Healthy and Delicious Recipes for Weight Loss

Maintaining a balanced diet is essential for effective weight loss. These recipes are not only tasty but also designed to support your weight loss journey by focusing on nutritious ingredients and portion control.

1. Grilled Chicken Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 6 cups mixed salad greens
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

For the balsamic vinaigrette:

• 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Rub chicken breasts with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
3. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Remove from grill and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the vinaigrette.
5. In a large salad bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
6. Add sliced grilled chicken and crumbled feta cheese (if using) to the salad.
7. Drizzle with balsamic vinaigrette and toss gently to combine.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!

2. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto and Cherry Tomatoes

Ingredients:

• 4 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Using a spiralizer or vegetable peeler, create zucchini noodles (zoodles).
2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened.
3. Add zucchini noodles to the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, tossing gently until zoodles are just tender.
4. Remove skillet from heat and stir in basil pesto until zoodles are evenly coated.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Divide zucchini noodles into serving bowls. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese (if using).
7. Serve warm and enjoy this low-carb, flavorful dish!

3. Baked Cod with Lemon and Herbs

Ingredients:

• 4 cod fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place cod fillets on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with minced garlic, lemon zest, fresh parsley, salt, and pepper.
3. Squeeze lemon juice over the cod fillets.
4. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
5. Remove from oven and serve immediately with steamed vegetables or a side salad.