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While breakfast is known as the most important meal of the day and dinner closes out the evening, lunch is often skipped over when considering eating habits for weight loss. Although not spoken about enough, it is equally as important at lunch to be eating nutrient dense, filling foods, than throughout the rest of the day. Yet inspiration seems to be in short supply, and lunch often gets the short end of the stick with little time to make something elaborate. The next time you’re low on time or creativity, try out this lunch recipe to keep you full and nourished for weight loss all year.
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A sweet potato and black bean quesadilla is the best lunch to try for weight loss this year; if you’re short on time, it’ll only take a few minutes to throw together and will tide you over to dinner without that frustrating hunger pang! According to RDN Maggie Michalczyk, a well balanced lunch must include a protein source, healthy fat and carbohydrate. She explains, “Both protein and healthy fat help keep us fuller for longer and, along with good carbohydrates, make for a well-rounded meal to help prevent mindless snacking in the afternoon.”
For the quesadilla itself, Michalczyk uses the Honest Earth Mashed Sweet Potatoes to include an extra serving of vitamins and minerals into her meal. Sweet potatoes are also a great source of fiber which is important for overall gut health. Plus, they’re ready in just 60 seconds in the microwave! For preparation, all you will need is a tortilla, black beans, spinach, cheese, avocado, and Honest Earth Mashed Sweet Potatoes. Throw it onto a skillet and flip once crispy--voila!
This sweet potato and black bean quesadilla is a healthy lunch which is designed for weight loss as it provides your body with the macronutrients needed to thrive. “It’s important that lunches are balanced with healthy carbs, protein and good fat to keep us fueled and power our afternoon,” Michalczyk explains. A note for those who are looking for more plant-based ways to reach their protein goals each day, integrating blackbeans into your meal is a surefire way to do so without relying on meat.
At the end of the day, the quality of each of your meals is equally important in determining your overall health and success with weight loss. Crafting meals with a source of protein, healthy fats and carbs will properly nourish your body and keep you full, minimizing your need to fill nutritional holes with unhealthy snacks throughout the day. A black bean and sweet potato quesadilla is the perfect meal to keep you satisfied even as you lose weight this year, without sacrificing flavor!
