So you want to lose weight? You’re not alone. We’ve all been there. We want to fit into our holiday or nightgowns, but we don’t know where to start. Maybe you’re even reading this right now because you’re worried that you’re not going to measure up and you want to know how to make it easier.
While it’s great to want to lose weight, it’s not always healthy to do so. Sometimes, people who lose a lot of weight end up severely compromising their health. So before you leap head first into a crash diet, try thinking of some healthier alternatives. That’s what this article is going to help you with. We’re going to list some delicious, healthy recipes that you can try. So that when you’re ready to shed those extra pounds, you can do it without worrying about your health.
Healthy Snack Recipes
If you’re looking for a healthy snack option, you’ve probably considered trying a fruit or vegetable tart. Those are great options because they’re low in calories and have a lot of natural sugars. However, they aren’t the most exciting thing to prepare when you get home after a long day at work. You want something that’s going to make you smile when you eat it.
Instead, consider some of the following recipes. They’re all delicious and will help you enjoy your food while also helping you meet your health goals. So what are you waiting for? Try some of these out tonight and enjoy the feeling of satisfaction that comes with healthy eating.
Pumpkin pie with whipped cream sounds like an indulgent Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert. But it’s actually a healthy snack that you can enjoy any time of the year. All it takes is a little bit of preparation so that you can get that gratifying taste when you eat it. Plus, it’s a great way to get your daily dose of vitamin A, which helps your immune system and prevents cancer. What’s not to love?
This recipe is super simple. All it takes are four ingredients: pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. You’ll want to mash all of these ingredients together with a fork so that you get a homogeneous mixture. From there, you’ll just need to pour the batter into a pie crust and bake it for 10 minutes. Then, you can either leave it in the oven or put it on the table and enjoy it while it’s still warm. Either way, this dessert will be gone in no time, and you’ll be wanting more.
Quinoa, Peach, And Blackberry Gratin
Here’s another great recipe that you can try for a quick and easy dinner or weekend brunch. It takes a bit of prep work, but it’s well worth it. What you end up with is a lovely gratin, full of warm summer fruit and crunchy, toasty goodness.
You’ll want to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Then, you’ll want to put the rack in the middle, and then pour 1/2 cup of water into the pan. From there, you’ll add 1 cup of quinoa to the water. Bring the water to a boil, cover the pan, and then turn the heat down to low. Now you can let the quinoa cook for about 10 minutes, or until all of the water is absorbed. Remove the cover and then gently stir the contents of the pan to make sure that the quinoa isn’t sticking to the bottom. Now you can add a layer of your sliced peaches and arrange the blackberries on top. Put the pan back in the oven and bake it for about 10 more minutes, or until the juices are bubbling and the fruit is just starting to start to caramelize. Remove the pan from the oven, gently stir the contents of the pan, and then sprinkle the top with the grated cheese. Return the pan to the oven and bake it for another five minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the juices are bubbling once more. Serve the gratin in big bowls or on small plates to let everyone indulge in a tiny taste of summer.
Whole Grain Free Brownies
Who doesn’t love a piece of chocolate, right out of the oven? These brownies are exactly what you want when you’re feeling a bit indulgent. They have all the ingredients you could need in one simple and satisfying package. You won’t detect any difference between this and the real thing. You’ll only know the difference when you take a bite and enjoy the delicious taste that only minimal oven preparation can give you.
What makes these brownies so special is that they’re made with refined grains like white flour and sugar, which are then replaced with healthier alternatives like applesauce, bananas, and flax seeds. So not only are you getting all of the nutrients you need from the fruit and vegetables, but you’re also sparing some of your favorite foods. These are perfect for vegans and those who follow a paleo diet.
Healthy Appetizer Recipes
Whether you’re entertaining friends or you’re just hosting an intimate dinner party, you’ll want to consider trying out some of these recipes as a first course. They’re light enough that you wouldn’t feel bloated after eating them. Plus, they make a great conversation piece because everything is so beautifully presented and looks so delicious. The ingredients aren’t expensive and most of them are common grocery store items. So you’ll have those available no matter where you are.
Here’s a list of some of the best appetizer recipes you can make to get your guests excited about your cooking: