When it comes to shedding pounds and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, prioritizing nutrition and maintaining a balanced diet is absolutely crucial. High-protein, high-fiber meals, in particular, offer numerous benefits for a slimmer waistline. Protein not only supports muscle repair and immune health but also helps regulate hormones that influence appetite and metabolism, while fiber aids digestion and keeps your gut happy and healthy.
Luckily, balanced meals don’t have to be complicated to make. In fact, one health TikToker, @nicole.nedelko, recently shared her delicious, filling, go-to lunch recipe that’s as healthy as it is tasty. In fact, she says it helped her lose 15 pounds in two weeks! Her Greek-inspired recipe incorporates healthy ingredients like quinoa, veggies, and ground turkey for a meal you’ll want to turn to again and again. Find all of the details below.
@nicole.nedelko My fave lunch!!!! #Weightloss #loseweight #losefat #loseweightafter40 #perimenopauseweight #menopause #bellyfat #inflammation #5daydrop ♬ I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault) – Taylor Swift
Greek-Inspired Quinoa Bowl Recipe
“I’ve lost 15 pounds in three weeks,” Nicole states in her video. Of course, many factors play a role in weight loss, but diet is undeniably one of the most important. According to her, this “go-to lunch” has done a lot to help Nicole along her weight loss journey.
Ingredients:
- ¾ cup ground turkey
- ¾ cup cooked quinoa
- Mixed vegetables (such as red onion, cucumber, and red pepper, as Nicole recommends.
- Tzatziki sauce (about ½ teaspoon)
Why It’s Healthy
So why, exactly, is this meal so great for weight loss? Let's dive into a few of the benefits of the ingredients below.
Protein-rich turkey: Ground turkey, a key ingredient in this bowl, provides lean protein. Protein supports muscle repair, satiety, and overall health. It helps you feel full, boosts metabolism, and preserves muscle mass.
Fiber-packed quinoa: Quinoa, the star of our bowl, is a complex carb rich in nutrients. It’s packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Quinoa’s protein content complements the ground turkey, creating a balanced meal.
Improved Digestive Health: Quinoa and mixed vegetables contribute dietary fiber, aiding digestion and promoting regularity. Fiber also enhances vitamin and mineral absorption, potentially boosting your energy levels.
Lower Blood Pressure: Green leafy vegetables like spinach and kale in the bowl contain potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure by efficiently filtering out sodium from your body.
Heart Health: Vitamin K from green leafy veggies prevents calcium buildup in arteries, reducing the risk of arterial damage and heart complications.
Diabetes Control: The low glycemic index of quinoa ensures stable blood sugar levels after meals, making it suitable for diabetes management.
Flavor Without Extra Fat: Tzatziki, made with Greek yogurt, offers a creamy, flavorful alternative to higher-fat dips. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy exciting flavors, unlike some inflammatory sauces.
Remember, a balanced lunch like this can keep you energized, satisfied, and on track toward your weight loss goals. Bon appétit!
READ MORE: This Delicious, High-Protein Dessert Is Only 96 Calories: Greek Yogurt Cheesecake
