3 Easy Meals to Make You Thin | 30 DAY WEIGHT LOSS CHALLENGE

Get your copy of the Low Calorie Density Weight Loss Handbook, here: melissaalexandria.com/product/...
This is everything I ate today to maintain my 35 pounds weight loss on a whole food plant based diet.
Intro video to the 30 Day Weight Loss Challenge: • 30 DAY WEIGHT LOSS CHA...
my interview with CHEF AJ: • 5 Ways to Simplify Wei...
recipes and more: lowcaloriedensity.com/
/ melissaalexandria01

[@FlavorsandTextures]

Even when I did some days with more calorie density food, I was able to lose 4.8 pounds this month and feel excellent, Many Thanks!

[@GorgieClarissa]

I started two weeks ago. I didn't start doing this to lose weight. I've always always always wanted to eat cleaner. Before I started, I ate all of the junk in my fridge so it wouldn't go to waste and I took everything out of my cupboards and put it into a tub that is now hidden away in my closet - my oils, flours, sugars, maple syrups etc. Then I ordered everything according to the challenge on walmart for grocery pickup. Aside from breakfast, I have overmade EVERYTHING. I've made the sweet potato chili twice and the barley/chickpea salad three times. Overmaking things has helped me tremendously so I am not fighting with myself when it comes to eating/snacking. Melissa said it another video about how food tastes better when you aren't eating all of the high empty calories - and that has never felt more true. I'm actually eating apples for dessert - what the heck!? I also have a major sugar addiction which is why I've been gaining so much weight... now I tell myself I'm not craving sugar, but I'm craving something sweet. So before I do anything drastic - like run to the store for a pint of ice cream.. I'll eat: apple, banana, sweet potato with blueberries. And my cravings go away instantly! I'm literally SHOCKED! I will say... out of everything, I miss my coffee and silk creamer in the mornings. I've switched to green tea. It's ... OKAY. The biggest thing I have gotten out of this for the past two weeks that I've been doing this... is not once, literally not even once have I ever felt guilty about eating food. Like I know when I'm eating bad food, and I feel guilty and I feel like crap. But I thought of this yesterday and I almost started crying. I haven't felt any guilt about what I'm eating. And that feels amazing. It feels better than seeing the scale number go down. I've also found other people to not be supportive. I was offered a cookie last week and I turned it down and everyone was like you are fine, you look good! I'm 5'2 and I weigh 152 lbs. According to BMI, I am overweight, and I look it. I don't know why people think one cookie isn't that bad... but I know if I eat that one cookie, it will lead me down a path to eating all of the other cookies. And I feel GREAT not eating the cookies. Do I miss them? Heck yeah. But like I said earlier, I have not felt guilty eating a single thing these past two weeks. Barley is also my new favorite food! I've never eaten it before and WOW I'm sad about that. It's changed my life.

[@hannahmckemy3058]

I feel very similar to you also a short woman. This has been a game changer for my life. No more guilt.

[@autumnrain7918]

"The biggest thing I have gotten out of this for the past two weeks that I've been doing this... is not once, literally not even once have I ever felt guilty about eating food." THIS. This was my favorite part about eating heavily plant based. The great energy, and great digestion was super nice, but the freeing from the guilt was amazing! Just as I now struggle with some disordered thinking patterns, I realize that it's time to feel good again, away from all that. Thank you to both you for sharing your story, and the lovely Melissa for continuing her teaching. The inspiration is great! Love to you both, and whoever else may be reading this.

[@Natale709]

Wow thanks for this! YOU GOT THIS!

[@Dibdib35]

This has been a game changer for me as Melissa will know by the many messages I have sent her🤣🤣thank you Melissa for all your help. I was a meat eater until this challenge and cannot believe I have done this. At this precise moment I am saying I will not eat meat again, I literally have no desire for it. The one thing I’ve missed is bread (my hubby and son are bakers) 😬. I do know however once I am down to my weight, whatever that is meant to be, I haven’t even made a goal, I’m just gonna keep going until I think it’s enough, yes so once I’m there I’ll introduce bread and the good fats. I have lost 8lbs in the 30 days, the first week over 1, second week over 5, third week put on a half lb and then fourth week altogether 8. It is weird, so I’m learning our bodies do not lose exactly the same all the time and we have to allow for all sorts of changes. The one thing which has been so freeing is no calorie counting! First time ever! I keep looking at my food thinking ‘surely this is too much food’ 🤣🤣. There have been meals where I’ve probably had too much wet starches but mostly 50/50. I also make myself the ice cream with frozen bananas and mix some frozen berries into some. If you’re just starting this or at whatever stage I encourage you to keep going, keep trying, don’t give up, I promise it’s worth it. And a very big thank you once again to Melissa for doing this and for this channel. ❤️Love and Gods richest blessings to you all. I’m finished now 🤣🤣🤣❤️

[@courtneyblue15]

Congrats on all your success so far! I’m sure your body is thanking you, and the animals are too! After almost 7 years of not eating meat, I can say I don’t miss it one bit. In fact, the thought (and smell) of it makes me sick!🤢

[@Dibdib35]

@@courtneyblue15 thank you 😊

[@RobinZipporah]

Thanx for the inspiration!! I'm not jumping in, just weaning myself gradually since I've still a few refrigerated items that I do not wish to toss... Not many... Beef sausage in particular. Given up pork last year, but still have some frozen chicken. But, mostly I love this little Melissa; she's so pretty & adorable ❤️ too

[@Dibdib35]

@@RobinZipporah definitely go at your own pace whatever way is best for you. The biggest thing for me is I’m never hungry and no calorie counting. It seems too easy 😂

[@cheekycatzz]

Lost 12 pounds in the past 30 days!! 7 more lbs and I’m at my goal :)

[@courtneyblue15]

Great job! Congrats!🎉

[@cheekycatzz]

@@courtneyblue15 thank you!

[@RobinZipporah]

Fabulous ❤️ - Congratulations!!

[@hlongshlongs8729]

Congratulations. I've been falling off on weekends. I really want to overcome that I'm gonna start this challenge today. My goal is 20 lb off. 🤞

[@createwithconfidence8094]

I began WFPB eating in mid-December with transitioning fully by end of 2020. I was eating solely plant food, home cooked. I aimed for about 50% starches 50% nonstarchy veggies and fruit. But it was not exactly 50-50. I printed out a couple of lists and charts about low calorie density and put them in my recipe notebook and on my refrigerator. That has helped me a lot to have visual references. Since mid-December, my weight loss as of 3.31.21 is 21 pounds. I left behind milk chocolate, microwave buttered popcorn, and all sugared sodas. That step alone meant I consumed thousands of calories fewer than before. Combined with WFPB, it's a win-win! I appreciate your messages and meal ideas. I especially appreciate the fact that you've gained, lost, regained and are honest about it. I have too and in the end, we all have to find what works well for us. I hope to be eating WFPB 50-50 for life now. Thanks for your channel. Linda

[@carriefilion794]

I honestly think the dinner looked more appetizing after it was mixed together. 😋

[@ld8503]

But normally taste better when it mix 🙈 I am talking of experience 😅

[@aliciajay91]

I feel great! Thank you so much!! I’ve tried the 50/50 plate a few times and this is the first time I actually did it. I did indulge in Pb2 and dark chocolate but still see results ☺️ I appreciate your simple clean meals. It has truly helped me stick to it. 💖

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thanks Alicia! and WELL DONE! :)

[@lucysky384]

As a Zen Buddhist, I was introduced to the Macrobiotic diet as a teenager, and that just became my way of eating. I have never struggled with my weight. My staples are brown rice, lentils and vegetables and fruit. It is so interesting to me that this way of eating is now becoming popular.

[@terrabear4093]

Do you eat nuts & seeds?

[@lucysky384]

@@terrabear4093 I eat a tablespoon of ground flax every day with breakfast, but that's about it. Apart from that, I eat in a very similar way to the "Starch Solution". This is an ancient way of eating. It is nothing new. And yes, people who eat this way are naturally slender.

[@lucysky384]

@@terrabear4093 it is all about balance. Some people may need more nuts and seeds at various stages of life, like growing children, etc.

[@terrabear4093]

@@lucysky384 thanks!

[@autumn5852]

I’m just wondering why you think it’s interesting that this way of eating has become popular 🤔 if you thought it was a healthy, nutritious & delicious way of eating then I’m sure you wouldn’t find it’s seemingly new found popularity interesting, it would simply be a natural progression as people are looking more to lifestyle and diet etc as a way of achieving good health, but if you found it bland and boring I would think it natural that you would find it very interesting if it got popular, so I’m guessing you find it boring, although I’m sure I’m wrong as there could be many reasons you find it’s popularity interesting, maybe it’s really unhealthy 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@brennanphelan1797]

I’m so happy I found your channel! I’ve been wfpb for 3 months and have been struggling to find the right amount of food/ what exactly to eat. You’re the same height and weight that I am, so it’s inspiring to see how you do things! Thank you so much!!

[@BeJoyfulBeWell]

I also love to mix my food! Great video Melissa! Thanks for the inspiration 😘

[@denisebeard4592]

Absolutely love your channel! Definitely following ❤️❤️

[@lauribarnabo6705]

You are awesome, Melissa! Thank you for your dedication to sharing the truth about food and how best to nourish our bodies! Your style of cooking and eating most closely matches my own and I can so relate to the “mix up” meal post-photo! 😄. You have such a calming and lovely way of presenting your message! I wish you every success and can’t wait to continue on this journey alongside you! Your interview with Chef AJ was incredible! Also, your dog is adorable!❤️

[@marceali5381]

Hey Melissa, always enjoying your uploads.. thank you so much for sharing.. lots of love ❤️ 🙏🏻❤️🍀

[@tracybownes7612]

just discovered you on youtube and am working my way through your videos, ive decided to give eating this way a go and am looking forward to it and to watching all your videos !

[@melissaalexandria01]

I’m glad you find the videos helpful, Tracy. Let me know if you have any questions.

[@Eattherainbow427]

This was so amazing! I lost 6 lbs and plan to keep going in April. Thank you Melissa 😘

[@getfit5982]

30 days and more to go! Love it!

[@melissaalexandria01]

Awesome! :)

[@sherri.]

You were wonderful on Chef AJ‘s show! I also love clementines for dessert, they’re so delicious!

[@Arni.bioz1234x]

2 months of following plant based eating and oil free made me lose 16 pounds, plus feeling so much better . I have lots of energy throughout the day, my cravings are gone though my whole family except me are meat eater. I will never go back and will continuously eat plant based. Plus you save tons for eating plant based

[@ginnyspencer6445]

I love doable easy recipes. Thank you for sharing your lovely recipes.

[@Susan-qg9tm]

I have just found your videos, and am exploring a few of them before I dive in. I feel really good about trying this method of eating because it includes so many of the foods I love. Your videos are wonderful, but I have to say - you REALLY need to get yourself a better knife, LOL. I don't think you know what you're missing out on. Thanks for the great videos and inspiration!

[@frgrl3205]

Hi Melissa. I just couldn’t seem to get started with the 30 day challenge. But today is day 5 .. wfpb no oil no processed food. Hoping to make it 30 days. I don’t have a scale. I’m just going to go by how my clothes feel. Thanks so much for the inspiration

[@cla855]

Your videos are so relaxing 😊

[@shannonasch8602]

I am LOVING all of your recipes so much -my husband and I have been vegan for many years and have eaten our share of junk food vegan-Im done with all that because this food makes us feel way too good- TY!!👍🏼👍🏼✨✨

[@michellesweightlossjourney6599]

This looks lovely!

[@paulacummings5493]

This is one of my favourite smoothies...I use coconut water instead of plain water, delicious 😋

[@1922mistyblue]

You were fantastic on Chef AJ💥💥

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you so much. :)

[@jamiecee4960]

Both look really good. May have to make the first one. Haven't done the challenge. But I been working on cutting out a lot of foods that bother Me. Was feeling good. Tell I had couple days off. But getting back with it. ☺️ Caus I was feeling good. I find dill is good with potatoes. I like meals that are all mixed together.☺️ Cinnamon is very healthy for you. It is supposed to help fight inflammation. Cinnamon Tea is really yummy. ☺️💖

[@bynro7]

Delicious recipes! Thank you!!!!!!!!!

[@lilianagriseldaszachury1843]

Great video!!

[@pamelagilmour8060]

Thank you lost8 pounds Never hungry and sleep improved. You are so inspiring 😘

[@rioknudsen8896]

I found a green beetle in my spinach & now i’m scared to eat it 🤧 but i’m still getting my 3 pounds of green veggies a day. thank u for the inspo 🤍

[@StarchWithPlants]

One time I found a living fly in my lettuce. I have to say at least it was truly organic and fresh like they said because the bug was still living! Don’t worry. Bugs like spinach like we do! It’s nasty but it won’t harm you.

[@krystalgarcia3397]

I found a snail in my kale before 😋

[@LauraCastillejos]

I'm going to make the hash for my lunch tomorrow! YUM! No stevia in your oatmeal? Thanks for the video Melissa!

[@RobinZipporah]

I actually placed some frozen 🍒 in the bottom of MY oatmeal bowl then the oatmeal and cut a half 🍌 stop.. no stevia needed, I was surprised! And of course cinnamon!

[@deborahcouzens4877]

Great video thank you for sharing some very good ideas 🤗💝👌

[@pinkysahota3752]

Thanks you for your inspiring videos 😊

[@shondaet]

Thank you for such a wonderful challenge. I was about 90% able to follow. My biggest hurdle is the difference of what my family eats and what I eat. I would totally be more spontaneous like you and dump things together, but I'm having to juggle what I make for my family. I'm trying to either make them what I eat or make something that is compatible for me to add or subtract from what I give them. It's stressful! I'm trying to find the foods we can all enjoy that fit mostly how I eat. I really appreciate your channel and website. I know I need to make it more simple. I'm working on it.

[@createwithconfidence8094]

Shonda, I came up with family dinners we all enjoyed. I did this by looking at what we liked: any Mexican flavored dishes, pasta and sauce, stir fry chicken, veg and rice and other meal ideas and found recipes in the whole food plant based world online that were salt, oil and sugar free. Then I made each, had family rate the meals, then wrote notes. Next time I made it, I adapted. I love the layered foods I've created and I'm not the only one! Now I have more than a dozen dinner ideas. My husband and daughter love what I make. They are not required to eat what I eat. But if they choose not to eat food I make, they are free to add in, make their own or whatever. Both add cheese and have meat in other meals of their days. But I don't have to eat what they eat either! My blood pressure is now normal. My LDL and triglycerides dropped wonderfully and I feel great. I hope you can find the solutions to your family cooking.

[@shondaet]

@@createwithconfidence8094 I'm sure I'll get there. I feel so scattered right now. I need to slow down and get focused. I ordered a few cookbooks and I have a few resources online. For the most part they are eating what I make but as in the past, they really only like about 3 things- cheese, chips and cereal. 😕 I hope to get them in the kitchen more this summer.

[@checkitoutlove]

That’s so awesome!

[@createwithconfidence8094]

@@shondaet I narrow down to adapted recipes first, then I try only one new recipe (or none) in each week so I do not get overwhelmed. I converted to making my own chips in my countertop oven.

[@shondaet]

@@createwithconfidence8094 Thanks for ideas!

[@mjkarmanska2337]

Thank you @ 5.40am UK time X

[@jamiecee4960]

You can freeze ginger. ☺️

[@inspiredliving7410]

Good and quick meals🥦🥑

[@ld8503]

Thank you for the wonderful challenge I enjoy it so much I lost 5 pounds and eat more food than I ever ate in my entire life I’ll stick with this lifestyle because it make me happy I feel great I have more energy to do my exercises play with my kids enjoy life what else can I say you know all about it my God bless you ❤️💕🌹

[@stacycross8480]

Fantastic meals - thx, Melissa! Side-note: I must have that weird thing where certain sounds are somehow soothing or satisfying, bc I swear I could listen to your metal utensil on that plastic mixing bowl all day. 🤣 LOL

[@StarchWithPlants]

I make videos and people give me a hard time about metal scraping on a dish 😂. Awesome you like it!

[@krystalgarcia3397]

Love that sound too😁

[@lynflom125]

Melissa I enjoy these recipes. The food is what I enjoy eating. Who taught you how to cook?

[@melissaalexandria01]

Thank you. My mom taught me and I have picked up my own tips along the way as well.

[@annetteshively2891]

Yum!

[@Deb.-.]

Found your videos today, most interesting. I am a little worried about the carbs though as I try to avoid them. My main issue is , I hate both mushrooms and kale, what would you suggest as an alternative for them. TIA

[@rairai7964]

Day 5 and I dropped 3 kilos. Wow. I was terrified to be eating so much let alone eat fruit potatoes and beans yet all the water weight i gained in the past month or so finally shifted. Im still not ready for rice or pasta yet but baby steps. #happydance

[@rairai7964]

Update. 30 days completed . I lost 5kg. Wow. Lost over an inch on my hips, waist and slmost 3 iches off my belly. Ony 5kg to my goal I didn't measure or count calories and ate till I was full. I love it. Thanks Melissa xx I've started round 2. So excited

[@nellysummer6014]

What I noticed, potatoes in the US and Canada are always so white, they seem so watery, our potatoes in Germany are yellowish, they seem healthier.

[@roybyrd9185]

Wife Byrd: Hi Melissa, I'd like to know if you stop eating at a certain time? Would you eat your leftover dinner meal at 8:oopm if you were hungry? I'm learning a lot!!!!

[@melissaalexandria01]

I don’t stop eating at a specific time. But I usually don’t eat right before bed and I do go to bed quite early.

[@RobinZipporah]

@@melissaalexandria01 One thing & only one thing I'm unwilling to compromise: sesame oil... BUT... I am willing to reduce my intake; what if I just lightly coat My pot or pan for flavor & absorb the residue with a paper towel?

[@nirasmindfulliving4260]

That looks delicious 😋

[@RobinZipporah]

Hi Melissa... My ONLY biggest challenge is oils & their flavor; I love sesame oil, so what do you think if I just lightly coat My pans with it just for the flavor! I'm unwilling to totally forego this, but everything else is less challenging. What do you think? BTW, I tried oatmeal with banana & frozen pitted 🍒 instead of blueberries…. I thought I'd miss but5er, but didn't.

[@melissaalexandria01]

Hi Robin, I wouldn’t be able to say if your using a bit of oil will hinder your weight loss. If you reduce all of the other high calorie density foods in your diet, and only keep the little bit of oil, you still may able to lose weight.

[@farisaa383]

Hi Melissa. Love your channel. I have a question. When you first started your weightloss journey, did you also do the 50/50 plate, or did you just stick to low calorie meals

[@melissaalexandria01]

Low calorie density meals. :)

[@farisaa383]

Ok thank you

[@joy849]

Noticed you use pans and the stove instead of the microwave. Personal preference?

[@divya3612]

Hey I have a question about oats. I got 100% whole grain old fashioned olds and the nutrition facts say that they are approx 1585 calories per pound. I checked the labels of other oats available at the store as well and all of them were the same. Can you please let me know how they are okay to be consumed in wfpb meals? Love your content btw! :)

[@TheBlairWitch]

Hi Divya, I haven't done the math myself but I believe the difference is in the water. Try adding boiling water to 1/2 c of oats, the weight will go up greatly while the calories stay the same :)

[@Smudgemom2003]

Yes, the dry weight will be much, much higher than cooked. Remember Melissa always says ‘Wet Starches?’ Means cooked/prepared.

[@wendyp2114]

@@Smudgemom2003 thanks for this! Lightbulb moment for me! 😀

[@lianagilbert61]

2:38 recipes

[@courtneyblue15]

No Stevia in the oatmeal this time? Have you given it up??

[@lesliedaubert4250]

Yummy

[@autumn5852]

Serious question ~ is this a semi starvation diet because seriously, even my little grandchild and my dad who had his stomach removed would never eat only two potatoes, that’s crazy, surely a normal size adult wouldn’t ever have less than at least 6 potatoes but usually more 😳 I’ve never heard of anybody eat so little but it does look super delicious 😍 so I will be trying this out but I’ll be having at least half a dozen potatoes 👍🏽 thanks for the potato recipe

[@ripps999p]

Lol

[@soniamartin850]

Hi Melisa. I am following you and your amazing results but still fear about carbs at night :(

[@lucysky384]

I've been eating this way for years, and my weight is totally stable. There is nothing to be afraid of. Just really keep out the oils, nuts and seeds, especially at first, and stick with wholegrain starches, potatoes, sweet potatoes, beans, fruit and veg, and you will slowly but steadily reach your ideal weight and stay there. Eat until you're satisfied. All the women in my family are overweight except for me, so it is not just my genes. I often think of all the women on low carb diets and really feel like it is such a shame that they are punishing themselves that way. It's a weird world.

[@RobinZipporah]

@@lucysky384 carbs really became the "enemy" going back to the 1980's; prior to that, the food industry made no negative claims; also 🍞🥪 especially white git a bad rep

[@heidivaldes6676]

What is the calorie density of pasta??

[@melissaalexandria01]

approx. 900 calories per pound

[@ELLIESHAY]

Have you any tips on how to give up processed foods? I feel like I’m missing something and it’s intense like I need a drug fix lol what can I eat to cure that craving?

[@stiqbissyt6052]

Same, it's been really hard. I feel like I'm addicted to those junk foods!

[@ELLIESHAY]

@@stiqbissyt6052 If you find a solution please share. I started making batches of cookies made with only oats and banana but I grow tired of making them daily and I’ll eat however many I make 🙈 but so far this is the only thing that keeps me from the packaged snacks and peanut butter!!!

[@divya3612]

@@ELLIESHAY oh my gosh! i'm doing the exact same thing. i too need more options for snacks now

[@ELLIESHAY]

@@divya3612 Cool that im not in this alone, It makes me nuts standing ln the kitchen not wanting to leave till i feel better (get my fix lol)

[@divya3612]

@@ELLIESHAY that's true. I tried munching on fruits for snacks but I'm not a fruit person lol. couldn't do it for more than a week

[@lynnraasakka]

Do you cook your lentils from dry?

[@melissaalexandria01]

Yes. In an instant pot. I don’t mind using canned beans either.

[@lynnraasakka]

@@melissaalexandria01 thank you! I will try my instant pot also! 💛

[@ezell8311]

17:40

[@parannoyedkid]

how many calories do you eat per day on average?

[@melissaalexandria01]

I don’t count - I have no clue.

[@studentfoodsecrets4128]

Chukandar ka juice recipes ka visit

[@Taran532]

This is all very high carb, low fat. Will only spike insulin and leave you ravenous two hours later 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@michaeldonnan6767]

Insulin isn't going to spike because of all the fiber.

[@WestVirginiaDee]

The potato is the most satiating food there is, quite a nutritional powerhouse & they don't spike insulin. Eating potatoes & other fruits & veggies prevents, reverses & cures type 2 diabetes.