If you’re looking to lose weight and improve your health, adopting a healthy diet is one of the best things you can do.

By eating nutritious and wholesome foods, you can lose weight and feel great, all while keeping your metabolism running at its best. Here are some tips on how to slim down and drop 4 pounds with a healthy diet, along with some delicious and nutritious recipes to help you get started.

Tip #1: Start with a Balanced Breakfast

Skipping breakfast can slow down your metabolism and make it harder to lose weight, so make sure you start your day off right with a balanced breakfast.

Aim for a combination of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs to keep you feeling full and satisfied. Some great breakfast options include:.

Scrambled eggs with spinach and avocado
Oatmeal with berries and almond butter
Smoothie with banana, berries, protein powder, and almond milk

Tip #2: Eat More Whole Foods

Processed foods are often loaded with calories and unhealthy additives, and can sabotage your weight loss efforts. Instead, focus on eating whole foods that are rich in nutrients and fiber.

This means incorporating plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats into your diet. Some examples of delicious and nutritious whole foods include:.

Grilled salmon with roasted asparagus
Quinoa bowl with grilled veggies and avocado
Spinach salad with chicken, walnuts, and a vinaigrette dressing

Tip #3: Cut Back on Added Sugar

Consuming too much sugar can cause weight gain and other health problems, so it’s important to cut back on added sugar in your diet. This means avoiding sugary snacks, sweetened beverages, and processed foods that are full of sugar.

Instead, opt for natural sugars found in fruits, honey, or maple syrup. Some tasty low-sugar snacks and desserts include:.

Apple slices with almond butter
Yogurt with berries and a drizzle of honey
Dark chocolate squares with a handful of almonds

Tip #4: Drink Plenty of Water

Drinking enough water is crucial for weight loss, as it helps to keep you hydrated and can prevent overeating. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water per day, and consider drinking water before meals to help you feel full.

You can also try drinking herbal teas or infusing your water with fruits like lemon or cucumber. Some other hydrating beverages include:.

Green smoothies with spinach, kale, and cucumber
Sparkling water with a splash of juice
Iced tea with lemon and mint

Tip #5: Practice Portion Control

Eating the right foods is important for weight loss, but so is portion control. To help you eat the right amount of food, try using a food scale or measuring cups, and avoid eating straight from the bag or container.

Some ways to practice portion control include:.

Eating from smaller plates
Dividing your plate into thirds for protein, veggies, and carbs
Packing snacks and meals in portion-controlled containers

Delicious and Nutritious Recipes to Try

Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers

These stuffed bell peppers are filled with quinoa, veggies, and tasty spices for a healthy and filling meal that’s easy to make.

4 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
1 cup cooked quinoa
1 onion, chopped
1 zucchini, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 375°F. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, zucchini, and tomato. Cook for 5 minutes or until softened. Add smoked paprika and garlic powder. Stir until fragrant, about 1 minute.

Add cooked quinoa and season with salt and pepper. Spoon quinoa mixture into bell pepper halves. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until peppers are tender.

Pesto Chicken and Roasted Vegetables

This dish is easy to customize with your favorite roasted veggies and a delicious homemade pesto sauce.

2 chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
1 bell pepper, sliced
1 zucchini, sliced
1 onion, sliced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1/4 cup pesto sauce

Preheat oven to 400°F. In a bowl, toss sliced vegetables with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange vegetables on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 20 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

In a separate bowl, marinate chicken breasts in pesto sauce for 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to the baking sheet with the vegetables and bake for an additional 20 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.

Berry Smoothie Bowl

This delicious smoothie bowl is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients, and makes a great breakfast or snack.

1 cup mixed frozen berries
1/2 banana
1/4 cup almond milk
1 scoop protein powder
1 tablespoon chia seeds
1/4 cup granola

In a blender, combine frozen berries, banana, almond milk, protein powder, and chia seeds. Blend until smooth and pour into a bowl. Top with granola and additional fruit, if desired.