I've collected quite a few good weight loss recipes over the years that I often share.
I have a real passion for collecting all different types of healthy, natural food combinations with the full intention of trying them when time permits.
However, before I do that I usually have a list of "must have's" I look for when considering which are actually worth trying and which will ultimately end up in the trash.
Before I will even consider testing any specific recipes for fat loss purposes I look for some basic information that, in my opinion, should be included with ALL weight loss recipes and as such only a small handful will ultimately end up in my 'tried and true' recipe file.
This is what I tend to look for when choosing recipes for weight loss:
Is it simple to prepare? I typically steer away from anything that requires unusual ingredients (unless I'm experimenting with that ingredient) or preparation times that require hours of my time. Any recipe that's overly complicated usually gets put to the wayside too.
Simple but healthy is my motto.
How many calories, carbs, etc.? Aside from the many decadent and fat rich dessert recipes (along with the enticing photos that often accompany them) typically found in most high-end specialty cooking books, all weight loss recipes should also include a detailed breakdown of macronutrients.
How many carbs, fat and/or protein grams are there in my recipe? Can I substitute any richer ingredients with lighter or healthier ingredients? It's important to know WHAT you're eating apart from the ingredients themselves.
Also a photograph is always helpful, although admittedly my finished product rarely looks anything like what's depicted in the photo.
What constitutes a serving size? I always look for a summary at the end of each recipe that lists how many calories, fats, carbs and protein grams are contained in a single serving as well.
What constitutes a single serving size may sometimes surprise you.
Any recipe that doesn't include this basic information should be suspect and doesn't really qualify as being categorized as a true weight loss recipe, in my opinion.
After all, if you're counting calories or carbs wouldn't you want to know approximately how many are contained in that particular recipe as well as in each serving? I know it's a real deal breaker for me. In fact, so much so that I'll usually pass by any recipe that doesn't contain this key information, regardless of how beautifully it's photographed.
What is the suggested serving size?
When following any weight loss diet plan understanding serving size and practicing portion control are important.
Once you have a breakdown of macronutrients you can then adjust the size of your serving accordingly - larger or smaller based on what suits your particular diet plan needs.
Also on the topic of serving sizes, don't overlook portion control. This is solely in your control and can make or break all the effort you've put into preparing a healthy weight loss recipe so do practice portion control.
The best recipes for weight loss aren't going to help you lose belly fat if serving size and portion control isn't adhered to.
Food manufacturers are famous for this mild form of deception. Often we are misled to believe that a recipe is ideal for weight loss until we take a closer look at what constitutes a serving or portion.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, does it taste good?
When it's all said and done, does it actually taste good? Would you make it again?
Is it a "keeper" or will it end up at the back of your recipe file or in the trash bin?
Consider too, does it freeze well? If so you can double up on your recipe ingredients and freeze it for a future quick meal.
Does it travel well? I could go on, however I think you've got the idea by this point.
I have a real passion for collecting all different types of healthy, natural food combinations with the full intention of trying them when time permits.
However, before I do that I usually have a list of "must have's" I look for when considering which are actually worth trying and which will ultimately end up in the trash.
Before I will even consider testing any specific recipes for fat loss purposes I look for some basic information that, in my opinion, should be included with ALL weight loss recipes and as such only a small handful will ultimately end up in my 'tried and true' recipe file.
This is what I tend to look for when choosing recipes for weight loss:
Is it simple to prepare? I typically steer away from anything that requires unusual ingredients (unless I'm experimenting with that ingredient) or preparation times that require hours of my time. Any recipe that's overly complicated usually gets put to the wayside too.
Simple but healthy is my motto.
How many calories, carbs, etc.? Aside from the many decadent and fat rich dessert recipes (along with the enticing photos that often accompany them) typically found in most high-end specialty cooking books, all weight loss recipes should also include a detailed breakdown of macronutrients.
How many carbs, fat and/or protein grams are there in my recipe? Can I substitute any richer ingredients with lighter or healthier ingredients? It's important to know WHAT you're eating apart from the ingredients themselves.
Also a photograph is always helpful, although admittedly my finished product rarely looks anything like what's depicted in the photo.
What constitutes a serving size? I always look for a summary at the end of each recipe that lists how many calories, fats, carbs and protein grams are contained in a single serving as well.
What constitutes a single serving size may sometimes surprise you.
Any recipe that doesn't include this basic information should be suspect and doesn't really qualify as being categorized as a true weight loss recipe, in my opinion.
After all, if you're counting calories or carbs wouldn't you want to know approximately how many are contained in that particular recipe as well as in each serving? I know it's a real deal breaker for me. In fact, so much so that I'll usually pass by any recipe that doesn't contain this key information, regardless of how beautifully it's photographed.
What is the suggested serving size?
When following any weight loss diet plan understanding serving size and practicing portion control are important.
Once you have a breakdown of macronutrients you can then adjust the size of your serving accordingly - larger or smaller based on what suits your particular diet plan needs.
Also on the topic of serving sizes, don't overlook portion control. This is solely in your control and can make or break all the effort you've put into preparing a healthy weight loss recipe so do practice portion control.
The best recipes for weight loss aren't going to help you lose belly fat if serving size and portion control isn't adhered to.
Food manufacturers are famous for this mild form of deception. Often we are misled to believe that a recipe is ideal for weight loss until we take a closer look at what constitutes a serving or portion.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, does it taste good?
When it's all said and done, does it actually taste good? Would you make it again?
Is it a "keeper" or will it end up at the back of your recipe file or in the trash bin?
Consider too, does it freeze well? If so you can double up on your recipe ingredients and freeze it for a future quick meal.
Does it travel well? I could go on, however I think you've got the idea by this point.
The trick to choosing the best weight loss recipes
[http://www.bellyfatblues.com/weight-loss-recipes.html] is to always
take a closer look and scrutinize carefully whether it will help or
hinder your weight loss goals.
Steer clear of any that don't include a full macronutrient breakdown and do always be mindful of practicing healthy portion control [http://www.bellyfatblues.com/portion-control.html].
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Annie_D'Angelo/946402
Steer clear of any that don't include a full macronutrient breakdown and do always be mindful of practicing healthy portion control [http://www.bellyfatblues.com/portion-control.html].
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