Cranberries are a low calorie, versatile food that should appear in your meals at more than just Thanksgiving. If you can't find fresh ones, look for frozen cranberries, which work well in many recipes. Fresh cranberries keep for up to 2 months in the refrigerator and about a year in the freezer. Weight loss results from burning more calories than you consume and with only 20 calories in 1/2 cup, cranberries are a healthy addition to a well-balanced weight loss meal plan.
Step 1
Add cranberries to a smoothie made with low-calorie ingredients. Use smoothies as a filling meal or snack to help you lose weight. Throw some cranberries in the blender with low-fat yogurt and blend until smooth. Cranberries also pair well with oranges or berries so try different flavor combinations to find one you like best.
Step 2
Make relish. Combine chopped cranberries with oranges, tangerines, raisins, orange juice and allspice to create a healthy side dish to accompany ham or turkey. Try topping pork or fish with this relish as well. It also makes a healthy topping for crackers as an alternative to cheese, which is often high in fat and calories.
Step 3
Make fruit salad using cranberries to add tartness. Try mixing them with oranges, strawberries and kiwis and serve alongside a sandwich for lunch. Or, serve on top of low-fat yogurt for a snack.
Step 4
Use dried cranberries sparingly, because they are higher in sugar than fresh ones, which increases their calorie count. However, they can be part of a weight loss meal plan in moderation, so try them in salads, rice pilafs or trail mix, but be sure to balance the calories they contain with what you eat for the rest of the day so that you don't hinder your weight loss goals.
Step 5
Eat cranberries in moderation. To lose weight you must make sure your calorie intake does not exceed your calorie burn. When eating foods that contain cranberries, stick to one serving at a time so that you get an accurate idea of how many calories you are consuming. Use measuring utensils until you are familiar with what serving sizes look like.
Step 6
Exercise in conjunction with eating cranberries. Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Choose activities you enjoy so that you are more likely to stick with them. Always talk with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine.
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