28 Go-To Recipes I Used During My 100-Pound Weight Loss
You don't have to eat broccoli and grilled chicken every day to lose weight.
Hi! I'm Arielle, and within the last year and a half, I embarked on a lifestyle change that resulted in a 100-pound weight loss (among other amazing benefits).
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I wrote about it here if you'd like more info!
A common question I receive is about what I'm eating — so I thought I'd take you through some of my favorite recipes, all of which prove that delicious meals and weight loss actually can go hand in hand.
Here's some of my go-to recipes:
By the way, this is just my personal experience, and as always, you should consult a doctor/dietician before changing your diet!
1. PB2, Banana, and Chocolate Chip Pancakes
Yes, I eat pancakes! I use Kodiak Cake Power Cakes protein mix, stir it with water, and cook them on a skillet. And of course, you can put whatever toppings you want and make it your own. I personally love PB2, bananas, and chocolate chips. Recipe here.
Also, PB2 is powdered peanut butter, and I use it ALL the time. Basically the peanuts are slow roasted then pressed to remove most of the oil and fat. You mix it with water and it creates peanut butter! It won't taste like Jif, but it's a great low-cal substitute.
2. Healthy Egg White Breakfast Cups
I use mushrooms instead of tomatoes, and I make these in mini muffin trays with 1 cup of egg whites instead of 2 cups (so it's only one serving), but regardless it's so easy to make and super nutritious. Recipe here.
3. Yogurt, Fig, and Honey Toast
Like Oprah, I. LOVE. BREAD. I'm not scared to eat carbs — I enjoy what I want and fit it into my macros. As a matter of fact, here's everything you should know about carbs.
Ingredients pictured: Flax Ezekiel bread, Siggi's nonfat plain Icelandic yogurt, chia seeds, fresh figs, blueberries, and honey.
4. Yogurt, Oatmeal, and Fruit Bowls
Packed with protein and you can switch up your fruit choices for variety. Details here.
5. Smoked Salmon Cucumber Rounds
A low-carb option for a breakfast classic. Recipe here.
6. Butternut Squash Quinoa Bowl
This is perfect for fall and you can always mess around with the ingredients to fit your preferences. For instance, I always add apple slices and pomegranate seeds. Recipe here.
7. Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato Noodle Bowl
A delicious combo with fresh ingredients and whole foods. Recipe here.
8. Turkey, Apple, Cheddar, and Cheese Sandwich
This is one of my FAVORITE sandwiches! I use Trader Joe's ciabatta rolls, Laughing Cow cheddar cheese spread, cajun turkey, apple slices, and sweet chili sauce. The salty/sweet combo is amazing. Additional details here.
9. Southwestern Black Bean Salad
So easy. So good. I love to pair it with grilled shrimp! Recipe here.
10. Turkey Cucumber Rounds
This is so quick and tasty, and it's also good for potlucks and parties. More info here.
11. PB2 and Banana Rice Cakes
I keep PB2 and rice cakes at my work desk whenever I need a 3 p.m. snack.
12. Cauliflower Poppers
Good as a snack or a side dish. Recipe here.
13. Apple Slices With Chocolate PB2
If you need a sweet fix.
14. Orange Slices With Nonfat Greek Yogurt
I always try to pair my fruits with a protein for snacks, and Greek yogurt is a great option. I also love Siggi's Icelandic yogurt paired with blueberries or figs.
15. Carrots and Hummus
A classic snack and it's perfect for work! I'd also recommend bell pepper slices.
16. Skinny Chicken Fajitas
If I have learned anything, it's that you can easily make your favorite foods WAY healthier by cooking them yourself. Recipe here.
17. Orecchiette Pasta With Chicken Sausage and Broccoli
One of my favorite pasta dishes! Recipe here.
18. Spaghetti Squash With Ground Turkey, Mushrooms, and Onions
I make spaghetti squash on the reg, and I just switch up toppings to give some variety. Recipe here.
19. Zucchini and Ground Turkey Pizza Boats
Recipe here. I also love these Turkey Santa Fe Zucchini Boats from Skinnytaste.
20. Turkey Bacon Zoodle Alfredo
It's almost like a low-carb carbonara. Recipe here.
21. Cauliflower Fried Rice
I usually do shrimp instead of beef, but that's just a personal preference! You can also save yourself some time and buy riced cauliflower from Trader Joe's! Recipe here.
22. Buffalo Chicken Flatbread With Pineapple
This is great for when I'm craving pizza. Recipe here.
23. Spaghetti Squash Boats
I used this Tasty video as a guide for making boats, but I make a lighter version. I use 1 teaspoon of olive oil and then put whatever toppings I want (I love grilled chicken, spinach, mushrooms, and light Alfredo sauce) and add way less cheese.
24. Fruit Kabobs
Simple, colorful, and great for parties!
25. Healthy Apple Doughnuts
A low-carb alternative to a beloved treat. Recipe here.
26. Chocolate PB2 Banana Bites
Banana slices + Chocolate PB2 + Trader Joe's Animal Crackers + Fat Free Reddi Wip + sprinkles.
27. Quest Bar Cookies
I often eat Quest Bars when I need a high-protein snack, but these are also great for baking! You just cut them and pop them in the oven to make some warm cookies. Recipe here.
28. Halo Top Ice Cream
No recipe needed. At 280 calories per pint, I can eat the whole thing and not feel awful. Birthday Cake and Lemon Cake are BAE.