A meal makeover may help you lose weight

Source:  Produce for Better Health Foundation

According to a recent issue of People Magazine, Paula Deen, known for her signature southern fried cooking, has dropped 30 pounds.  What’s her weight loss secret?  In addition to hitting the gym, Paula has made over her meals.  She has said “goodbye” to fried chicken and potato chips and “hello” to baked chicken and more veggies.

She is just one of many Americans looking for leaner mealtime versions of their favorite omelet, steak, or meatball recipes.  According to the Shopping for Health 2012 survey conducted by the Food Marketing Institute and Rodale, Inc., food shoppers are not only paying more attention to nutrition when filling their supermarket carts but they are also hunting for healthier recipes to fill their dinner plate.

This doesn’t surprise Elizabeth Pivonka, the President and CEO of Produce for Better Health (PBH) Foundation.  Their wildly popular “Give Your Plate a Makeover” program ranks in the top one percent of all of their page views on their site.  The program provides before and after photos of meals that were made over to taste deliciously leaner.   “I think people find it helpful to have a visual.  It’s always fun to see a “before” and “after” makeover,” claims Pinvonka. 

By adding more fruits, veggies, and wholegrains, to traditional recipes, the calories per serving can be dramatically reduced.  Here are some interesting comparisons of MyPlate Meal Makeovers, along with the recipes, from the PBH's website:

                   Nachos: 1,334 calories                                           Tapenade Plate: 440 calories


               Egg Breakfast Plate: 1,181 calories                      Broccoli Omelet: 270 calories

                    Reuban Sandwich with                                        Asian Mango
                    1 oz Potato Chips: 807 calories                           Chicken Wrap: 530 calories
               Cheesesteak: 1,103 calories                                       Beef Fajitas: 590 calories

Visit the PBH website for more meal makeovers ideas and recipes to deliciously trim calories from your meals.  It worked for Paula. 

For more healthy recipe ideas, visit:

Cooking Light Magazine
Choose MyPlate
Meal Makeover Moms

What's your favorite meal makeover?  Please share.