Warm and Cozy Treats for Weight Loss
Mid-January calls for comfort food since the season can get you down if you are craving the warmth of the sun and the longer days in spring. Still, there is no reason to deviate from your weight loss plan or your New Year’s resolutions already. Instead, opt for filling, comforting fare that is low in carbs and high in protein, just like the rest of your diet.
Macaroni and Cheese
It is hard to think about comfort food without mentioning macaroni and cheese, but it is hard to fit it into your weight loss plan if you talk about the standard mixture. A typical serving can have 200 to 300 calories, with most from fat and carbs, and it is hard to stick to a single serving.
Have your bowl and eat it, too, when you whip up Protein Cheese Steak Macaroni in minutes. Just add water, and enjoy knowing you are getting three real kinds of cheese and 12 grams of protein, with only 130 calories. Or, make your own variation with Protein Pasta mixed with non-fat cream cheese, low-fat cheddar, and broccoli florets.
Tomato Soup
Rewind the clock back to the days when your favorite lunch was tomato soup with a grilled cheese sandwich. Those were carefree days when someone who loved you was happy to serve you a hot, delicious meal. You can still enjoy creamy tomato soup made with tomatoes, though.
The main difference with this Creamy Tomato Protein Soup is that it fits into your weight loss diet. It has 100 calories and a minuscule 1.5 grams of fat, along with 15 grams of protein to keep hunger down for hours. It makes a great snack or lunch, and you can feel even better knowing you are getting a range of essential vitamins and minerals.
Pancakes
Something about pancakes recalls long weekends and relaxed weekend mornings when the most important business of the day was having a delicious breakfast with your family. Those pancakes may have been laden with carbs and calories, with enough of each for couple meals or even a day.
Our answer to the dilemma is Protein Pancakes. Choose from classic Golden Delicious, or flavors such as Blueberry or Chocolate Chip. You only need to add water to get your low-carb, high-protein treat. Serve it alone, make it a breakfast sandwich with a tablespoon of peanut butter or cooked egg whites, or create a breakfast platter with cottage cheese, blueberries, and walnuts.
Banana Pudding
It may not be warm in temperature, but banana pudding warms the soul. Banana Protein Pudding
is sweet, but low in sugar, and has 15 grams of protein to keep you full for hours. It has the distinct taste of ripe bananas, without the load of carbs they deliver.
Mix it with 4 ounces of water for a thick pudding. You can also make it with more water to turn it into a creamy shake that fits on a liquid diet. You can even use it as a meal replacement, since it has vitamins and minerals, including calcium, iron, and antioxidants.
Whatever warm and cozy comfort foods you choose, make sure they fit on your diet and are delicious enough to satisfy your cravings. After all, we have while left before winter is over, and we all need all the cheer we can get.
