The Leaf | Healthy Weight Loss Blog

When the days become warm and the sun stays up until after dinner, cooking and eating outdoors makes mealtime more fun and flavorful. Grilling turns up the taste of many foods, including the non-starchy vegetables that are so important to your Nutrisystem weight loss plan . Cooking over an open flame brings out the natural sweetness of many veggies while infusing them with a rich, charred flavor. Keep reading to find out the 10 best vegetables to grill this season. Plus, learn more about their health benefits and score some of our favorite grilled vegetable recipes. 1. Artichokes Artichokes are the unopened flower buds from a certain type of thistle plant. They are at their peak in spring to early summer. When raw, artichokes are firm and hard to bite into. Grilling tenderizes them while adding a smoky note to their lightly nutty flavor. Why: A medium-size artichoke has about seven grams of fiber, which keeps you feeling full long after you eat. Artichokes are a good vegetable s

Declare your independence from diet-destroying desserts, and give these healthy dessert recipes featuring a red, white and blue twist a try. Each one features fresh, seasonal fruit and a few other easy ingredients. And while they make a perfectly themed treat to bring to patriotic parties and barbecues, these healthy dessert recipes are way too good to be confined to just one day of the year! Try these healthy dessert recipes any day you’re craving a little All-American treat: 1. American Flag Fruit Tray > This patriotic platter might look like an ordinary fruit tray. However, there are few small details that make this simple recipe special. From white chocolate dipped bananas to the five different types of fruit, our American Flag Fruit Tray is the perfect addition to your Fourth of July festivities. Click here for the recipe > 2. 5-Ingredient Patriotic Cheesecake > Celebrate freedom free of guilt! Fourth of July is right around the corner and light and fluffy cheesec

When the days are long and hot, you don’t want to spend hours cooking in a hot kitchen every day. The key to eating well while keeping cool is preparing meals and ingredients in advance so you can use them when you’re ready. To help you get started, we’ve put together this list of our favorite warm weather meal prep tips for summer. 1. Pre-Cut Veggies To lose weight and stay healthy, Nutrisystem recommends eating at least four servings of non-starchy vegetables each day. In summer, when so many kinds of produce are at their peak of freshness, raw vegetables with dip make an ideal snack or side dish. Cut up cucumbers, carrots, celery and other veggie favorites, then portion them out into individual servings using plastic bags or containers. Then you can just grab them when hunger strikes! Many supermarkets now sell carrots and celery sticks already washed and cut, making your meal prep even easier. Pair them with a homemade dip made with Greek yogurt as the base instead of sour cr

Have you ever wondered why some individuals find it easier to maintain good health and weight than others? Although genetics and lifestyle habits are major contributing factors, studies suggest that gut health may also play a significant role. Your gut microbiome, the complex community of microorganisms that reside in your digestive tract, has been linked to various aspects of health, such as metabolism, blood sugar control and appetite regulation. Including foods that promote a healthy gut microbiome – like prebiotic foods – is one way to improve your overall well-being and support your weight management journey. Read on to discover the power of prebiotics and how to incorporate the best prebiotic foods into your diet to support your health goals. What Are Prebiotics? Prebiotics are special nutrients – usually fiber – in the foods you eat that stimulate the growth of healthy microbes in your gut. These microbes include bacteria, yeast and fungi that are collectively called your

Shrimp are America’s most popular seafood and for good reason. The shellfish are tender, juicy and mild tasting. They’re easy to cook in minutes and you can enjoy them chilled or warm in many healthy shrimp recipes. Shrimp also are a smart choice when you’re trying to shed excess weight. A three-ounce serving of shrimp has only 84 calories and less than a gram of total fat, but it fuels you up with 20 grams of protein. It’s considered a PowerFuel on the Nutrisystem weight loss plan . Whether you desperately seek a satisfying dinner or just love seafood, healthy shrimp recipes are where it’s at. Besides being the most cost-effective way to get your fishy fix, there are so many reasons to love shrimp. Shrimp are exceptionally versatile, fitting into all kinds of cuisines including Mexican, Asian and Italian. To help you find fresh ways to include shrimp in your diet, we’ve compiled this list of our favorite healthy shrimp recipes. 1. Shrimp Tacos with Avocado Lime Yogurt Sauce >