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. 

Who says healthy eating has to be boring? This tasty baked banana oatmeal is full of flavor, but low in fat and sugar. Oatmeal and bananas are both excellent sources of fiber, which will keep you full until lunch. It can also easily be made ahead and reheated in the morning, or cut into squares, frozen, and defrosted.

For the Baked Banana Oatmeal recipe, click here.

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.

This smoothie is chock-full of healthy ingredients, such as romaine, honey, and almonds. The romaine contains an array of vitamins, including folate, which helps regulate your energy and mood. The honey is a source of complex carbohydrates. The almonds contain healthy fats to help sustain your energy throughout the morning.

For the Banana, Almond Milk, and Matcha Energizing Smoothie recipe, click here.

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.

Overnight cold oatmeal cereal is the perfect solution to busy weekday mornings. Simply mix a handful of ingredients together the night before, refrigerate, and enjoy in the morning. Be sure to pick all-natural preserves and check the nutrition facts on your granola to keep added sugar and calories in check. Feel free to get creative and substitute any other fruit, nut butters, or non-dairy milks.

For the Cold Raspberry-Blueberry Oatmeal with Granola 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.

This tasty omelette, which takes just 20 minutes to make, is filled with several wholesome ingredients. Spinach is low in calories and high in iron and vitamins A and K. Feta cheese is naturally lower in calories than most cheese, and gives this omelette a rich and creamy flavor. Finally, tomatoes are rich in lycopene, the carotenoid pigment that gives certain vegetables their rich, deep colors. Lycopene supports bone and eye health, and may help prevent certain cancers.

For the Greek Omelette 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.

Nutritionist Stephanie Brust told us the biggest diet mistake people make is skipping breakfast, thinking that it's an easy way to decrease calories. Usually, she says, "This leads to over-indulging in a later meal and more nighttime snacking." So fuel up in the morning! This nutrient-dense kale smoothie will have you glowing from the inside out.

For the Skin-Brightening Kale Smoothie 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.

According to registered dietitian, licensed nutritionist, and wellness coach, Ashvini Mashru, including a combination of protein and fiber in your meals and snacks can facilitate weight loss. This recipe is the perfect example. Simply sauté some dark green, leafy vegetables of your choice in heart-healthy olive oil and top with a fried egg. Break open the still-soft yolk and enjoy!

For the Wild Greens with Fried Eggs 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.

Tuna is a great source of brain-boosting omega-3s. Just be sure to choose the kind that is packed in water, as oil in some cans leaches some of the nutrients from the fish. This simple recipe replaces saturated fat-laden mayonnaise with heart-healthy mashed avocados. Enjoy over a bed of lettuce, with multigrain crackers, or in a whole-wheat wrap.

For the Avocado Tuna Salad 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.

According to Wilday, you can retrain your palate and body by fueling it with wholesome, nutritious foods that are free of preservatives and additives. "This may seem difficult because your body is most likely addicted to the 'junk' you've been feeding it for years," Wilday says, "but over time you will see that you begin to crave healthy foods as your body changes for the better." Her recipe for curried chicken salad is a delicious and healthy take on a lunchtime classic.

For the Curry Chicken Salad 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 salad is a scrumptious blend of whole grains, root vegetables, and hearty nuts. Quinoa is a spectacular source of complete protein, a type of nutrient that is rarely found in plant foods. Sweet potatoes are a dieter's dream. High in potassium and magnesium, iron, calcium, and manganese, these root vegetables support many bodily functions, from blood pressure to wound healing.

For the Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes, Walnuts, and Raisins 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.

Baker says the biggest diet mistake people make is eliminating large categories of food while force-feeding themselves food they don't like. Healthy eating isn't about restriction! It's about moderation and learning to eat more effectively. Baker's southwestern quinoa salad is so hearty, you won't even notice it's vegetarian! If you're craving meat, though, it's versatile enough to accommodate your favorite protein.

For the Southwestern Quinoa Salad recipe, 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.

When you think of Mexican food, images of rich sauces may come to mind. But it's possible to make a healthy, cleaned-up version of your favorite dishes. This taco salad recipe ditches the usual fried tortilla bowl and incorporates more fresh vegetables and lean protein. The dressing, a blend of light yogurt, light sour cream, cilantro, and lime juice, adds a burst of delicious flavor with every bite.

For the Quick 'n Healthy Taco Salad 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 a delicious dinner that's packed with omega-3 fatty acids, try this salmon, avocado, and grapefruit combination. The fish, avocado, and olive oil in this recipe all contain these healthy fats known to support everything from memory to the cardiovascular health. The grapefruit also adds a substantial dose of vitamin C, which not only boosts your immune system, but can also protect eye, skin, and fetal health.

For the Avocado and Grapefruit Salmon 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.

New York Times bestselling author and registered holistic dietitian Yuri Elkaim urges his clients to focus on the quality of the food they're eating rather than the quantity. If you eat nutritious foods, your body will know when you're full and have had enough. Elkaim's sushi bowl recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients, such as salmon, avocado, and quinoa. Just be sure to purchase sushi-grade fish for this recipe.

For the Five-Minute Quinoa Sushi Bowl, 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.

The filling for these peppers takes just a few minutes to toss together, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights. Full of spices, vegetables, beans, and a little cheese, this meatless meal is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The peppers reheat beautifully the next day, but can also be frozen and defrosted in the future. Having healthy meals in the freezer means no excuses to order takeout when you're pressed for time. 

For the Quinoa Stuffed Peppers 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.

This chicken is so moist and tender, it falls right off the bone! Flavored with coriander, cumin, oregano, chili powder, smoked paprika, and chipotle chiles, it's sure to spice up your weekly dinner rotation. This chicken is great served over salad or with a side of rice and beans. It can also be tucked into taco shells or whole wheat wraps and topped with guacamole and salsa.

For the South-of-the-Border Pulled Chicken 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.

Stuffed peppers aren't the be-all-end-all. Portobello mushrooms are a great choice, too. This recipe is a healthier, less messy sloppy Joe. Hearty, yet lean turkey chili is topped with melted cheese and served in a mushroom cap. This not only cuts back on the calories you'd usually consume eating a bun, but adds a hefty dose of potassium, phosphorous, and B vitamins.

For the Turkey Chili Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms 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.

Typically, healthy eating means abandoning many of the foods you ate as a child, such as fried food, candy, and junk food. However, this snack combination is a different story. Apples and peanut butter are the quintessential combination of fiber and protein. Apples contain phytonutrients that can help regulate blood sugar and triglyceride, or blood fat, levels. Peanut butter, like almond butter, is a great source of protein. Just be sure to choose the varieties without added sugar and hydrogenated oils.

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.

Remember those fruit-flavored snacks from back in the day? The kind that came wrapped in plastic and contained unmentionable amounts of sugar and artificial flavorings? This recipe is a grown-up, cleaned up, version of those. This time, they contain beets and carrots, which increase their nutritional profile. These are not only a great solution to your snack time needs, but are also a great way to get kids to eat vegetables.

For the Fruit and Veggie Roll-Ups recipe, click here.

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.

What's wintertime without creamy, rich hot chocolate? This classic beverage, created by registered dietitian nutritionist Stephanie Brust, doesn't have to be banned from your New Year's resolution diet plan. With a few modifications, you can still enjoy a warm, chocolatey cup this season. This recipe forgoes those processed packaged mixes in favor of almond milk, hazelnuts, whey protein, and cocoa powder. The whey makes this snack not only tasty, but also an energy-boosting option.

For the Hazelnut Hot Cocoa 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.

When you're craving something sweet, there's no better combination than melon, honey, and mint. Honeydew, in particular, is very nutritious. It's full of vitamin C needed for the synthesis of collagen, the protein that supports blood vessels, ligaments, and skin. Honeydew also contains vitamin B-6, which aids in the creation of serotonin, the neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep.

For the Honeydew, Honey, and Mint recipe, click here.

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.

Sarah Krieger, a registered dietitian nutritionist, told us that vegetables and fruits should be the staple of all healthy meals and snacks. "One is not better than the other," she says. "And to promote a long term diet change, the more variety in this food group the better." This dip is a great way to get your vegetables in. Chickpeas are a great source of vegetarian protein, and hummus is a great way to enjoy this versatile legume. Simply purée the chickpeas, red bell peppers, garlic, and lemon juice in a food processer and enjoy with crudités!

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.

This dessert is almost too beautiful to eat! But don't be discouraged; these cookies are easy to whip together for a dinner party or just for a weekday treat. If you keep the added sugar in check, meringues are a low-calorie, low-carbohydrate treat. These are topped with a mixture of raspberries and raspberry liqueur, giving them a slightly sweet, slightly sour taste.

For the Chambord and Raspberries in Meringue Nests 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.

Many of the experts we spoke to feel that the best method for weight loss is to eat everything in moderation and with portion control. This includes dessert! Treating yourself every so often will not derail your diet. Instead, it prevents you from overindulging later on. This soft serve ice cream, made with non-dairy milk, bananas, cocoa powder, and vanilla, is the perfect option.

For the Chocolate Soft Serve Ice Cream 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.

Frozen grapes are great to have on hand when you're craving something sweet, but don't want all the extra calories and sugar in other desserts. You can freeze large batches at a time and enjoy them throughout the week. Just be sure to wash them and let them dry thoroughly beforehand. If there is residual water, they will clump together. If you have room in your freezer, you can also lay the grapes out on a sheet pan to freeze. 

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.

These cookies are a satisfying, but healthy option for kids and adults alike. They feature a tasty combination of overripe bananas, vanilla extract, olive oil, oats, and almond meal. The recipe suggests you add shredded coconut, cinnamon, and semisweet chocolate chips, but these cookies go well with just about any mix-ins. Just be sure to keep serving sizes in check. They may be healthy, but they're still cookies!

For the Healthy Cookies 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.

This healthy fruit salad is extremely flavorful, thanks to tangy balsamic vinegar and fresh herbs. The rich, red color of strawberries reveals the powerful nutritious punch they pack. While many fruits are rich in antioxidants, strawberries are truly exceptional. The polyphenols in them also help regulate blood sugar levels, which is crucial for anyone trying to lose weight. 

For the Strawberry Salad with Basil and Balsamic recipe, click here.