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Research shows that a combination of a low-carb diet and a low-calorie diet can be an effective way to lose weight quickly. And while some low-carb diets, like the Atkins and ketogenic diets, have super-low limits for carbs (as low as 20 grams for the day), you don't need to go that low for weight loss.
In this one-day jump-start meal plan, we keep the carbohydrates at a moderate 100 grams for the day. That's still low in carbs but not so low that you'd miss out on important nutrients that come from carb-containing foods (like fiber and magnesium) or feel hungry or deprived. The calories are set at 1,200, a level where most people will lose a healthy 1-2 pounds per week.
Ready to get healthy? Check out the Cooking Light Diet to learn more.
Breakfast
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The savory smoked salmon in this healthy scrambled egg recipe adds extra protein and healthy omega-3 fats.
274 calories, 20 g carbs
Snack
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Aleppo pepper gives this healthy high-protein snack an extra kick of flavor.
101 calories, 9 g carbs
Lunch
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Zucchini Noodle Salad with Chicken
Load up on vegetables, but not on calories, with this healthy zoodle salad. Look for zucchini noodles with other prepared vegetables in the produce section or make your own with a spiralizer.
329 calories, 16 g carbs
Dinner
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Sesame-Spinach Stuffed Flank Steak
This healthy steak recipe is an impressive dinner-and quick enough for a weeknight. Round out the meal with a baked sweet potato and green beans sautéed with garlic.
403 calories, 37 g carbs
Dessert
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Enjoy this satisfying low-calorie sweet treat that will satisfy your craving for a banana sundae (without the ice cream) and is ready in less than 5 minutes.
108 calories, 21 g carbs
Ready for more?
Start with our healthy 7-Day Low-Carb Meal Plan to Lose Weight and work up to the 30-Day Low-Carb Meal Plan, which will help you to eat healthy and lose weight all month long.
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