Have you switched to counting macros for weight loss [1]? Many women are finding that it's a smarter approach to dieting than simply counting calories [2]. With macros (short for macronutrients [3]), you'll ensure you're getting the right kinds of calories vs. just looking at an ambiguous number.
Carrie McMahon — nutrition coach, trainer, macro expert, and author of Why You Should Count Macronutrients, Not Calories — knows first-hand how hard dieting can be and went through a horrible cycle of restricting calories. "I used to be a binge eater because I held to strict restrictions, and that tore my life apart," she told POPSUGAR.
"Now I don't see some foods as 'good' versus some foods as 'evil,' [4] and I don't feel the need to binge and overeat on those 'evil foods,'" she said. "All foods can fit into my daily lifestyle, and I've learned how to eat my favorite treats in moderation instead of all-out cheat days." She built that concept into a weeklong meal plan for you so you don't have to stress about "cheat days" either. "I've picked macro-balanced recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and even dessert!"
These meals are optimized with the right macro distribution for weight loss, and you won't feel restricted at all. These are some of Carrie's favorite POPSUGAR recipes, and yes . . . there's pizza involved. "When life doesn't feel constricted by food, you'll feel free and alive, and your mind and body will be more connected and healthier than ever."
- Breakfast [5]
- Lunch [6]
- Snacks [7]
- Dinner [8]
- Dessert [9]
Breakfast: Tofu Scramble With Kale and Sweet Potatoes
Get the recipe: tofu scramble with kale and sweet potatoes [11]
Breakfast: Overnight Oats
Get the recipe: overnight oats [12]
Breakfast: Paleo Breakfast Bowl
Get the recipe: Paleo breakfast bowl [13]
Breakfast: Spinach Feta Wrap
Get the recipe: spinach feta wrap [14]
Breakfast: Cheddar Egg Muffins
Get the recipe: cheddar egg muffins [15]
Breakfast: Chocolate Coconut Almond Overnight Oats
Get the recipe: chocolate coconut almond overnight oats [16]
Breakfast: No-Bake Veggie Frittata
Get the recipe: no-bake veggie frittata [17]
Lunch: Avocado Chicken Salad
Get the recipe: avocado chicken salad [18]
Lunch: Healthier Cobb Salad
Get the recipe: healthier cobb salad [19]
Lunch: Veggie Burrito Bowl
Get the recipe: veggie burrito bowl [20]
Lunch: Chickpea Avocado Salad
Get the recipe: chickpea avocado salad [21]
Lunch: Baked Salmon With Green Beans and Tomatoes
Get the recipe: baked salmon with green beans and tomatoes [22]
Lunch: Veggie and Hummus Sandwich
Get the recipe: veggie and hummus sandwich [23]
Lunch: Sesame Ginger Quinoa Salad
Get the recipe: sesame ginger quinoa salad [24]
Snack: Yogurt-Filled Melon
Get the recipe: yogurt-filled melon [25]
Snack: Frozen Yogurt Cupcakes
Get the recipe: frozen yogurt cupcakes [26]
Snack: Paleo Meatballs
Get the recipe: Paleo meatballs [27]
Snack: Creamy Peanutty Apples With Grapes
Get the recipe: creamy peanutty apples with grapes [28]
Snack: Avocado With Cottage Cheese
Get the recipe: avocado with cottage cheese [29]
Snack: Peanut Butter Protein Balls
Get the recipe: peanut butter protein balls [30]
Dinner: Healthy Stuffed Peppers
Get the recipe: healthy stuffed peppers [31]
Dinner: Sweet Potato Black Bean Burger
Get the recipe: sweet potato black bean burger [32]
Dinner: Mexican Tempeh Quinoa Salad
Get the recipe: Mexican tempeh quinoa salad [33]
Dinner: Paleo Zucchini Pasta
Get the recipe: Paleo zucchini pasta [34]
Dinner: Turkey Spinach Burger
Get the recipe: turkey spinach burger [35]
Dinner: Vegan Sweet Potato Black Bean Burrito
Get the recipe: vegan sweet potato black bean burrito [36]
Dinner: Cauliflower Crust Pizza
Get the recipe: cauliflower crust pizza [37]
Dessert: Chickpea Cookie Dough
Get the recipe: chickpea cookie dough [38]
Dessert: Gluten-Free Protein Lava Cake
Get the recipe: gluten-free protein lava cake [39]
Dessert: Protein-Packed Brownies
Get the recipe: protein-packed brownies [41]
Dessert: Chocolate Chip Banana Ice Cream Bites
Get the recipe: chocolate chip banana ice cream bites [42]
Dessert: Sweet Potato Banana Protein Bread
Get the recipe: sweet potato banana protein bread [43]
Dessert: Vegan Peanut Butter Patties
Get the recipe: vegan peanut butter patties [44]
Dessert: Vegan Banana Peanut Butter Ice Cream
Get the recipe: vegan banana peanut butter ice cream [45]