Easy Summer 2009 Diet Weight Loss Recipes

Eating healthy and watching calories is never fun, but the luscious variety of fresh fruits and vegetables available in summertime make it more enjoyable. Here are some ultra-fast, tasty recipes for helping slim down. Remember that before you start any type of a diet or weight reduction plan, it is wise to consult with a health care professional.

Easy and Lean Breakfast Crunch

1 cup Kashi Go Lean Crunch

1 - 3.75 oz. cup of Breyer's YoCrunch Cheesecake nonfat yogurt

½ cup of fruit (berries, bananas or your favorite)

Combine all ingredients in bowl, toss gently to combine. Top with graham cookie pieces or reserve for later use.

This recipe seems too simple to be effective, but it is a protein rich, healthy breakfast. It provides 12 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber, to help you feel fuller, and more satisfied. Protein and fiber have been shown by research to help stabilize blood sugar levels, so you will avoid a mid-morning energy slump that might lead to binge eating. For more information about stabilizing blood sugar levels, follow this link:
www.revolutionhealth.com/conditions/diabetes/diet-nutrition/carbs-fats-protein/carbs-fats-protein

Protein Packed Breakfast Smoothie

1 T. ground flax seed

1 T. wheat germ

1 T. nonfat dry milk powder

1 ripe banana

½ cup of any frozen fruit

2 T. local honey

1 - 3.75 cup of Breyers YoCrunch Cheesecake nonfat yogurt

1 cup any flavor of R. W. Knudsen Family organic juice

Mix all ingredients in blender, pulse until the consistency is to your taste, pour into glass or travel mug. This is a heart healthy grab-and-go breakfast for those stress filled days when you may be tempted to skip breakfast.

This smoothie provides 10.1 grams of protein, and 10 grams of dietary fiber. Put it in an insulated cup and sip all morning long for a nutritious grab-and-go breakfast. To find out more about R. W. Knudsen and their fine organic products that work well in diet and weight loss programs, click: www.knudsenjuices.com/products/default.aspx

Fast and Filling Salmon Salad

1 package of Earthbound Organic Mixed Baby Greens salad

1 - 4 oz. frozen salmon fillet, wild caught if possible

¼ cup sliced almonds

½ cup berries

Newman's Own Lighten Up! Light Balsamic Vinaigrette

Cook salmon according to package directions or until it flakes lightly when tested with a fork. Chop into bite-size pieces. Put a serving size portion of the Earthbound Organic brand salad greens on a plate. Add berries, almonds, and enough vinaigrette to coat lightly when tossed gently. (Start with one tablespoon and add more as needed.) Top with salmon, serve chilled.

Calorie count will depend on brand of salmon and berries chosen, but in general a 4 oz. serving of salmon will provide 131 calories and 22.6 grams of protein. Salmon is a good source of essential fatty acids.

This is a great basic diet salad that can be changed to suit your mood and taste. Other good fish choices are tilapia, cod, shrimp or scallops. Substitute walnuts and apples for a fish walnut salad. To locate Earthbound Organic products in your local area, look here: www.ebfarm.com/Products/Salad/index.aspx