HEALTHY RECIPES FOR WEIGHT LOSS|LIFEY

Healthy food

Looking to stay fit? What you put into your body is equally as important as how you take care of your body on the physical level. The good news: Tons of ingredients and food options can help you lose weight, increase metabolism, and stay satisfied throughout the day. And all of them can be meat-free. Curious about where to start? We'd suggest trying these healthy vegetarian recipes for weight loss—they're packed with some of the most beneficial ingredients out, andthey're delicious. Just remember that portion control is the key,because too much of a good thing is still too much! 

Butter Noodles

Peanut butter is high in healthy monounsaturated fats, making it a solid part of any weight-loss recipe. Ginger may be able to reduce feelings of hunger and rev up metabolism, too.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup peanut butter

• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon agave or sweetener of choice

• 2 tablespoons water

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon minced ginger

• 1/2 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (or rice wine vinegar)

• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

• 1/2 teaspoon sriracha (or other red chili sauce)

• 4 oz soba noodles

• 3/4 cup julienned cucumber

• 1 scallion, diced

• 1/4 cup peanuts, for garnish (optional)

• 1/2 scallion, diced, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Combine first nine ingredients (peanut butter through sriracha) to form a sauce, mixing well until thoroughly blended and smooth. Cook soba noodles according to package directions and cover in cold water as soon as removed from heat. Once cool (about 20 to 30 seconds), drain noodles, and toss with sauce, scallions, and cucumber. Top with peanuts and additional scallions, if desired.

APPLE CINAMON OATS

Research finds that cinnamon can keep blood sugar steady—something that's key for healthy weight loss. It may prevent that typical post-meal sugar spike and subsequent crash that can lead to cravings. As for almonds? They have healthy, filling, good-for-you fat that, in moderation, helps keep any of your health goals on track.

Ingredients

• 1/2 apple, chopped

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, plus more for baking apples

• 1 cup unsweetened vanilla almond milk

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1 dash salt (optional)

• 1 to 2 tablespoons unsalted slivered almonds

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place apple on a baking sheet and sprinkle with cinnamon as desired. Bake for 5 to 7 minutes until soft. Meanwhile, in a small pot, bring almond milk to a boil. Stir in oats, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and salt, lowering heat to medium-low. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cut apple into bite-size pieces. Once oats have reached desired consistency, stir in baked apples, almonds, and maple syrup.

FARBLED/SHUTTERSTOCK

High-protein quinoa (the 1/4 cup in a serving of this dinner packs 6 grams) keeps you satisfied for hours. Chickpeas work to keep you full, too. Some research finds that plant-based protein sources (like beans and peas) are more filling than their meaty counterparts.

Ingredients

• 2 cups vegetable broth

• 1/4 medium onion, diced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 sweet potato, peeled and cubed

• 1/2 cup dry quinoa

• 1/2 cup chickpeas, rinsed and drained

• 1/4 cup dried cranberries

• 1/4 cup almonds

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Directions

Pour about 1/2 inch vegetable broth into a pot and continue adding broth as needed while cooking vegetables. Add onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sweet potato and sauté for another 3 to 5 minutes. Pour in quinoa and stir to lightly toast. Add remaining vegetable broth, dried cranberries, and chickpeas and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15 minutes until potatoes are tender and all liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and stir in almonds, salt, pepper, and parsle