Slimming Down Old Favorites

By: Scottsdale Weight Loss Center

Published: November 29, 2016

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Medical weight loss programs aren’t designed to last forever, but the strategies that you learn and the changes that you make in your dieting and exercise habits are meant to stick. Following your weight loss doctor’s advice about what to eat and what to stay away from during your weight loss program can help you reach your weight loss goal, and to keep the weight off long-term you’ll want to keep many of those strategies in play long after your weight loss program officially comes to an end.

That doesn’t mean that you have to say goodbye to your favorite flavors for good!

Learning how to enjoy your favorite foods in new, healthy ways can help you stay motivated and satisfied with your weight loss plan. There are plenty of ways to do this! It all depends on what flavors you enjoy, and how much time you are willing to invest in preparing your meals to be both healthy and enjoyable.

How to Slim Down Recipes

Everyone has a few favorite dishes that they crave, especially after a long day or when the weather starts to cool down. Substituting the unhealthy ingredients in many of those dishes can help you enjoy your favorite flavors without all of the added calories. This makes it possible for you to have your favorite meals more often, without having to feel so guilty about it.
You can make any dish healthier by using the following substitutions:

Swap out whole milk for skim milk or almond milk
Switch in yogurt for mayo or sour cream
Use cottage cheese instead of cream cheese
Try using broth instead of gravy
Use fat-free half and half instead of heavy cream in pasta sauces and soups
Try vegetable or edamame pasta instead of traditional pasta noodles

In addition to the above substitutions, you can often adjust recipes slightly without altering much flavor by making the following reductions:

Cut sugar in baked products by ¼
Reduce oil or shortening in baked goods by ¼
Use egg whites instead of egg yolks in baked goods. (A recipe that calls for 3 whole eggs will
Work fine with 3 egg whites and 1 yolk, so 1 whole egg plus two additional whites).
Remove nuts from baked goods recipes

You can also try making some fundamental adjustments to your favorite dishes to get similar flavors without the added fats and calories. For example, you can still enjoy the flavors of a chicken parmesan sub by switching from fried chicken to grilled chicken, making your own tomato sauce that is sugar free, using fat-free cheese, and having just one small dinner roll to go with it instead of having the whole mess on a large bun. Making changes like this can help you stay motivated to lose weight while happy with your meal choices. Talk to your weight loss doctor about what foods you should be looking to include and exclude from your diet as you are losing weight.

nick weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Nick's Story

"I wish I would have come here first. We spend all our time reacting to the next great weight loss tip or program. It might work for a while, but does not last and we end up yo-yoing from one fad to the next – as we gain more weight." Read More

gina weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 44.5 lbs

"I had no trouble adhering to the meals and they really helped catapult my progress! The classes were so beneficial to me because they helped change my thinking about how I viewed health, nutrition, and fitness.

I will always have my relationship with Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. They truly helped me change my life forever." Read More

lauren weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 60 lbs

"Dr. Ziltzer and everyone who I have come in contact with at the Scottsdale Weight Loss office have been so encouraging and I look forward to seeing them each week. It is now a year and 2 months later since I started. I am down 60 lbs., which is the average amount a 9-year-old weighs, it is crazy to think I lost a whole person! I feel amazing, I hit my goal weight in November 2021 just before Thanksgiving. Nothing on my body hurts anymore..." Read More

chuck h weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 66 lbs

"The best thing I did was call the Scottsdale Weight Loss Center. I have a lot more energy, I'm not hungry, and it feels great.

You can take it from me that this is a program that produces results. The staff is always positive, supportive, and never judgmental.

Your visits always result in positive reinforcement, no matter if you had a good week or a bad week." Read More

emily weight loss before and after scottsdale weight loss center

Lost 101 lbs

"Here I am at the lowest I have been since high school weighing in at 155lbs. I have lost 101 lbs, BMI of 39 when I started, to 21.6, and of course at body fat % of 47.1 to 26.5%. I told myself by my 30th birthday I wanted to be confident in the way I look and I owe it all to SWLC. The entire staff is so welcoming and they are rooting for you just as much as you are rooting for yourself...." Read More

Reviews

      Excellent rating  
 Based on 415 reviews 
    
  
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everything perfect
     
   Andi K 
 3 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I landed at Scottsdale Weight Loss 13 years ago and lost 50 pounds….regained 10 and then lost them again, plus another 20.  It is a great program, and all the professionals are amazing and caring.
     
   Mj W 
 9 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. SWL has been a God send to me! Dr. Guzman & staff especially Lilia & Bianca! They’re so supportive & professional I have lost approx 50 pounds over the year at my own pace.
     
   Donna L 
 11 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great place 30 lbs.and counting thank you And now it is over 40 lbs. and counting thank you great job
     
   John J 
 27 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr Robert Ziltzer! He helped me reach my ideal weight and more importantly maintain it for over 2 years. He has also helped me keep my blood pressure exactly where my internist wanted it. Dr Ziltzer is not only exceptional in weight management but also a truly gifted internet’s. His knowledge, kindness, and dedication are remarkable. I am deeply grateful for his care and recommend him whole heartedly!
     
   Merle S 
 34 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The staff at the Phoenix office are great! My experience with Dr deGuzman has been wonderful. Miriam has always been very helpful and makes the office visits pleasant and personal. The medical assistants have always been professional and great to help meet my goals.
     
   Paula S 
 37 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I really felt comfortable with Kristen at my initial appointment.  Everyone at the center was caring and friendly, from Bianca, at the front desk, to Lily, who is the MA.  Kristen listened to my frustrations and prior disappointments about what has not worked, and is confident that she can help me achieve my goals of weight loss.  I am looking forward and excited to see the success I will attain.
     
   Joyce K 
 44 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My weight loss is going well because of Scottsdale Weight Loss Center.  I couldn’t do it without them
     
   Robert D 
 46 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Amazing staff and great program!  Feeling great!
     
   Brian H 
 48 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I'd lost 20 pounds on my own and struggled to keep it off.  I decided GLP-1 meds were the next step in losing more and keeping it off.  I wanted a medical doctor supervised program and chose SWLC. I am so very glad I did!  The team in Glendale is so supportive and kind; and when I feel discouraged, they pick me up with positive energy and input.  They really do a great job with encouragement all the time. 6 weeks in I've lost 17 pounds, and am approaching weight loss with a very new perspective.  Also knowing that when I reach my target goal, they'll be there through maintenance and beyond is encouraging as well.  Good to not feel alone on this journey.
     
   Stephanie P 
 62 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. They have encouraged and been there through every tough situation. Definitely the team to lean on.
     
   Theresa G 
 67 days ago
 
 
 
 
   Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone is pretty amazing but Kim the NP is absolutely one of the best practitioners I’ve ever met !
     
   Mary K 
 68 days ago
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more