Spring break or some other tropical vacation forcing you to don a bikini soon? Don’t fret. These wholesome, nutritious meals will keep you satisfied, but will also help you get ready for the beach.
There’s nothing like the prospect of having to wear a bikini to make you want to give your diet an overhaul — especially after a winter of hiding in thick, bulky sweaters and heavy coats. And even if you don’t have a beach vacation in the near future, with steady consumption of rich winter menus, most of us could do with opting for some lighter fare.
But this doesn’t mean you have to go starving — not at all! Simply focus on eating lots of veggies and fruit, lean proteins and whole grains, and you’ll be well on your way to rockin’ that bikini.
Vegetable stir-fry
One of the simplest ways to get a lot of veggies into a meal: stir-fry them. Plus, this is such a fantastic meal for those busy weeknights when you’re rushing to get dinner on the table. Be sure to include veggies that vary both in flavour and colour (we eat with our eyes, too!), as in this turkey and vegetable stir-fry recipe. Turkey breast is a great, lean cut of meat; serve this atop a bed of brown rice to get some whole grains, too. Vegetarian? Try this recipe for vegetable tofu stir-fry.
Pasta primavera
Who says you can’t have pasta if you’re trying to lose weight? Carbs don’t have to be the enemy. Use whole-grain or whole-wheat pasta as a healthier option; the bonus is, you’ll likely eat a smaller portion for your meal as this type of pasta tends to be more filling. Instead of a rich meat sauce, load up on veggies in your pasta dish, such as in this easy pasta primavera recipe.
Salmon
Get your essential fatty acids from this fish by incorporating it into your meal, along with other vegetables, to get a well balanced meal. For a quick but delicious (and protein-rich) supper, you can’t go wrong with this grilled salmon and asparagus salad. For something more refreshing, consider this salmon with jicama and mango salad.
Fruit crumble
You need not deprive yourself of all sweets while you work on slimming down for the beach. A fruit crumble will satisfy your sweet tooth while also providing antioxidants and healthy fats and carbs from the nutty, whole-grain topping. Look for one that’s sweetened with juice and natural sweetenters, such as honey: for example, in this recipe for pear and cherry crumble.
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