Ingredients:
- 1 pound extra-lean ground turkey or lean ground beef
- 2 bell peppers, chopped
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (no sugar added)
- 1 cup uncooked brown rice (or cauliflower rice for fewer points)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup reduced-fat Mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup reduced-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, cook the extra-lean ground turkey or lean ground beef, breaking it apart. Once it’s mostly cooked, add in the onions and bell peppers, and cook for 5-10 minutes until they start to soften.
- Add the garlic to the meat mixture and cook for a minute or two, just until you can start to smell it.
- Stir in the rest of the ingredients, except the cheese, and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Cover and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Once the rice is tender (or cauliflower rice is cooked), stir in about half of the reduced-fat cheese until it’s melted and incorporated with the meat and rice.
- Sprinkle the remaining reduced-fat cheese over the top, put the lid back on the pan, and let the cheese melt. If your pan is oven-safe, you can put it under the broiler to melt the cheese faster.
- Remove from the heat and serve immediately.
Here are some tips that might help you on your weight loss journey with WW:
- Understand the Points System:
- Familiarize yourself with how WW assigns points to different foods. Foods that are higher in calories and lower in nutritional value will generally have higher points.
- Meal Planning:
- Plan your meals ahead of time to ensure you have a balance of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates.
- Prepare healthy snacks to have on hand when hunger strikes.
- Portion Control:
- Pay attention to portion sizes. Even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if you eat too much of them.
- Stay Hydrated:
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes our bodies can mistake thirst for hunger.
- Include Lean Proteins:
- Protein-rich foods can help you feel full and satisfied. Include sources like lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant-based proteins in your meals.
- Load Up on Veggies:
- Vegetables are low in points and high in nutrients. Incorporate a variety of colorful vegetables into your meals.
- Choose Whole Foods:
- Opt for whole, minimally processed foods. They often have fewer points and are more nutrient-dense.
- Limit Added Sugars:
- Foods high in added sugars can have higher point values. Be mindful of sweets and opt for natural sources of sweetness when possible.
- Smart Snacking:
- Choose smart snacks that are satisfying but won’t use up too many points. Examples include Greek yogurt, fresh fruit, or a small handful of nuts.
- Track Your Points:
- Consistently track your food intake using the WW app or a journal. This can help you stay accountable and make adjustments as needed.
- Incorporate Physical Activity:
- Exercise can earn you additional points, and it’s essential for overall health. Find activities you enjoy to make it a sustainable part of your routine.
- Be Mindful of Zero-Point Foods:
- While many fruits and vegetables are zero points, be mindful not to overeat them. Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.