If you have looked in the mirror lately and noticed a little “spare tire” around your middle, it might be time to start thinking about modifying your diet. Yes, the dreaded word…DIET. Diet is the word that makes most people turn and run (or roll) the other way. What many of you do not know is that modifying your meal plan does not mean that you have to sacrifice on taste, quite the contrary. By researching healthy dinner ideas and determining how to eliminate the bad foods that you are eating and by learning how to prepare your food in a healthy and delicious way, you will be taking the first steps in creating a healthy lifestyle change for you and your family.

First off, it is important to be in the right frame of mind when you are modifying your diet. If you are on the fence about whether or not you are truly willing to do this, then you are clearly not ready, but if you are determined to make a change, this is the place to start. You will start to see a change rather quickly by eliminating the fried, fatty foods in your every day diet and replacing them with grilled items. Instead of dunking your chicken in batter and throwing it in the deep fryer, marinade your skinless and boneless chicken breast in a light mixture of lemon, light olive oil, salt and pepper and throw it on the grill and you will have a light and tasty healthy meal in no time. This can also be done with pork and fish as well. Staying away from fatty marinades full of sugar and sodium that is retained in your body will make your body become leaner in a faster way. Serving your protein with a large salad (light dressing served on the side) and some steamed or grilled vegetables (such as zucchini, onions or mushrooms) will round out this healthy meal. Try to steer clear of carbohydrates such as potatoes and rice. It is fine to eat them in moderation, but when you are trying to lose weight, you should avoid these types of items for a while.

Healthy dinner ideas are not difficult to prepare and many of these can be done in advanced. If you are trying to plan for your week, grill a couple of extra pieces of chicken or fish and store them in your refrigerator for later on in the week. Dice them up and serve them with a salad or a whole wheat pasta for a healthy dinner option.