I quit smoking last year. This year, I lose weight. I have a plan. I will eat anything I want, like always. BUT. I also increase my fruit and vegetable intake.
There are three components.
- Fruit and veggie protein shake for breakfast
- Cabbage slaw salad
- Crudités
[DISCLAIMER: I am no nutritionist. I am not medical, in any way. Should you choose to experiment with my weight-loss plan, check with your doctor first. Remember, when I say “you” I actually mean “me.” This post is meant to keep me on track for weight loss in 2026. I imagine YOU are probably the ideal weight.]
Super-Food Breakfast Shake
Have protein powder? Have breakfast. Toss in four frozen fruits and veggies. Blend.
- Avocado (technically a berry)
- Beets (organic)
- Blueberries (organic)
- Greens (chopped spinach or kale, organic)
Do not skip breakfast. Instead, start the day with four(!) super-foods.
Cabbage Slaw Salad
The cruciferous cabbage is highly nutritious and long-lasting. So are carrots. These vegetables are the backbone of a good slaw. They are also food-budget-friendly. Undressed, hearty slaw veggies stay crisp in the refrigerator for nearly a week, so add the dressing just before you enjoy a serving. At that time, sprinkle on fresh chopped, bright, green parsley or watercress. Make your humble cabbage slaw look stunning!
Cabbage and carrots, unlike lettuce, are low in pesticides. You can save a few dollars by buying them conventionally-grown.
Crudités
Crudités, AKA vegetable sticks, are the saving grace of a healthy diet. They are instantly at hand for a snack attack. They balance the protein and carbohydrates of a sandwich. Dip them into hummus or cottage cheese. Throw them into a stir fry or a soup.
Crudités are ready when you are, as long as you prep them in advance. My favorites are celery, cucumber, red radishes, bell peppers, and sugar snap peas.
Advance Food Prep
TIP: prep your fresh fruit and veggies in advance. Aim to prep them shortly after returning home from the grocery or farmers’ market, while the produce is still fresh.
Yes. All the washing, cutting, drying, and storing is a real pain in the tushie. Just bite the bullet and do it. Or you end up throwing food, and money, away. You would also jeopardize your health and weight-loss goals.
If you really can’t bear to prep fresh produce, don’t buy any. Rely on frozen vegetables. Cook them when you are ready to eat them. They may not be crunchie, but they are still healthy and delicious.
Buy Organic When Pesticides Are a Problem
To save money, buy conventionally-grown produce when it doesn’t matter. Buy organically-grown produce when pesticides are a problem.
In 2025, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found these conventionally-grown fruits and vegetables to be safe to eat: avocados, asparagus, bananas, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, kiwi, mangoes, mushrooms, onions, papaya, pineapple, sweet corn, sweet peas (frozen), and watermelon.
The EWG found other conventional produce items to be heavily laden with pesticides. Buy these organically-grown, when they are available and your budget allows: apples, blackberries, blueberries, cherries, grapes, greens (collard, mustard, spinach), nectarines, peaches, pears, potatoes, and strawberries.
Visit the EWG website for more information and annual updates.
I hate dieting. But I may be able to fool myself into losing weight in 2026 by following this quasi weight-loss plan. You see, it appears to be a diet. Yet I am not deprived of a single food, and there are no pesky portions. It is a brilliant plan, if it works. I will let you know how it goes.
Do you have health goals or tips for 2026? Feel free to share them in the comments. The better we feel, the more we enjoy life. It’s that simple!