7 Easy Meals to Help You Lose Weight

If you’re like most of us, the season of holiday parties and calorie-laden indulgences might have left you with a few unwanted pounds. By having some easy-to-make recipes on hand, you’ll be more likely to make healthy choices when you get hungry.
 
Here are our seven favorite easy-prep recipes to help you get back to your pre-holiday weight:
 
1.     Creamsicle Breakfast Smoothie
 
Since yogurt is packed with protein, it’ll help you resist snack attacks the rest of the morning. Plus, it contains live, active cultures that aid in digestion. (Try to avoid varieties with added sugar.) Made with nonfat Greek yogurt, pure coconut water, and mango, this amazing smoothie comes together in just five minutes.
 
2.     Open-Faced Vegetable Sandwich

Did someone say only 120 calories? This whole grain veggie sandwich, featuring yogurt and a variety of colorful veggies is as beautiful to look at it as it is delicious. And with 43 grams of vitamin C, it’ll help you survive the rest of flu season. For variety, swap the yogurt for hummus or low-fat cream cheese.
 
3.     Chicken & White Bean Soup
 
When you’re hungry, starting your meal with a bowl of broth-based soup (aim for 100 to 150 calories) can help curb your appetite. Better yet, make it the main dish! This mouth-watering chicken soup is low in calories and features high-fiber, protein-rich white beans to help you feel full for longer. Cook it up ahead of time so you can enjoy leftovers all week long.
 
4.     Shrimp Salad
 
Shrimp is low in fat, high in protein, and easy peasy to put together (hint: buy precooked shrimp from your local grocery store). To make this easy shrimp salad, just combine and serve. Got shrimp leftover? Serve it with a side of cocktail sauce at your next gathering or for a quick snack when hunger hits.
 
5.     Avocado and Black Bean Bowl
 
Did you know that the healthy fats in avocados have been shown to burn at a higher rate than other types of fats? While evidence is still pending, they’ve also been found to help the body burn more calories. This healthy avocado and bean bowl takes only 10 minutes to pull together and packs 13 grams of fiber to help keep you satisfied.
 
6.     Parmesan Baked Fish
 
Low-calorie fish, such as salmon, tuna, or tilapia is great for weight loss. It’s also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin B12, and selenium, a powerful antioxidant. This parmesan baked fish comes in at only 169 calories and takes only 20 minutes to make. Serve with fresh green beans or a side salad for a beautiful color combination.
 
7.     Chili-Rubbed Steaks & Pan Salsa
 
The paleo diet, which focuses on lean proteins, fruits, veggies, nuts, and seeds have been shown to help people lose weight and improve cardiovascular health. Made with savory spices and topped with a light salsa, this chili-rubbed steak has only 192 calories per serving and enough protein to keep you full for hours. Serve it with your favorite grilled veggies or top it on a bed of greens.
 
Try not to get too hung up on the number on a scale. When your clothes are fitting the way you like and you feel good, you’ll know you’re on the right track!