It is a common misconception that healthy meals for weight loss take too much time. This is a classic excuse for choosing the wrong foods and allowing your goals to get shortchanged in the name of convenience. In fact, there are many convenient healthy meals and snacks that you can prepare in five minutes or less. For meals that take longer, simply make several portions ahead of time and save the leftovers for later.
Omelet
Omelets are easy to prepare and take very little time. The eggs give you an excellent source of protein, as well as monounsaturated fats that fill you up and promote fat burning, according to "The Fat Burning Bible" by Mackie Shilstone. Add turkey bacon, peppers, onions, mushrooms and low-fat cheese for a quick meal anytime.
Protein-Enhanced French Toast
This is a variation of traditional French toast, which can be a little high in carbohydrates and sugar and low in protein. Mix one half to one scoop of vanilla whey protein into two beaten eggs and add 1/8 tsp. of vanilla extract. Dip two pieces of whole-wheat or sprouted grain bread in the mixture and place in a greased pan or on a griddle. Enjoy with fresh fruit or sugar-free syrup on top.
Cottage Cheese and Fruit
This simple blend makes an excellent mid-meal snack between breakfast and lunch. Put a half cup of cottage cheese into a bowl, add fresh fruit and sprinkle stevia extract on top. Berries go great with this snack because they contain potent fat burning antioxidants, according to "The Abs Diet" by David Zinczenko.
String Cheese, Fruit and Nuts
Keeping low-fat string cheese in your refrigerator provides you with a quick and convenient source of protein. String cheeses also contain calcium, which play a role in fat burning and preventing body fat storage, says Shilstone. Grab two string cheeses and an apple or a handful of unsalted nuts and/or seeds.
Tuna Salad Sandwhich
Tuna provides an excellent source of low-fat protein. Mix it with chopped celery and/or onions and light or fat-free mayonnaise. Add some cayenne pepper to naturally increase fat burning, says the Muscle & Fitness article "Supplements 101" by Jim Stoppani. Make your sandwich with a whole-wheat pita or bread made with sprouted grains.
Protein Shake
If you prepare your protein shake properly you would swear it was a dessert treat and not a healthy fat burning snack, says "Combat the Fat" author Jeff Anderson. Protein shakes make great meal-replacements too, if you simply cannot find the time to cook anything. Blend 1 or 2 scoops of whey protein, half a banana, 1 tsp. psyllium husk, 3 ice cubes, 1 tbsp. natural peanut butter, 8 oz. of water and 1 tbsp. of half and half.
References
- 'The Fat Burning Bible"; Mackie Shilstone; 2005
- "The Abs Diet"; David Zinczenko; 2004
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition The Ultimate Supplement Handbook"; The Usual Suspects; Jordana Brown; January 2010
- "Muscle & Fitness Presents 2010 Edition The Ultimate Supplement Handbook"; Supplements 101; Jim Stoppani; January 2010
- "Combat the Fat"; Jeff Anderson; 2008
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