As a Scottsdale personal trainer, I recommend eating 4-6 small meals throughout the day. Dinner is no exception. As a Scottsdale personal trainer, I know many people who struggle with this concept because they consider dinner their “big” meal of the day. But eating a huge meal at night has the potential to be bad for you, if 1) you eat right before bed your body has no time to burn the calories and digest the food properly. 2) Research shows that people tend to binge more at night and eat in excess, so if you were already planning on eating a big meal, then WATCH OUT! It may turn into a fattening feast!

As a Scottsdale personal trainer, I encourage people to go in to dinner with a PLAN. Knowing what you are going to eat in advance will help you not go overboard. I can definitely relate to how hard this can be at times, BUT I always FEEL SO MUCH BETTER when I stick to my plan. When is the last time you ate too much and were GLAD you did?

Take pride in the fact that you are cultivating self-control. I feel like self-control is devalued in our society. We are always enabling and pushing each other to do “whatever makes you happy.” Keep in mind, that with diet, it may be temporarily satisfying to over-eat and indulge in your every food craving, but ultimately, it will only hurt you.

Tough love, but someone has to give it to you straight. Even as a Scottsdale personal trainer, I can struggle with this too… so no judgement here, but rather, I implore you to TAKE CHARGE of your diet. A disciplined diet MUST be valued and lived out! Food is too connected to how we feel and act. Taking heed of what goes into your body is a HUGE sign of self-respect.

Wow, that was an unplanned tangent.

Back to my light, but satisfying dinner. As a Scottsdale personal trainer, Trader Joes is one of my favorite spots to shop. They have these grilled chicken burger patties in the frozen section that are only 160 calories, 25 grams of protein and super low in sugar and salt. Yes please, I’ll take it!

Simply cook the burger on the stove top in a little olive oil. (they only take 4-6 minutes). Cut it into bite size pieces and throw it on a bed of your favorite greens. I also sauteed up some bell peppers and onions. Go ahead and throw in whatever veggies or spices you like.

As a Scottsdale personal trainer, I recommend the brand Eating Right for great, low calorie salad dressings. I like the Honey Mustard one, which only has 80 calories in two tablespoons and 2.5 grams of fat! I drizzled this on top of it all, and WOW, it was not only delicious, but light and satisfying.

Voila, my light and satisfying dinner!