Jump-Start Your Weight Loss This Spring

Over the winter, we all craved — and ate — plenty of stick-to-your-ribs comfort food. But, after a tumultuous 2020 of soothing meals, sourdough bread and a lot of couch potato-ing, it might be time to turn the corner.

Now, spring is ushering in warmer weather and a wider variety of fresh fruits and veggies to choose from, making it the perfect time to reset your health and weight-loss goals.

Our dietitian-designed plan is carefully curated to balance your macronutrients for optimal weight loss: We’re dialing back the carbs while also boosting nourishing proteins and good-for-you fats. These recipes also ditch inflammatory foods like dairy, refined sugar and grains to help keep your overall health in check. Pair it with a little movement — and a little less sofa time — and you have a plan for better energy, stronger immunity and reduced inflammation.

This plan, brimming with delicious meals, will fill you up and help kick-start your goals at the same time.

Beyond the Jumpstart

Lasting weight loss requires healthy changes to food and lifestyle choices. These strategies will help you keep your weight-loss journey going beyond this week.

• Eat more plant-based foods: Vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts and seeds are higher in fiber and take longer to digest, making them filling choices for meals and snacks.
• Stay hydrated: Start your day with warm water with lemon or a cup of green tea. Throughout the day, sip on water with lemon, iced herbal tea or dandelion tea. In the evening, settle down with a cup of chamomile or mint tea.
• Practice mindful eating: Eat slowly, paying attention to the smell, texture and taste of your food. Stop eating before you are full (aim for 80% full) and eat without distractions.
• Use tools to track your progress: Smartphone apps, fitness trackers or even a pen-and-paper journal can help you stay on track. These tools act as an accountability partner and ultimately help you make better decisions.
• Increase physical activity: Movement in the form of exercise (walking, weight resistance, dancing — whatever you like to do) can increase your metabolism. Start off slowly and work up to more intense, longer or more-frequent workouts.
• Get plenty of sleep: Lack of sleep stimulates your appetite and stops you from feeling satisfied, making you want more food than normal. Aim for seven to nine hours of quality sleep each night. The earlier you get to bed, the more deep sleep you will get.

Download the Shopping List & Meal Plan here.

The Recipes

• Cashew Chicken Stir-Fry
• Golden Cauli-Rice Bowl
• Lemon Pancakes with Blueberry Chia Jam
• Salmon Bowl with Sweet Chile Sauce
• Spinach Salad with Crispy Artichokes & Basil Dressing
• Banana Pecan Notmeal
• Strawberry Dutch Baby