Trainer’s Tip #11: Make your meals hearty.
Yes. Eat REAL FOOD, food that satisfies, and enjoy it. Create hearty, filling meals using healthy, quality ingredients, and lose weight.
Why? Because…
A.) Calories are NOT created equal. Your body wants and needs nutrient-dense foods like nuts, legumes, whole grains, avocados, lean meat, healthy oils, etc., to fuel your workouts. Eating these foods will promote a better metabolism and better fat-burn, and you’ll feel way better. Don’t be afraid of calorie-rich food that is packed with good-for-you-fat. Just watch your portions and listen to your body’s signals, and don’t forget to give veggies and fruit a starring role in your meals.
B.) In order to stick with a healthy diet long-term, you must enjoy the food you eat, and you must feel full. Satiety is key with clean eating, and this has been illustrated through studies. Why do you think people yo-yo diet so much? They try to lose weight using short-term solutions that too severely restrict calorie consumption and eliminate complete food groups that contain vital nutrients. Rather than flip-flopping endlessly between states of deprivation and bingeing–fill your meals with whole, natural, nutrient and fiber-rich ingredients.
Here’s a super-easy “Mini Meat Loaves” recipe that even kids will love:
Combine 1 egg, 1/2 cup of (lower sugar) marinara sauce, 1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs, 1/4 tsp salt, 1lb lean organic ground beef or turkey, and 1/2 cup of shredded part-skim mozzarella in a bowl. Divide mixture into 4 equal portions and shape into ovals. Place on a foil-lined baking pan. Spoon a dollop of marinara sauce on top, and sprinkle lightly with a little more cheese. Bake 15 minutes at 450 degrees. Pair meat loaves with your favorite vegetable.
For the recipe on the above chili, click here.
