I recently read a comment about weight loss and fitness that really disturbed me. The comment was, and I quote: "So the rest of my life I have to eat only 1200 calories of tasteless food daily". I imagine that's the way that some people perceive what living a leaner lifestyle is - tasteless, bland, blah. And I agree - that would be an awful way to live. I believe that life should be lived vigorously, and that includes the foods we eat as well.
All the more reason I devoted a large section of my book, The Metabolism Solution, to providing you with delicious thermogenic recipes, that are not only easy to prepare and family friendly, but they will help you blast away belly fat! Tasteless? Just the opposite. Bland? Sorry, I don't do bland. Blah? Not unless you consider full of flavor that delight the taste buds blah.
Staying committed to feeling good is crucial to weight loss. When you don't feel good there will always be a temptation to slide towards the "not-so-good" foods that will give us 20 seconds of pleasure. What's the old saying - "a moment on the lips a lifetime on the hips"? And that is absolutely true. Our bodies are hard-wired to seek pleasure no matter how short-lived it may be. When we don't feel good we tend to not think about "afterwards". Our bodies are just craving that instant gratification. I've learned that denying that instant gratification by cooking great food is a secret to feeling satisfied. Another thing to remember; the so-called "diet foods" are still high in fat, calories and carbs.
Yes, I know - you have a hectic schedule and cooking requires time. Time I don't have. Let me ask you, do you have 5 - 10 minutes? 5 - 10 minutes is all you need to get started toward keeping your belly happy. Remember, if the belly is happy - you are happy!
Just to show you how easy it is I'm giving you one of the recipes from my book to try. Don't be afraid to experiment either. Just remember, don't deviate to the point that you're adding extra fat and calories and unintentionally derailing your weight loss efforts.
Lisa's Famous Sauteed Salad - Fills You Up Without Filling You Out!
This is one of my all-time go-to food favorites. Sometimes I'm just not in the mood for another cold salad and, frankly, I just don't find them very filling. But throw a boring salad into a pan and toss it around until it’s lightly cooked—delicious.
I’ll make a meal out of it by adding some shrimp, scallops, or shredded chicken breast. It makes a great filling to wrap a fish fillet around. And I love to throw in a cup of cooked broccoli. Add water or fat-free broth and you have instant slimming soup. Best of all? Romaine lettuce (which should be a staple you always have on hand) has almost no calories. So if you’re hungry—make more.
- spray olive oil or 1/2 tablespoon or less extra virgin olive oil (use as little as possible)
- 1 small, sweet onion such as white or Vidalia, thinly sliced
- 3 heads Romaine lettuce (substitute chopped escarole or broccoli rabe if you wish)
- 1/4 teaspoon NoSalt
- grated Parmesan (optional)
Heat oil in 12-inch skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring often, for 10 minutes or until golden. Lower heat if onion is browning too quickly; don’t let it brown. Add Romaine to skillet and cook, turning occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes, until leaves are tender yet still crunchy. Sprinkle with salt substitute. Garnish with grated cheese, if desired.
And for dessert - my irresistible Melt Fat Fudge!
It is possible to eat delicious food and still lose 1 pound per day. Wanna try more delicious metabolic boosting recipes? Check out my new book, The Metabolism Solution. Make sure you share the recipes with your friends and post them on your Facebook page and Twitter account. Enjoy - or as they say in Italian - Mangia!