Eat more veggies and protein and less carbs.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Low fat isn't necessarily the way to lose weight.

Count calories on an app like MFP or go paleo, but doing fat free cream cheese on a bagel isn't going to help.

You don't need to go paleo, that's not a healthy diet.

For some people it is, for others it isn't. People I know who went paleo from a previous junk food diet ate more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds than they had in their prior diet. They didn't eat as much junk and restaurant food. I think that's healthier, don't you?

But it's not the fact that it's "paleo" that makes their new diet healthy - it's cutting out the junk. You can cut out the junk without going paleo, and it can be just as healthy (or more so).

I've also known people who "go paleo" and spend all their time eating bacon, burgers from the local fast food joint (but they removed the bun, so it's ok), and other high-fat stuff with virtually no produce. That's not healthy.

In short, "paleo" is neither healthy nor unhealthy by definition - what matters are the individual food choices, whether one is paleo or not.

I have the same issue, btw, with people who go gluten free "in order to eat healthier", then load up on potato chips and ice cream. Celiac or gluten intolerances are different, but don't kid yourself that a gluten free diet is necessarily any healthier than a gluten-filled one.

Honestly, try cutting out processed foods. Half the plate fruits and veggies (mostly veggies). Keep it simple.
Chicken breast- marinate in Olive oil, balsamic vinegar and some herbs- basil, oregano, garlic powder - cook in oven 325 for 15-20 minutes
Add some veggies - steams or roasted - keep it simple - you can do prep on the weekend (cut things up so all you need to do is toss in the oven)
For steamed veggies- get a rice/veggie steamer- they are relatively inexpensive - or use a steam basket - good for carrots, broccoli, asparagus
Roasted veggies- cut up some butternut squash, pumpkin, turnip, parsnip, asparagus - most veggies - add some olive oil, a touch of salt (very little) and roast at 425

For a starch- try sweet potato or try a roasted potato (same method as veggies above- but add some rosemary)
The simpler you keep it the better

Invest in some good Olive Oil - I go through a good amount each week

Another easy option - cook up some bacon (yes bacon) on the weekend - put in a storage container (4 pieces should work)
get some organic pasta (in the refrigerated section) and various veggies (I usually use asparagus, corn, tomatoes, onions - but go with what you like)garlic and grated parmigiano reggiano (do not use processed parmesan stuff)
sauté the onion and crushed/minced garlic in the olive oil - add the asparagus - cook on med heat for about 5 min or so - while you are doing this cook the pasta in water - takes 2-3 minutes
Cut the corn off the cobb (I don't use canned - if fresh isn't available I omit the corn) and add that and halved cherry tomatoes and about 4 cutup bacon slices. Cook for about a minute. Add the cooked pasta and the cheese to the veggies. mix and serve.

Protein is a must if you go low-fat, or you will be starved and cheat. Also, fiber is a good way to feel full.

I know you mentioned that you'd already used the Google, but if you are looking for recipes that are generally healthier, without necessarily following a specific plan or protocol, you might try the Cooking Light ones. They have quite a few quick/easy recipes, too: http://www.cookinglight.com/food/quick-healthy-recipes

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Low fat isn't necessarily the way to lose weight.

Count calories on an app like MFP or go paleo, but doing fat free cream cheese on a bagel isn't going to help.

You don't need to go paleo, that's not a healthy diet.

For some people it is, for others it isn't. People I know who went paleo from a previous junk food diet ate more fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds than they had in their prior diet. They didn't eat as much junk and restaurant food. I think that's healthier, don't you?

Turkey tacos!

Ground turkey with the low sodium packet of seasonings. I usually throw some onions in the pan first and cook until translucent. Then add the turkey, drain, add the spice packet and some extra ancho chili powder.

It's easy to make in advance, too. Sometimes I make a double batch on the weekend and freeze half for another day. Reheats very well.

The rest of the family eats it in taco shells or soft tacos, but I try to eat mine plain or mixed with mircowave spinach or other veggies.

Speaking of which, I HIGHLY recommend cauliflower rice instead of actual rice. Super easy and can be prepared ahead of time (grate/chop/pulse the cauliflower and put in an airtight container or baggy in the fridge or freezer, then stir fry as needed right before dinner.)

http://www.primalpalate.com/paleo-recipe/cauliflower-rice/


Same for turkey and bean chili. Lots of recipes on-line that are healthy and low fat.

Try Cooking Light website for more ideas.

And try easing up on pasta, rice and bread. You don't have to go full on no-carb. But that stuff packs on the calories and pounds like nobody's business. Any time you can substitute veggies as a base (or half your pasta by adding veggies), you're helping yourself!

The first thing to realize is healthy nutrition and losing weight are two different things. Weight gain or lose boils down to a very simple formula: Calories In != Calories Burned.

It doesn't matter what you eat or drink. If Calories In > Calories Burned you will gain weight. And if Calories In < Calories Burned you will lose weight.

Nutrients are the basic vitamins and minerals your body needs. Healthy nutrition requires eating foods that will give your body the vitamins and minerals it requires. Calories on the other hand are just fuel. Fat is just stored calories.

The formula is simple. What needs to happen to lose weight is simple. Doing something simple is sometimes hard.

Good Luck.

OP, you'll get a million different opinions on the way to lose weight. Low fat, low carb, vegetarian, paleo, .......

My preference is to have a balanced plate (yes, that means both carbs and proteins along with produce) and moderate portion sizes. I avoid excess added sugar or high saturated fat (I'm perfectly OK with fats like olive oil, taken in moderation of course). I also have the philosophy that food MUST taste good in order for the "diet" to be sustainable, which is the long-term goal.

Soooo, with that in mind, here are a few of my favorite recipes and tips.

1. Use brown rice, quinoa or farro instead of white rice. Simple substitution (they take a bit longer to cook, but you can make a batch once a week and reheat portions as needed), and much healthier and more filling - this is important because if you feel hungry, you will eventually cave and eat junk food - willpower only goes so far.

1. A simple stir-fry with a sliced chicken breast and lots of veggies - bell pepper, green beans, broccoli, carrots, or a bag of cole slaw veggies (basically just sliced cabbage and sometimes carrots - from the vegetable aisle, not a premade coleslaw with dressing already on). Instead of a soy-sauce-based sauce or one with a lot of sugar, use lemon juice, garlic and fresh grated ginger. Serve on its own or over 1/2 cup brown rice.

2. Do you eat fish? Salmon is one of my favorite foods, cooks fast, and is incredibly healthy. Grill, or roast in a hot oven (450 deg). Plain with a light sprinkle of garlic salt; or chop some fresh herbs like basil to sprinkle over the top. Squeeze a slice of lemon after it's done cooking. If you're roasting, throw an extra pan in the oven with some vegetables - broccoli, squash, brussel sprouts or kale are all really good roasted with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt.

Sorry, these are more methods than recipes. I hope they help, though - and good luck!

Tried and true:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/guide/the-mediterranean-diet

She's a nutritionist:
http://www.amazon.com/Weeknight-Wonders-Delicious-Healthy-Dinners/dp/1118409493/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412300837&sr=8-1&keywords=ellie+kreiger

Anonymous wrote:Low fat isn't necessarily the way to lose weight.

Count calories on an app like MFP or go paleo, but doing fat free cream cheese on a bagel isn't going to help.

You don't need to go paleo, that's not a healthy diet.

I love the Skinnytaste website.

Low fat isn't necessarily the way to lose weight.

Count calories on an app like MFP or go paleo, but doing fat free cream cheese on a bagel isn't going to help.

i have a favorite recipe tidbit ..

do you like pasta alfredo? it's a great comfort food and i have a low fat version. for a quick low fat version, though, i buy a jar from the store, but then mix it 50 percent or so with the fat free half 'n half from the dairy shelves. i doctor it up with garlic salt, paprika, cayenne, and a splash of white wine to get the full flavor back. add pan-grilled chicken or pan grilled broccoli if you like the additions. it's very comforting but not unhealthy!

in general, though, drink tons of water (i drink seltzer instead) and tons of carrots and apples to make you full. that really helps, imo.

good luck op!

Ok so I'm seriously fat. I need to just admit it. I have two kids and work until 6:30 each evening so I don't have a ton of time to cook and that means I usually make unhealthy things. I need some options that are easy but low fat. I of course used google and the recipes look good but I want tried and true. Please help! Obviously I'm also exercising before someone suggests that.