Healthy Food Recipes for Weight Loss: First Step to Fitness

There is no doubt that nutrition remains the biggest determinant in the case of weight loss. For that, we need to have a proper diet that includes healthy food recipes for weight loss. You will come to know about the right meals and the time to eat those meals. It will help you achieve the right shape and size without necessarily having to compromise on tasty foods. Eating vegetables and whole grains in place of processed and junk foods helps in shedding excess weight. It also results in good skin and health. This guide is going to be helpful, especially for vegetarians. These meals are not only calorie-dieting meals but are also good meals for the skin and contain a lot of protein, which is essential for the body. 

Vegetable Stir-Fry with Quinoa

Healthy Food Recipes for Weight Loss - Stir Fry
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This vegetable stir fry is colourful and one of the easiest and most beneficial healthy food recipes to consume for weight loss. The participants identified quinoa as being packed with plant protein and fibre, which is likely to slow down digestion, hence making you eat less. Combined with such a variety of colourful vegetables, it provokes quite a satiating and relatively non-heavy meal experience. This food is ideal for people who would like to have high-protein diets from India and is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 2 cups mixed vegetables (like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and zucchini)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the quinoa in cold water, place it in a large pot, and cook as per the instructions in the pack, then drain.
  2. Use two tablespoons of olive oil and heat it in a big pan on moderate heat. When there is little oil left in the pan, add minced garlic and stir fry until it becomes fragrant.
  3. Last, introduce the mixed vegetables and stir-fries for the next 5-7 minutes or until the vegetables are cooked, however crisp.
  4. Place the cooked quinoa over the vegetables inside the pan and mix gently.
  5. After that, place the dish on serving plates, pour soy sauce on it, and garnish the dish with sesame seeds. It is served hot and is very rich in protein, hence very helpful in the body.

Chickpea and Spinach Salad

This is a recipe that contains chickpeas that have many health benefits. This recipe helps in weight loss, and it is also a healthy food for skin complexions. They are sources of protein and fibre. Serving alongside rich in iron and vitamin spinach, this salad can be taken as breakfast food, lunch, dinner, or a snack!

Ingredients

  • 1 can of chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 tomato, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add cooked chickpeas, spinach, cucumber, and tomatoes in a large bowl for the salad.
  2. In another bowl, add the lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper and mix them.
  3. Finally, dress the salad and toss the salad lightly. This is a very healthy and swift dish that is rich in protein that’s excellent for your skin.

Oats and Vegetable Upma

This is one of the traditional high-protein foods in India that are normally taken in the morning. Well, this dish is rich in fibre and protein, which in fact aids in weight loss. It is high in nutrients and a highly recommended grain for the improvement of the health of the heart. Hence, it should be among the most recommended grains to be incorporated into diets.

Ingredients

  • One cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and beans)
  • A small onion, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon mustard seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh coriander leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a pan, heat the oats until they turn golden in colour in the process of roasting them.
  2. In the same pan, heat olive oil and then add mustard seeds and cumin seeds. Allow them to splutter. 
  3. Include a chopped onion and fry until the onions are brown. 
  4. Simmer in the remaining juice for the vegetables and cook for 5-7 minutes until the mixed vegetables are cooked. 
  5. Add the roasted oatmeal salt and 1 cup of water to the contents of the pot. It will take some 5-7 minutes until the oats will become soft and fluffy. 
  6. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped fresh coriander and accompany the dish with warm plates; it is a high-protein meal.

Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Basil Sauce

Healthy Food Recipes for Weight Loss - Zucchini Noodles
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Now, let’s move to the next preparation that deserves the title of a low-carb, no-gluten dish—zucchini noodles. In this case, the following is a recipe for anyone who would wish to taste okra. The modification involves the addition of tomato basil sauce, an ingredient that improves the taste of the pizza but does not add additional calories. So, zucchini is included in the list of foods beneficial for the skin. 

Ingredients

  • 2 medium zucchinis, spiralised
  • 2 large tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil until the pan is hot when you touch it on the base. Put crumbled garlic and stir until the colour changes to golden brown. 
  2. Slice tomatoes and put them in a frying pan, where they are sautéed until they are soft and have put out juice. 
  3. Put in salt, black pepper, and fresh basil leaves. Simmer for 5 minutes. 
  4. In another pan, it is necessary to sauté zucchini noodles for 2-3 minutes; this will help them to become slightly tender. 
  5. Then add the tomato basil sauce to the noodles, mix them properly, and serve hot. 

Conclusion

Therefore, nutrition does not imply the exclusion of flavours and delicious dishes. Above are some healthy food recipes that you can eat and prepare in various ways. All these tasty meals contain all the vitamins and minerals that are essential to help you with clear skin and a perfect body. Not just that, they also contain sufficient protein for you. Still can’t complete the necessary protein intake? Explore the Indian protein rich foods to complete your diet. 

FAQs

What are some easy healthy food recipes for weight loss?

Some of the easy recipes include vegetable stir-fry with quinoa, chickpea and spinach salad, and zucchini noodles with tomato basil sauce. However, these dishes are quick to prepare and perfect for shedding extra pounds.

Why are vegetarian recipes good for weight loss?

Generally, vegetarian recipes are rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals while being low in calories. This combination helps you feel full longer and supports weight loss effectively.

How can healthy foods help improve skin?

Interestingly, many healthy foods for weight loss, like fruits and vegetables, are also rich in antioxidants and vitamins that promote glowing skin.

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