low in saturated fats. Shrimp take center stage in this flavorful appetizer that also features avocado and tangy pico de gallo atop a crisp tortilla. All together they’re a perfectly balanced snack with one PowerFuel and one SmartCarb. Get the recipe for Shrimp Taco Bites here! >

21. Air Fryer Mexican Street Corn >

On Nutrisystem, Count As: 1 SmartCarb, ½ PowerFuel and 1 Extra

You can transform ordinary sweet corn into a treat that’s the perfect for Cinco de Mayo. If you cook the corn in the air fryer, you don’t even have to wait for a large pot of water to boil. Once the ears are tender and juicy, you flavor them up by rolling them in a sauce featuring real mayonnaise, lime juice and zesty spices like chili powder, paprika and black pepper. Sprinkle on crumbled cotija cheese and chopped fresh cilantro, then dig in. Get the recipe for Mexican Street Corn here! >

The post 21 Easy Cinco de Mayo Appetizers appeared first on The Leaf.

from The Leaf https://leaf.nutrisystem.com/cinco-de-mayo-appetizers/