Weightloss Meals

Learn how to eat right, and fast. Use your microwave better to be a Biggest Loser.

The microwave is so easy. Insert food, push button, pop in mouth. The problem is, as many nutritionists claim, your quickie microwave lifestyle can lead to serious, long-term health and weight problems.

Why? It's the food you put in the microwave. Many busy, tired dieters come home from work and nuke themselves a fat- and carb-laden frozen entree.

"Eating too many heavily processed foods can leave you short on fiber and antioxidants such as vitamin C," explains Jo Ann Hattner, R.D., clinical dietitian at Stanford University Medical Center. And BLC members know that fiber is one of the keys to losing pounds without going hungry. So put the convenience of your microwave to a more positive use.

1) Boil water for speedy cups of herbal tea. Available in myriad varieties, the calorie-free brew promotes heart health, staves off several types of cancer, strengthens bones and teeth, and protects the skin. It also keeps you away from sugary sodas and juices.

2) Steam veggies for a super-fast dinner side. Toss broccoli, spinach, carrots, you-name-it in a bowl, add a little water, and cover with plastic wrap. A few minutes later you've got a fresh, fiber-rich side. A squirt of lemon adds some zing.

3) "Fry" turkey bacon for a quick breakfast. Layering bacon in paper towels keeps the meat crisp and delicious. It also helps you drain the grease away, leaving you with a protein-rich start to the day.

Just remember, if you do fall for a frozen microwave meal, try to complement it with a green salad and fresh fruit for dessert.