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It’s difficult to keep up with the number of diet fads that are out there, all of which claim they can help you lose weight fast (like, tomorrow).
But the one tried-and-true way to drop pounds is by cutting down on calories. A diet that is lower in calories and high in protein and other key nutrients will provide the energy you need to keep going (and tackle workouts) while helping you lose weight.
Here are four calorie-burning recipes nutritionists swear by to lose four pounds fast.
This perfect chicken salad is the ideal lunch or dinner — one that is chockfull of protein, vitamins, and minerals and is low in calories and carbs. Instead of relying mayo, it makes creative use of probiotic-rich Greek yogurt as a dressing substitute.
The ingredients you’ll need are:
Chicken breast
Greek yogurt
Green bell pepper
Red grapes
Sage
Thyme
Lemon juice
Simple, but so healthy — grilled shrimp is a delicious low-calorie meal that pairs well with everything from brown rice or quinoa to salad and grilled balsamic vegetables.
Shrimp is one of those foods that takes on flavors easily — and this recipe is packed with seasonings that make the most of it.
You’ll need:
Large shrimp
Olive oil
Lemon juice
Salt
Pepper
Italian seasoning
Minced garlic
Chopped parsley
Lemon wedges
You don’t have to eat meat to get your daily share of protein. Plant-based protein dishes like this comforting 1-Pot Chickpea Shakshuka make Meatless Mondays (or any other day of the week) extraordinarily healthy and flavorful.
Your grocery list for this one is a bit lengthy, but most of these ingredients may already be in your pantry — and can definitely be reused again and again:
Olive or avocado oil
White onion
Red bell pepper
Minced garlic
Can of tomato puree
Tomato paste
Coconut sugar or maple syrup
Sea salt
Paprika
Ground cumin
Chili powder
Ground cinnamon
Cayenne pepper
Cardamom
Cooked chickpeas
Kalamata or green olives
