The Leaf | Healthy Weight Loss Blog

Pies are among America’s favorite desserts and a classic indulgence in the summer season. There’s nothing quite like a nice slice of pie to finish off a delicious BBQ dinner. Unfortunately, these summertime favorites and epic Labor Day desserts are traditionally packed with fat and sugar that can easily derail your healthy intentions and weight loss journey. But don’t get discouraged! While store-bought pies and traditional summer dessert recipes will have you loaded up on white flour, butter and sugar, our recipe developers at Nutrisystem and The Leaf have created some diet-friendly options. Our healthy recipes will provide you with your fill of pie while keeping your healthy eating plans on track. These 10 summer pies use simple swaps and healthy ingredients to lighten up some of your favorite summer desserts. Here are 10 summer fruit pies for a seasonal and satisfying sweet treat: 1. Fresh Peach Pie Nothing screams “summer” like a big slice of peach pie. Summer is peach seaso

Just about any meal tastes better when you cook and eat it outside. Maybe that’s because preparing food over an open flame brings out the flavor in many of our favorite ingredients. Even better, cooking on the grill can help you on your weight loss journey because it lets you create delicious meals without loading you up on excess calories or unhealthy fats. Cooking outside also keeps your home cooler on sultry days and leaves you with less mess to clean up when the meal is done. To help you get the most out of the grilling season, here are nine healthy grilling ideas and hints that will keep you on track with your weight loss this summer. 1. Protein Preferences You have so many choices beyond ordinary hamburgers and hot dogs for your grilled meals. PowerFuels , such as chicken breast or salmon , fill you up with essential protein. However, they’re typically lower in saturated fat and calories than other options. Chicken and fish take on a rich, smoky flavor as they cook on the g

Hot, sunny days that last long into the evening invite us to eat simple meals full of fresh ingredients that are abundant in summer. Produce shelves and farmer’s markets offer so many favorite seasonal summer fruits and vegetables that you can enjoy them every day and never grow bored. Here are nine healthy seasonal foods that hit their peak in summer, along with tips and tempting ideas for eating them. 1. Basil Is basil an herb used to add flavor to marina sauce and other Italian-style dishes? Or is it a leafy green you can toss in salads, stir into omelets and blend into smoothies? The answer is both! Basil is an herb with a fresh, lemony flavor that perks up many summer dishes. It’s a Free Food on the Nutrisystem plan , so you can enjoy as much as you want! Nutritional highlights: Basil has almost no calories , fat or cholesterol, but it does have a healthy supply of antioxidants , compounds that help control “free radical” cells, which are believed to support the development

Summer is coming to an end! Labor Day picnics mean one thing: delicious food. Healthy summer side dishes, grilled main courses and fresh, fruity desserts are on the menu! When you’re on a weight loss journey, one of the best ways to stay on track and still enjoy yourself at a summer gathering is to bring something that works with your plan and that everyone will love to share. Start with one of these 23 summer side dishes that your friends and family will rave about: They’re not just delicious and easy to track for your Flex Meals, but many of them can also help you reach your four daily servings of n on-starchy vegetables —a key factor in staying full and healthy while you progress towards your goals. 6 Easy, Breezy Summer Weight Loss Tips Read More 1. Tomato Salad with Peaches This salad has it all: Sweetness from the peaches and tomatoes, bite from arugula, creaminess from feta and hearty protein from chickpeas. The homemade dressing couldn’t be simpler: Three ingredien