Weight loss: 3 quick and delicious dinner recipes that help with weight loss

We often live under the impression that weight loss diets consist of plain and tasteless meals. However, a lot of hearty dishes can also promote fat burning and weight loss. These 3 dinner recipes curated by Sherene Chou, MS, RD, Dietitian Educator, Sustainable Food & Nutrition Consultant also include a recipe for someone with a sweet tooth. So let’s begin:

4 servings

ingredients
Dressing ingredients
2 tablespoons orange juice
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp maple syrup
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground pepper

Salad ingredients
2 carrots, peeled
2 cucumbers, peeled
½ beetroot, peeled
¼ cup plant-based feta cheese, crumbled
⅓ cup American pistachios, chopped
⅓ cup fresh mint, chopped

Whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, olive oil, maple syrup, salt and pepper in a large mixing bowl.
Peel carrots, cucumbers and beetroot into ribbons with a vegetable peeler. Add to mixing bowl with dressing and toss. Let the vegetables marinate for 10-15 minutes.
Mix in feta cheese, pistachios and mint and serve. Drizzle any remaining dressing on top.
Nutrition per serving: 190 calories, total fat 16 g, saturated fat 5 g, sodium 420 mg, total carbohydrate 11 g, fiber 2 g, total sugar 5 g, added sugar <1 g, protein 3 g

9, 2×2 squares

ingredients
Dry ingredients
¾ cup roasted unsalted pistachios, chopped
¼ cup dried apricots, chopped (about 10)
½ cup oatmeal
¼ cup vegan mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
¼ cup ground flaxseed
¼ teaspoon salt
Wet ingredients
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 tablespoons avocado oil or rapeseed oil
1 tablespoon tahini
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
½ tsp vanilla extract

Preheat oven to 325°F. Line an 8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
Add all dry ingredients to a medium bowl: Apricots, oats, chocolate chips, pistachios, flaxseeds and salt. Stir until well combined.
Add all wet ingredients to a small bowl: sugar, avocado oil, tahini, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix until well incorporated.
Combine wet and dry ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, stir and fold until incorporated.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan. Use the spatula to press the mixture firmly into an even, tightly packed layer.
Bake for 15 minutes.
Place the baking pan on a wire rack to cool for about 30 minutes, or until completely firm. Cut and enjoy! Store in an airtight container for 3-5 days.
Nutrition per serving: 190 calories, total fat 12 g, saturated fat 2.5 g, sodium 65 mg, total carbohydrate 17 g, fiber 3 g, total sugar 10 g, added sugar 7 g, protein 4 g

1 portion

ingredients
¼ cup + 2 tbsp pistachios, chopped
¼ cup vanilla granola or your favorite granola
1/4 cup cherries, pitted and halved
½ cup coconut yogurt, unsweetened

Place 2 tablespoons of the pistachios in the bottom of a glass or jar.
Then add half of the granola, cherries and yogurt.
Repeat one more time with the remaining ingredients.
Top with crushed pistachios and enjoy!

Nutrition per serving: 440 calories, total fat 28g, saturated fat 7g, sodium 35mg, total carbohydrate 38g, fiber 9g, total sugar 14g, added sugar 5g, protein 12g