Going on a diet has never been easy, as past experiences may have taught you. Have you tried all these miracle diets, only to find out you can’t live like this? Have you been made to cheat and give up this type of restrictive eating sooner or later? And then the weight came back?
Well, these diets are only right about one point: to lose weight, you have to cut calories. But that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy food anymore. In fact, it is essential to the success of your weight loss attempt that you enjoy what you eat, because only when you are happy and satisfied with your meals will you make lasting changes to your diet. And only if you make lasting changes and start eating healthier will you not only lose weight but also keep it from coming back.
Here are two much-loved dishes you won’t be able to resist:
spaghetti bolognese
Ingredients:
300 g of wholemeal spaghetti
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 medium onion, chopped
1 chili, minced, or 1 tsp. crushed chili
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 large carrot, finely chopped
500g lean minced meat (beef or chicken)
1 large can of chopped peeled tomatoes (880 g)
2 teaspoons oregano
1 teaspoon thyme
a pinch of salt
40 g low-fat cheese, grated
Instructions:
1. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Do not add oil and at most a little salt.
2. Heat the oil in a skillet and fry the onion, garlic, chili and carrots for about 5 minutes until the onions are golden brown, stirring occasionally.
3. Add minced meat and grill until browned.
4. Then add the tomatoes and spices, reduce the heat and simmer over moderate heat for about 20-30 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Serve spaghetti with sauce, sprinkle with cheese.
For 4 people.
Pizza
Ingredients:
450g of flour
200-280 ml of water
3-4 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 packet of yeast
2 small cans of tomato puree (70 g each)
1 teaspoon Marjoram
a pinch of salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 ½ onions, sliced
250g cooked chicken fillet, chopped
1 ½ red bell pepper, thinly sliced
250g mushrooms, sliced
250g low-fat cheese, chopped
extra marjoram for sprinkling on top
optional: 1 chili, minced (or 1 teaspoon crushed chili)
Instructions:
1. Mix the flour, water, oil, salt, pepper and yeast. Work for about 10-15 minutes until the dough can be stretched and is no longer sticky. Place in a large bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let the dough rise in a warm place. This will take about 1 hour.
2. Preheat the oven (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (instead of greasing it). Briefly knead the dough and then place it on the baking sheet, pressing up on the edges.
3. Mix tomato paste with marjoram, salt and pepper. Add a little water until it has a creamy texture. Spread the mixture evenly over the dough.
4. Spread onions, chicken, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and cheese over dough, layer after layer. Sprinkle with marjoram and chili.
5. Place the pizza on the second level from the top and bake for about 40 minutes.
For 4 people.
As you can see, a slimming diet does not have to be restrictive. In fact, to be really effective, it must not be restrictive. You need to cut back on fat and sugar, but you should never feel like you’re depriving yourself of the foods you love. The only diet that will work for you is one that doesn’t feel like a diet, a healthy way of eating that you enjoy and is part of your new life.