Drinking water, exercising, and eating organic foods — three sure-fire ways to good health and, hopefully, your weight loss goal. Right? Well, kind of. See if switching to organically grown foods in the hopes of feeling better and weighing less is really the way to go.

About two million years ago, our ancient human ancestors are believed to have first started using fire to cook their food. When fire met food, eating habits of early civilization advanced, and today cooking is an art. With many debates about the health of primitive man compared to modern society, it begs the question- did cooking improve upon or diminish the nutritional value of food? And when it comes to weight loss, which is better? Cooked or raw?

For anyone trying to lose weight, a high-protein diet may be the best way to go. Proteins are the building blocks of life and directly tied to the body’s ability to develop and maintain muscle – an essential component to long-term weight maintenance. But not all proteins are made alike. To lose weight, you’ll want to stick with foods that offer protein without the fat, often known as “lean proteins.” If you are a meat eater, stick with low-fat selections of chicken, turkey, and fish. If you bend more towards the vegetarian lifestyle, you can still get your proteins through plant-based foods, which also come along with a healthy dose of fiber to help keep you feeling full. Here are five ideas for you to consider as part of your protein-packed plant-based meals:

Have you heard the term ‘fat-burning foods’ and wondered if it could really be true, like so many weight-loss claims? Well, the news is mostly good!

Too much hot chocolate can take a toll on your weight loss plan during the winter months. Try one of our favorite healthy foods that keep you warm. 

While some processed foods are indeed healthier than other convenience options, often you can substitute a less-processed alternative. Find out what processed foods to avoid – and what to eat instead.

Try something different for tonight’s dinner by cooking up these low-calorie Japanese seaweed noodles. Sambal olek is a chili-based hot sauce you can add at your discretion! 

Need a refreshing side salad for a picnic or barbecue? Try this tasty falafel salad for something different that will please everyone, even vegetarians!

Our quiche uses fewer eggs and less cheese than the traditional version without losing any of the flavor. 

Crab cakes and fries don’t have to be unhealthy – not when you make the crab cakes yourself and use sweet potato fries that you bake, not fry.

A light brown grain that’s high in protein and fiber, farro is a great alternative to pasta and rice with a delightful nutty flavor.