Healthy Weight Loss Recipes to Add To Your Routine

Blogs08 Mar 2024

The key to a healthier lifestyle in your 40s could be consistently practising stress-relieving activities, exercising regularly and following a nutritious and balanced diet. This is especially true if you are trying to lose weight and reach your fitness goals! When it comes to weight loss, it has been found that mindful eating, learning about nutritional food and cooking healthier recipes at home can have a significant impact on your weight and well-being! So, in this article, we will guide you through a delicious selection of weight control recipes that cater to varied tastes and feature lower calories. Let's celebrate the joy of nourishing our bodies with delicious and wholesome choices!

Is losing weight in your 40s difficult?

As we age, our bodies might easily gain weight while a slower metabolism may slow down the process of losing weight quickly. Many tend to gather fat near their centre and women dealing with menopausal issues may find it harder to sleep or eat well, leading to an increase in weight. These signs are typically, noticeable when you hit 40 which makes losing weight a bit tricky and confusing. However, it’s not impossible!! By learning about healthy weight management techniques, adapting healthy lifestyle habits and potentially choosing healthy food for weight loss you can take control of your weight naturally!

Benefits of Healthy Food for Weight Loss

Research has found that if you stick to a healthy diet, eat healthy home-cooked meals, increase your intake of fibre and other essential vitamins and minerals, then this may help you lose weight and lower risks of developing lifestyle disorders. Creating a diet filled with foods from different food groups can help you stay healthy. Other benefits of healthy eating include:

• Supporting immune function
• Strengthening muscles
• Strengthening bones
• Keeping vision healthy
• Help in digestive function
• Maintaining a healthy weight

While the idea of healthy eating sounds nice, we often think of weight reducing recipes as bland meals, with no taste or flavour. This generally cements the notion in our mind that healthy recipes will never feel exciting enough to eat. Well, we’re here to tell you that this is not true! By choosing the right ingredients and cooking methods, it is possible to enjoy flavourful healthy food for weight loss without compromising your taste or health goals. How do you do that? We have gathered all the tasty and easy weight control recipes you should try!

Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss

1. Quinoa and Vegetable Stir-Fry

Packed with protein and fibre, quinoa is an excellent gluten-free alternative to rice. This stir-fry combines colourful vegetables, supplying a range of vitamins and minerals. You can add any vegetable you like but make sure to include carrots, beans, cabbage and green vegetables as they are low on calories and rich in essential nutrients. The fibre content in this healthy meal recipe for weight loss promotes satiety, making it an ideal choice for weight loss. How to make: Cook quinoa according to package instructions. In a pan, sauté colourful vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots. Add cooked quinoa, toss, and season with your favourite spices. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender yet crisp.

2. Grilled Chicken Salad with Mint Yogurt Dressing

Lean protein from grilled chicken combined with a refreshing mint yoghurt dressing creates a satisfying and nutritious lunch or dinner recipe. This dish is low in calories and high in protein, making it perfect for those aiming to prioritise their health without compromising on taste! How to make: Grill the chicken breasts until cooked. Then in a bowl, mix Greek yoghurt, chopped mint, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt for the dressing. Slice grilled chicken carefully and arrange it over a bed of mixed greens. Drizzle with the mint yoghurt dressing and you’re done! This is only one kind of healthy diet recipe for weight loss. You can change up the dressing and the spices to fit in different flavours and create a whole new dish out of this too!

3. Chickpea and Spinach Curry (Chana Palak)

A vegetarian delight, this curry is rich in plant-based protein from chickpeas and iron from spinach. The spices not only add flavour but also boost metabolism. It is a hearty choice for those looking to incorporate more plant-based healthy food recipes to lose weight. How to make: Sauté onions, garlic, and ginger in a pan. Add boiled chickpeas, blanched spinach, and a blend of spices. Cook until everything is mixed well and coated in spices evenly. Serve this nutritious curry with brown rice or whole wheat roti to enjoy.

4. Baked Fish with Lemon and Herbs

Fish is a popular ingredient in weight-reducing recipes due to its high protein content. And, this simple and flavourful baked fish dish is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids too. Adding lemon and herbs to the fish adds a taste and aroma, pushing it to the next level. This dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners that are healthy and simple to make! How to make: Place fish fillets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with herbs, and squeeze lemon juice over them. Bake in a preheated oven until the fish is flaky and cooked through.

5. Oats Cheela

Oats Cheela is a savoury pancake that serves as a nutritious and quick choice for breakfast or snack time. This dish combines the goodness of oats with gram flour, creating a delightful blend of flavours and textures. You can expect to get the goodness of high fibre through oats and protein from gram flour, making this a satiating dish that will help you reduce your calorie intake in later meals! How to make: Mix oats and gram flour with water to form a batter. Pour ladleful onto a hot griddle, spreading it into a thin pancake. Cook until both sides are golden brown. Customise with veggies and spices.

6. Cauliflower Rice with Mixed Vegetables

A low-carb alternative to traditional white rice, cauliflower rice is both nutritious and versatile. Paired with an assortment of colourful vegetables, this dish is high in fibre and low in calories. It is a smart choice for those seeking a lighter option for their meals. How to make: Grate cauliflower to resemble rice grains. Sauté in a pan with mixed vegetables until tender. Season with your favourite herbs and spices. A low-carb alternative to rice is ready to enjoy.

7. Spinach and Mushroom Omelette

A wholesome and filling breakfast can charge you up for your day, and this spinach and mushroom omelette is a perfectly healthy choice for that. Packed with protein and essential nutrients, it supplies sustained energy and helps curb unnecessary snacking. How to make: Whisk eggs and pour into a hot, oiled pan. Add spinach and mushrooms. Add a pinch of salt, black pepper and chilli flakes to your taste. Cook until eggs set, then fold in half. A protein-packed omelette is a quick and nutritious breakfast option.

8. Oats Khichdi

Oats Khichdi is a nutritious and wholesome dish that seamlessly blends the health benefits of oats, lentils, and vegetables. This fusion takes the traditional khichdi, a comfort food in many Indian households, and gives it a healthy twist. Oats, rich in soluble fibre, contribute to a feeling of fullness, aiding in weight loss by curbing unnecessary snacking. The addition of lentils supplies a good source of plant-based protein, essential for muscle health during a weight loss journey. How to make: Cook oats and lentils together. In a pan, sauté vegetables and add them to the cooked oats and lentils—season with spices for a healthy twist on traditional khichdi.

Summary

In short, these healthy recipes for weight loss offer a diverse range of options for anyone who is in their 40s to 60s. From protein-packed meals to fibre-rich vegetarian options, these healthy recipes for weight loss are designed to cater to different preferences while supporting your fitness goals.