With Springtime and Summer upon us, it’s time to declare war on obesity! In war only the strong survive. We can help. So, here is a 5-step meal plan that will make it so easy to win the war on obesity! Keep reading to learn how to use our little “arsenal” in your war strategy.

Step 1: To Plan is To Win
When you plan meal entrees, side dishes, and snacks, you will be more likely to eat healthy foods. Plus, when you are away from home and you get hungry, packing a healthy snack in your purse, briefcase, or backpack can prevent you from giving in to cravings. But don’t worry or angst over it – make it fun, and use the following tips to toss a weekly plan together as easily as you would toss a salad!

Step 2: How to Plan Meal Entrees
One of the fastest and easiest ways to plan meal entrees for the week is to pull out your favorite recipe clippings and cookbooks, and pick out some of your favorite, healthy recipes. If you have some that are not so healthy, try them with some healthy substitutes!

And try some recipes with fewer ingredients. Not only are they easier to shop for and easier to make, but it’s amazing how the separate flavors will stand out in comparison to a recipe where too many flavors tend to drown them all out!

Step 3: How to Plan Side Dishes
Planning a side dish? That’s easy! Choose from a number of colorful vegetables – or pick two compatible vegetables – and steam them or saute them in a spray of olive oil in a non-stick pan. Add just a little butter and a salt substitute, and you’re good to go! Remember that, by steaming or sauteing fresh vegetables, you’ll have that fresh, flavorful taste, but you will eliminate the added salt that is so common in canned vegetables!

If you still don’t have time, try keeping a small countertop or handheld food processor on your kitchen counter. It will have your vegetables sliced in no time!

Finally, at the end of the day, if you’re really beat, the beauty of a salad is that, these days, it doesn’t even have to be prepared! Toss it in a bowl and it’s ready! One of my favorites is to roast sunflower seeds in a shallow pan with no oil. (Don’t worry – they won’t stick.) When slightly browned, toss into a vinegar and olive oil-laced salad – delicious!

Step 4: A Nighttime Tip to Fat Loss
Years ago, a body builder gave me a little tip to fat loss: cut out sugary foods at night, and if you’re hungry, eat only a protein snack. It worked for me – maybe it will work for you, too!

So you can see that the road to weight loss can be easier than you think! If you include fresh vegetables and healthy substitutes when you plan meal entrees, you won’t necessarily have to eat less food, and you just may be amazed at the results!