50 Recipes For Your New Year's Weight-Loss Resolution

To give you the best advice on transitioning into a healthy, happy New Year, we reached out to more than 30 nutritionists, dieticians, doctors, and other health experts. They gave us their top tips for people starting their New Year's weight loss resolution, as well as their favorite healthy recipes. 

To give you the best advice on transitioning into a healthy, happy New Year, we reached out to more than 30 nutritionists, dieticians, doctors, and other health experts. They gave us their top tips for people starting their New Year's weight loss resolution, as well as their favorite healthy recipes. We've compiled a list of the 50 best recipes we received, broken up into groups of 10 for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and dessert. Each is formulated to help you lose weight while staying nourished and energized. This isn't about restricting your diet and depriving yourself. It's about enjoying wholesome and delicious food.

Stephanie Brust, registered and lisenced dietitian nutritionist, says it's very important to include plant-based fats in a healthy diet. Contrary to popular belief, fat does not make you fat. Certain kinds actually contribute to weight loss by making you feel more satiated. The avocado in this granola bowl is a great example, but other healthy fats include olive oil and nut butters.

For the Blueberry Avocado Granola Bowl recipe, click here.

These muffins contain a medley of delicious flavors. The zucchini is high in vitamin A and potassium, and helps make these oil-free treats moist. Carrots are high in beta-carotene, which supports eye health. Also, pecans are a source of healthy fats. These muffins are slightly sweet and very hearty. They're sure to please even the pickiest eaters.

For the Energy Muffins recipe, click here.

Made with whole-wheat flour and fat-free yogurt, these muffins are a cleaner version of a classic breakfast treat. Wheat bran is a great source of insoluble fiber, which slows digestion and may lower the risk of heart disease. Flaxseed is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support brain health and raise the level of HDL or "good" cholesterol in the blood.

For the Morning Glory Muffins recipe, click here.

With this slow-cooker recipe, you can wake up on a busy morning and dive right into a warm bowl of multi-grain porridge. This porridge contains a hearty combination of whole grains, including wild rice, steel-cut oats, grits, barley, millet, and brown rice. The blueberries add an antioxidant boost, which supports the cardiovascular system and combats cancer-causing free radicals.

For the Slow-Cooker Overnight Porridge recipe, click here.

Sarah Dawkins, a registered nutritionist and managing director at Dawkins Health Consultancy and at Celtic Sanctuary in Wales, says the biggest diet mistake people make is avoiding fat. "We need fat to remain healthy. Don't cut it out," Dawkins says. "Avocado is packed full of nutrients and good fat. Enjoy it daily!" To get your daily dose of healthy fats, try this delicious soup. Don't be deceived by its rich and creamy flavor; it really is healthy!  

For the Chilled Avocado Cucumber soup recipe, click here.

"Filling up on vegetables is a surefire way to not only lose weight, but to improve your nutritional status," Baker says. This is essential for those who have tried losing weight by using a restrictive diet, as eliminating certain food groups and limiting calories can wreak havoc on your health. Soups are an easy way to enjoy large amounts of vegetables in a concentrated way. This carrot soup is a quick and easy option, perfect for cold winter days.

For the Carrot Soup recipe, click here.

Dr. Scott Schreiber, a chiropractic physician board-certified in nutrition, urges his patients to cut back on dining out and start preparing foods ahead of time. You can cut calories by making your own food. By prepping beforehand, you can ensure there are healthy options available when cravings strike. His ideal lunch is a hearty vegetable soup, like this turkey sausage minestrone, with a healthy starch, like baked sweet potato fries.

For the Minestrone Soup recipe, click here.

For the Baked Sweet Potato Fries recipe, click here.

This simple salad is full of nutrients and works well with any number of vegetables. If you're especially hungry, you can throw in your favorite form of protein, such as lentils, chicken, or shrimp. Or, you can keep it as is for a lighter lunch. Make a big batch over the weekend and you'll have a tasty, portable lunch all week long.

For the Roasted Green Bean, Tomato, and Feta Salad, click here.

This nutritious salad comes together in just minutes. Raw spinach is the ultimate weight loss food, containing just seven calories per cup. The dressing for this recipe is made with apple cider vinegar, which offers an array of health benefits. It can help regulate blood sugar and lower bad cholesterol. Studies also show that apple cider vinegar increases satiety and prevents participants from overeating.

For the Spinach and Apple Salad with Crispy Almonds recipe, click here.

Brust urges people starting a New Year's diet plan to focus on progress, not perfection. "The guilt of not being 100 percent perfect can send you into an eating spree," she says. Her tasty meatball recipe will help you stay on track, while ensuring you get your fill of fresh vegetables. They're great over wheat-free pasta, such as zucchini noodles or quinoa pasta.

For the All-in-One Meatballs recipe, click here.

For those looking to lose weight, fish is a great source of lean protein to incorporate into your diet. It's versatile, delicious, and can be prepared a number of different ways. This recipe also works well with any firm-fleshed fish of your choice, such as snapper or grouper. Red peppers are packed with vitamin C. Mushrooms promote immune system function. Finally, zucchinis are rich in flavonoid polyphonic antioxidants that play a role in the aging process.

For the Broiled Halibut with Thai Stir-Fry Vegetables recipe, click here.

Dawkins suggests calling your new lifestyle "healthy eating" rather than a diet. With this dinner recipe, you definitely won't feel like your dieting. Boneless skinless chicken breasts are marinated in a mixture of lime, juice, soy sauce, pineapple juice, ginger, and sesame oil. The chicken is then sautéed, skewered, and topped with scallions.

For the Gingered Pineapple Chicken Skewers recipe, click here.

This flavorful recipe includes everything you need for a delicious, Greek-inspired dinner. Cornish hens are roasted with lemon, garlic and herbs until tender and juicy. The orzo, which comes together in a flash, features mint and low-fat feta cheese. The crispy potatoes tie the entire meal together. The best part? Any leftovers can double as lunch the next day and are great nestled into pita sandwiches.

For the Roasted Greek Chicken with Lemon, Oregano, Potatoes, and Minted Orzo recipe, click here.

Odds are, when you embark on your weight-loss journey, you're going to miss the indulgences you used to enjoy on a regular basis. Just because foods like burgers, pizza, and soda are no longer a part of your daily diet, it doesn't mean you can't enjoy them from time to time. If cravings strike more often than not, it's good to have recipes for healthy versions of your favorite foods on hand. This pizza casserole is a great option. Warm, cheesy, and satisfying, it makes for a delicious low-carb meal.

For the Spaghetti Squash Pizza Casserole recipe, click here.

Almond butter and celery is a quick and easy snack for any time of day. Everyone knows it's extremely low-calorie, but did you know it has some significant health benefits? Celery is an anti-inflammatory food and contains over a dozen different antioxidants. Almond butter is a healthy eating essential. It lacks carbohydrates and has an abundance of protein and healthy fat, both of which keep you full and satisfied. Almond butter can also be tossed into your morning smoothie or bowl of oatmeal.

According to Dr. Greuner, one of New York's top cardiovascular surgeons, snacks should be composed of a healthy combination of fat and protein. This prevents you from going through periods of extreme hunger, in which you lose control and exercise poor food choices. Cucumber slices with cheese are sure to get you through that mid-afternoon slump. Cucumbers are rich in phytonutrients called cucurbitacins, lignans, and flavonoids, all of which contribute to good health and may protect against cancer. The protein in reduced-fat cheese will give you the boost you need to power through until dinnertime.

This dip comes together in minutes. A combination of yogurt, lemon juice, and fragrant, fresh herbs, it's the perfect solution to your midday slump. Serve this dip with chopped raw vegetables, such as celery, cucumbers, tomatoes, or carrots. You can also incorporate it into your lunch rotation by spreading it in a pita, wrap, or on a sandwich. The protein from the yogurt will help keep you full and fueled throughout the afternoon.

For the Green Goddess Yogurt Dip recipe, click here.

Greek yogurt contains double the protein of regular yogurt, packing a full 15 grams per one six-ounce container. Although it's low in calories, Greek yogurt is very thick, which means you'll feel full with less. Just be sure to choose the plain flavor, as others typically contain added sugar and artificial ingredients. By pairing plain yogurt with fruit, you can add flavor and get an extra dose of fiber.

Baked goods can be part of a healthy eating plan, too! By making a few substitutes, such as applesauce for sugar, you can clean up your favorite recipes. These healthy muffins are made with real canned pumpkin, which is full of the antioxidant beta-carotene. Beta-carotene facilitates the conversion of vitamin A in the body, which aids in the formation and maintenance of healthy skin, teeth, tissue, and bones.

For the Gluten-Free Pumpkin Muffins recipe, click here.

You'll never believe how easy this ice cream recipe is! Dawkins reduces apple juice in a saucepan to make a healthy caramel. She then blends pears and lemons, and mixes it with plain yogurt. Everything gets combined in an ice cream maker, where it is frozen until ready to enjoy. This is a great substitute for fat-, sugar-, and calorie-laden store-bought ice cream.

For the Caramel Pear Ice Cream recipe, click here.

According to registered dietitian nutritionist Stephanie Brust, protein makes you feel fuller longer. By incorporating high-protein foods in your diet, you can reduce your caloric intake to initiate weight loss without having to go hungry. These muffins pack a hefty protein punch! They may taste like an indulgence, but they're actually made with healthy ingredients meant to fuel your body. Feel free to use any protein powder flavor you like, and add other healthy additions, such as nuts or dried cranberries.

For the Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins recipe, click here.

These raw, plant-based bites are perfect for bringing to work, packing in kids' lunches, or eating on the go. And they really taste like cookie dough! The recipe combines protein-packed almond butter, superfood hemp hearts, coconut flakes, raw dates, and cacao. They're perfect for every kind of diet, including raw, paleo, vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.

For the Cookie Dough Energy Bites recipe, click here.

You might find it hard to believe that you can make anything even reminiscent of ice cream out of bananas. As it turns out, you can! Simply freeze a banana and whip it in the food processor for a few minutes. It quickly transforms into a custardy, creamy treat. Top it with a tablespoon of melted all-natural peanut butter and a drizzle of honey. You can also add some dark chocolate chips and process with the bananas for a chocolate-studded treat. 

For the Healthy Banana, Honey, and Peanut Butter Ice Cream recipe, click here.

Liza Baker, certified integrative nutrition health coach and kitchen coach reminds us that, as Garfield says, "'diet' is just 'die' with a 't' after it!" She says, "Going on a diet assumes that one day you will go off of it. Think of making a lifestyle change — a permanent one!" This recipe should definitely be a part of that healthy change. Simmered with wine, lemon, cinnamon, and vanilla, these pears are an elegant and healthy dessert option.

For the Poached Pears recipe, click here.