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15 Recipes That Helped Me Lose 15 Pounds

June 17, 2013 by overtimecook 22 Comments

15 recipes that helped me lose 15 pounds

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I’m really excited about today’s post, but also a little nervous. I love sharing funny little anecdotes with all of you, but I am usually uncomfortable sharing more personal information here. But today I am crossing that barrier to post about something I am very proud of.

It started a while ago when I promised myself that I would buy myself the new (and insanely gorgeous) MacBook that I had my eye on for ages when I lost 15 pounds. And since then, I have been dieting hard, more motivated than ever to shed a couple of pounds.

It hasn’t been easy. In the last couple of months I have made a huge number of delicious desserts, including a huge number of of cheesecakes. And I forced myself to taste a bite and stop. Partly because I wanted to lose the weight, but mostly because I wanted to buy my new macbook already. But whatever the reason, I persevered. I resisted the cheesecake. I ate a ton of salad. And here I am. Typing my first ever post on my gorgeous new macbook. But I realize, as I sit here, that the sense of accomplishment is the best prize of all.

Sadly, I am not done dieting (is a woman ever done dieting?) but I have learned a couple of things that helped me lose these 15 pounds. I will keep making some of the delicious food recipes I have developed recently, and hope I can inspire any of you who are trying to lose weight to cook delicious food while still losing weight and getting healthy! 

Here are 15 of my favorite recipes that helped me lose the weight. If you have some delicious recipes that you cook while dieting, I would love to hear about them in the comments!

1) Spicy Baked Zucchini Sticks: this is one of the favorite recipes all time on my blog, and possibly the favorite in terms of feedback from my readers. And it might just be my favorite recipe. It is super easy to make (cutting the stick shape takes about a minute or less per zucchini) and the abundance of flavor and spice means you barely notice how healthy it is! With the abundance of zucchini this summer, I find myself turning to this recipe really frequently.

2) Two Colored Squash with Shallots and Herbs: So I’ll admit I have changed this recipe a bunch since I posted it (almost two years ago!), but the basic flavors and methods are the same. I love this recipe because it’s easy and versatile, and I basically toss in whatever veggies I have on hand. My current favorite is zucchini, mushrooms and portabella mushrooms. So delicious, and again, you won’t miss the extra calories!

3) Citrus Shallot Salad Dressing: One of my big diet things is eating a huge salad with some lean protein in it for lunch. Every. Single. Day. And my favorite dressing for said salad is this amazing citrus and shallot dressing. It has just enough sweetness, and a little sharpness from the shallots. I have made this so many times lately, and somehow I am not bored yet!

4) Roasted Butternut Squash Salad: I’ll admit that I don’t necessarily follow the entire recipe, but roasted butternut squash (cut in small pieces) is my new favorite salad add-in. It’s super filling, yet still healthy!

5) Raspberry Zinger Vinaigrette:  This is an old favorite salad dressing, and I make it all the time. It is super easy to make, but totally different, so it’s great when you need a change of pace. I mix this dressing with lettuce (usually romaine, sometimes spinach though) and some mange, some red cabbage, some nuts…it’s totally versatile!

6) Marinated Tri Color Pepper Salad: This is basically what I make every time I see peppers on sale at the grocery store. It’s super simple, but totally delicious. (And bonus – it’s easy to make!) I have made some changes to the salad lately – most importantly, I use shallots in place of scallions. I love the extra bit of flavor it provides!

7) Healthy Mock Breaded Cauliflower: I can’t even tell you how much I love this recipe. It makes me feel like I am eating really fattening, delicious fast-food or restaurant food, but it’s so much healthier than it tastes! It’s another one of those recipes that takes less than five minutes to pull together, so you can just imagine why it’s a favorite of mine, and also hundreds of readers.

8) Roasted Vegetable Chickpea Salad: This might just be my favorite lunch recipe. Ever. It’s quick and easy to make, but so filling! Serve it over some brown rice for a full meal. I’ve made this with some added veggies and it was delicious!

9) Frozen Drinks: Iced Mochacino and Strawberry Limeade Slushies: Everyone needs a treat every now and then, and these are two of my favorites. They’re frozen, refreshing, and seem to be more caloric than they actually are.

10) Grilled Chicken: I make a number of different grilled chicken varieties, but two of my favorites are my asian inspired mustard marinated chicken and this simple yet delicious herb marinated grilled chicken. Both are simple and delicious, and of course, are delicious on the grill this summer!

11) Roasted Green Beans with Shallots and Tomatoes: Are you noticing a pattern here with the roasted vegetable recipes? Well I may be the queen of quick and simple roasted vegetable recipes, and this is one of my latest favorites. Green beans are filling and in season, and the shallots and cherry tomatoes compliment them perfectly. Bonus: these are yummy cold, so they wind up as a lunch at work pretty often!

12) Chicken in Mushroom Sauce: I’ve made variations of this chicken, and I love it every time. It works nicely in the crockpot, in a pot, or in the oven. Add some other veggies like zucchini, or some other mushroom varieties like portabella or cremini. It’s versatile and delicious, and you don’t have to be dieting to enjoy it!

13) Healthy Muffins: While I know that dieters shouldn’t be eating a ton of baked goods, everyone needs a treat every now and then, and these muffins are just the thing! I have a number of varieties, some here, and another here. Find the flavor that speaks to you, then treat yourself in a low-guilt way!

14) Herb Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are better for you than their white cousin, and these delicious herb roasted sweet potatoes are a delicious and healthy way to prepare them!

15) Healthy Pancakes: My favorite way to start a sunday is to wake up (late) to some delicious – and healthy – pancakes! I am constantly coming up with fun, new varieties, and have shared a bunch of them here! Healthy Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes, Healthy Oatmeal Pumpkin Pancakes, and Healthy Cottage Cheese Blueberry Pancakes are all great and healthy options!

Thanks for stopping by friends! Make sure to come back soon for some brand new recipes! -Miriam

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Filed Under: Healthy, Life on the side, Uncategorized Tagged With: Healthy, Recipes, weight loss


Comments

  1. Tali Simon says

    June 17, 2013 at 1:46 am

    Terrific idea for a post, this is such a great resource. Enjoy your new toy!

    Reply
  2. lovinghomemade says

    June 17, 2013 at 3:49 am

    Well done on achieving your goal and enjoy your MacBook – great idea for motivation! Great post

    Reply
  3. Nechamah says

    June 17, 2013 at 4:39 am

    Congratulations. Keep up the great work and enjoy your new computer.

    Reply
  4. littleduckies says

    June 17, 2013 at 5:18 am

    Good for you!

    Reply
  5. Rena says

    June 17, 2013 at 7:15 am

    Congrats! That’s awesome! I love these healthy recipes. Check out my new blog, its all abput healthy eating and living.

    Reply
  6. Donna Howard says

    June 17, 2013 at 8:06 am

    CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU!!! That is not a ‘small’ feat — 15 lbs is awesome. I always wonder how food bloggers as yourself, stay away from eating all the desserts they make because to be honest since I have started following bloggers and doing more baking, I have gained weight!! Maybe the one bite is the answer. Anyway, I am on a new quest to eat more ‘plant based’ and for that reason all these recipes are a keeper!! Thank you so very much. Today is my first day! I had a TERRIBLE weigh in although I knew it would be ugly, but I am determined. Wish me luck and keep sharing!!! love you!!

    Reply
  7. littlekitchie says

    June 17, 2013 at 8:23 am

    This is a fabulous post – thank you for sharing! A very welcome post during the summer time! 🙂

    Reply
  8. Princess Lea says

    June 17, 2013 at 10:01 am

    I noticed that the majority of recipes are veggie-based. That’s where the weight-loss punch is, baby! Squash especially, since it satisfies carb-cravings. Works like magic for me!

    If you stick with it the weight will positively fall off (even more). And you will feel FABULOUS. (I’m speaking from experience).

    Reply
  9. Chanie@BusyInBrooklyn says

    June 17, 2013 at 10:29 am

    Congrats Miriam! What a huge achievement! My motto on dieting is to eat well (so you don’t crave the bad stuff) and it sounds like you’re doing just that!

    I remember quite some time ago, when we were discussing weight loss strategies (before my 40-lb. weight loss), you mentioned promising a gift to yourself. Looks like you heeded your own advice! Enjoy your well-deserved MacBook!

    Reply
  10. Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says

    June 17, 2013 at 10:43 am

    Congrats! I love seeing delicious recipes that are also healthy.

    Reply
  11. Shaindy says

    June 17, 2013 at 10:47 am

    I love the idea of “bribing” yourself to diet! I think I’m gonna try that. It’s been so hard losing the last 15 pounds I want to… Thanks for the idea and the recipes! I love roasted veggies too, I just have to make more of an effort to stock up on them.

    Reply
  12. Dinnersdishesdessert (@Dinnersdishes) says

    June 17, 2013 at 11:00 am

    Congrats!!! 15 pounds is something you should be so proud of! The food looks incredible too – no diet food here!

    Reply
  13. idy m says

    June 17, 2013 at 11:46 am

    I’ve lost about 30 pounds in the past 2 1/2 months.
    i find that eating breakfast every day, eating small snacks every 3-4 hours, eating at about the same time each day, and exercise each day works for me.
    and drinking lots of water, especially in the summer months.

    my favorite dinner recipe is lemon pepper grilled chicken (chicken cutlets, lemon juice, olive oil and lemon pepper seasoning) and grilled zucchini (sliced on diagonal, also sprinkle with lemon pepper)
    coming in at a close second id cajun salmon (smear salmon with a mix of sriracha, garlic and cumin) with roasted peppers or mushrooms.
    you can serve either of these with whole grain rice, couscous or a baked potato or sweet potato “fries”

    Reply
  14. Freidi says

    June 17, 2013 at 12:14 pm

    So happy that the Macbook has arrived safe and sound, and so proud of you for earning it! Unfortunately, the best diet secret I know is trying to resist your amazing baking…. not easy, though….

    Reply
  15. bigsis says

    June 17, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    Congats! Awesome computer!!! Miriam wants one too (for taking pics and making collages.)

    Reply
  16. Chani says

    June 17, 2013 at 3:57 pm

    Wow! Congratulations!
    If this isn’t too personal, may I ask how long it took you to loose those 15 lbs? Fellow dieter looking for some encouragement here…

    Reply
    • Chani says

      June 17, 2013 at 3:58 pm

      whoops, lose. 🙂

      Reply
  17. sarah. says

    June 17, 2013 at 6:44 pm

    great ideas and congrats on achieving your goal!

    Reply
  18. sweetbakedlife says

    June 17, 2013 at 11:00 pm

    Congrats and thanks for sharing — you are an inspiration! I will definitely be trying some of these recipes! Have fun on your macbook, what a great milestone to reach! 🙂

    Reply
  19. gottagetbaked says

    June 18, 2013 at 1:43 am

    Miriam, what a great idea! I’ve been wanting a brand new Macbook too and I could definitely stand to lose some of those blogging weight I’ve gained. Way to go, girl! I’m glad you hit your goal (yes, there’s still more to do but you should celebrate each accomplishment) and treated yourself. Thanks for this roundup of yummy but health friendly dishes.

    Reply
  20. justagirlfromaamchimumbai says

    June 23, 2013 at 1:07 am

    Wow congratulations. Hope u can now have more than a bite of the gorgeous cakes you male.

    Reply
  21. michaelawanders says

    July 18, 2013 at 9:18 pm

    This is so great! I just opened several of these recipes in new tabs 🙂 And good for you for sticking to your goal! Sometimes I set incentives like that for myself and stick to it, sometimes . . . well, I don’t. I’ve set a similar health goal and have promised myself the tattoo I’ve always wanted when I reach it!

    Reply

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