This simple gimmick-free healthy-eating plan helps you shed pounds without feeling deprived, thanks to a satisfying mix of lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and veggies. (Bonus: You can have ice cream and cookies, too!) Choose one breakfast, lunch, and dinner and two snacks from the choices below, aiming to eat about 1,500 calories a day.

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Breakfast

Approximately 300 calories each

Maple pecan waffle with bananas
Top 1 toasted whole-grain frozen waffle with 2 tablespoons chopped pecans, 1 teaspoon maple syrup, and 1 small sliced banana.

Cottage cheese with blueberries and almonds
Top 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese with 1 cup blueberries and 3 tablespoons slivered almonds.

Berry smoothie
Blend 12 ounces skim milk with 1 cup frozen raspberries and 1 packet plain instant oatmeal.

Spinach omelet sandwich
Scramble 1 egg and 2 egg whites with 1 cup baby spinach and place on a toasted whole-grain English muffin. Serve with 1/2 grapefruit.

Almond butter and orange marmalade toast
Top 1 large slice whole-grain toast with 1 tablespoon almond butter and 2 teaspoons orange marmalade. Serve with 1 small orange.

Peach and granola yogurt
Top 8 ounces low-fat vanilla yogurt with 1 diced medium peach and 1 crumbled low-fat oat-and-nut granola bar.

Apple nut oatmeal
Prepare 1 packet plain instant oatmeal with water and top with 1 chopped small apple, 2 tablespoons chopped nuts, and 1 teaspoon brown sugar.

Bacon and egg breakfast burrito
Scramble 1 egg and 2 egg whites with 2 slices cooked and crumbled turkey bacon. Wrap in whole-grain tortilla with 1 tablespoon salsa. Serve with 1/2 cup diced cantaloupe.

Pancakes with vanilla-blackberry syrup
To make syrup, heat 1/2 cup blackberries in microwave for 30 to 45 seconds, then mash with 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon honey. Pour syrup over 3 whole-grain pancakes.