Women's Health Diet

The 1,500 Calorie Day

I love reading about eating healthy. I’ve learned so many great tips on ways to satisfy hunger, minus the Venti Iced Caramel Mochiatto from Starbucks. But with all this new knowledge, I still feel deprived. I love healthy food. Love it. But taking the time to prepare it cuts into my beach time, and if you know anything about me, you know the beach trumps cooking any day of the week. Yesterday I purchased the July/August issue of Women’s Health, flipped to page 92, and found what I’ve been looking for. A 1,500 calorie diet, that will NOT leave me wanting more. And here’s the best part...I can still drink champagne. 

Breakfast: Waffle topped with Greek yogurt and blueberries. 1 whole wheat waffle, 6 oz Fage Total 0% Greek yogurt, 1 cup blueberries (high in fiber which helps you stay fuller, longer, packed with antioxidants that bolster memory and protect your heart). 256 calories. 

Snack #1: 3/4 cup of edamame (yum!) and 8 oz iced tea sweetened with 1 1/2 tsp honey and one lemon wedge. (Polyphenols found in black brew may lower blood sugar, allowing you to feel fuller, longer after a carb-heavy meal). 176 calories.

Lunch: My new favorite salad!! Mozzarella and tomato salad. 1 medium tomato (cubed), 1 oz fresh part-skim mozzarella cheese (cubed), 1 cup fresh spinach leaves, 1 clove garlic (pressed), 1 1/2 tsp olive oil, 2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar, 2 tsp sunflower seeds, 1/4 tsp black pepper. 

Lentil soup: I’m not a fan so the salad suites me just fine. If I’m a little extra hungry, Minestrone seems to do the trick, otherwise...1 cup Amy’s Organic Light in Sodium Lentil Soup (low cal huger-squashing source of protein and fiber.) 422 calories. 

Snack #2: 2 Wasa Light Rye Crackers, 1Tbsp Dijon mustard (I use Grey Poupon), 2 oz of sliced turkey breast (I prefer smoked ham). The mustard has a warming effect, increasing your metabolism, helping you burn more calories. 138 calories.

Dinner: Teriyaki beef with veggies. 3 oz beef tenderloin (cubed), 2 Tbsp reduced-sodium teriyaki sauce, 1 Tbsp Newman’s Own Lighten Up honey-mustard dressing, 2 tsp olive oil, 1/4 cup sliced carrots, 1/2 cup chopped broccoli, 1/4 cup sliced water chestnuts (I leave out), 1/4 cup sliced peppers, 1/2 cup cooked brown rice. Marinate beef in teriyaki and dressing for 30 minutes. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook beef 1 to 2 minutes. Add veggies and cook for another 5-7 minutes until beef is brown. I tend to cook my meat on the medium side which is around 5-6 minutes. Serve over brown rice. I buy my beef tenderloin at Whole Foods, as it’s always better to buy organic grass-fed beef. You can also substitute chicken or salmon for beef. 

Late night indulgence: If you take out 1/4 cup of edamame, the honey from the iced tea, and 1 tsp of the sunflower seeds from the salad, you can add 4 oz of white wine, or champagne. 96 calories. 

All the calories are ball-parked. I substitute certain things however, the day is no more than 1.500 calories. Bon appetite!