Healthy Weight Loss Tips and Recipes for Winter

Whether you enjoy hearty pastas, crispy french fries or rich sweets, shorter days and colder temps in the winter months make us crave our favorite cozy comfort foods. But while you’re munching on your favorite eats, your workout routine is most likely on hold because of the dreary weather.

Break out of your winter funk and get back on track with these simple tips and tricks from Health eCooks. By adding a few healthy weight loss habits and high protein, low carb meals to your daily routine, you’ll reach your healthy weight loss goals in no time.

Load up on vegetables (squash, kale, Brussels sprouts, cabbage), beans or lentils, and lean protein (fish, poultry, tofu, eggs) to feel full with a balanced diet. High protein meals help you feel full and help you resist snacking.

Recipe to try: Heart Healthy Oven-Roasted Vegetables: uses a simple bake with garlic, herbs and a pop of orange zest for easy prep, letting the oven do the work. Bright flavor with minimal added fat makes this high fiber side dish feel hearty while fitting into a weight loss diet.

Brothy soups, veggie-packed stews and hearty chili help hydration and portion control, big wins for winter weight loss.

Recipe to try: Heart Healthy Butternut Squash Chili combines lean ground beef, squash, tomatoes and spices into a cozy pot that’s simple to simmer on any night of the week. Fiber-rich veggies and low sodium ingredients deliver a big, satisfying flavor while staying healthy.

Garlic, ginger, cinnamon, chili powder, and fresh herbs add a big taste with less salt and sugar, creating healthier meals without the extra sodium and calories.

Recipe to try: Heart Healthy Garlic Spaghetti Squash is made with roasted squash tossed with colorful veggies, capers and lemon. This hearty dish satisfies a pasta craving with fewer carbs and calories, making it a flavorful swap for weight management.

It’s important to enjoy a favorite treat now and then in a healthy portion size so you don’t fall off the wagon. Allowing these indulgences helps you maintain a healthier diet for the long run. Make one of these healthy chocolate peanut butter recipes as a delicious indulgence when you’re craving something sweet.

Recipe to try: Healthy Peanut Butter Cups is a healthy version of a popular candy that comes together with just five ingredients—oats, natural peanut butter, maple syrup, and dark chocolate. An easy, no-fuss snack or dessert, it has built-in portion control to help you satisfy a sweet tooth while staying on track.

Always keep water or unsweetened tea nearby. Staying hydrated supports energy and helps you feel full, which helps you make smarter food choices.

Recipe to try: Heart Healthy Green Juice blends spinach, apple, cucumber, lemon and ginger in minutes for a fresh, low-calorie drink to enjoy for breakfast or as a snack. It’s quick to make, naturally vibrant, and a simple way to add healthy nutrients to your weight loss diet. 

Low sodium canned beans, vegetables and whole grains are healthy pantry staples to keep on hand for making healthier meals at a moment’s notice.

Recipe to try: Heart Healthy Black Bean Quinoa Salad is made with cooked quinoa, low sodium black beans, peppers, scallions, corn, lime, cumin and cilantro to deliver bright flavor with minimal prep. Packed with plant-based protein and fiber, it’s a make-ahead bowl that keeps you full and energized to tackle winter workouts at home.