Lean and Green meals have been one of the toughest parts of Medifast for me. I’m definitely not a cook and my schedule is pretty crazy. But I’ve been working hard at it and I’m always looking for new Medifast Lean and Green recipes and testing them out – to varying results. I’ve decided to do a weekly Lean and Green feature here where I test out various recipes and post step-by-step photos. The first recipe I’ll be demonstrating is the Lean and Green Taco Salad. This is straight out of the Medifast Book and has quickly become one of my favorite meals. I thought it would be bland and boring, but it’s actually delicious. I would eat this even if I wasn’t doing Medifast.
Ingredients:
5 oz. Ground Turkey
1 Tbsp. Taco Seasoning
2 Tbsp. Salsa
1 cup romaine lettuce
1 cup iceberg lettuce
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1 tbsp. Water
STEP 1: Brown the Turkey
Actually… whiten the turkey. Unlike with ground beef, ground turkey doesn’t really get brown, it turns white. I buy prepackaged ground turkey. 20 oz. packages are pretty easy to find and you can just cut it in fourths, and throw the rest in a Ziploc until tomorrow. Throw 5 oz. in a skillet and chop it up as you brown it. After a few minutes, it will look something like this…
Step 2: Drain the fat and Add Water
To be honest, sometimes I don’t drain the fast. I do make a point of buying only super-lean turkey, so this part is up to you. I like to walk on the wild side. Either way, add 1 tbsp of water.
STEP 3: Add Taco Seasoning
The meal has been pretty bland to this point. You may be getting nervous. Don’t worry, just throw on 1 Tbsp of Taco Seasoning. I don’t use anything special, but have tried out all the cheap-o packets of taco seasoning you can find at your grocery store. Right now McCormick is my favorite.
STEP 4: Mix it all up and let it Simmer
Turn the heat on the stove to low and mix the seasoning and water with the meat until it is all evenly distributed. I like chopping the meat into tiny pieces while I cook it because it makes it a little more fun. Now, let the meat simmer for about 5 minutes. While it’s simmering…
STEP 5: Salad!
Get a big bowl and add your leafy greens. The recipe calls for iceberg and romaine, but I use whatever I have on hand. In this picture, it’s a cup of romaine and a cup of baby spinach. It’s hard to exactly measure a cup of greens, so I just throw in a large handful of each.
STEP 6: Tomatoes!
Dice 1/2 cup of tomatoes and throw those on your greens. I usually add a little black pepper to the tomatoes first. This is starting to look like a meal!
STEP 7: Add meat and Salsa!
Your meat should now be spicy and delicious. Add that to the salad. Then on top of that, add 2 tablespoons of salsa. I’m a salsa freak so I try all kinds of different brands. I stay away from the big brands like Taco Bell or Old El Paso. Since I am not in Austin at the moment, I couldn’t get my hands on my favorite salsa ever (Rose’s Salsa), so I gave Clint’s Texas Salsa a try and it was pretty freaking great.
Now you’re all set. Make a big glass of ice water and dig in! I really love this recipe and don’t miss the ground beef at all.
Calories: 358, Fat Grams: 18, Cholesterol: 139, Carbohydrates: 9, Protein: 39
Thank you SO MUCH for this recipe! I just started medifast, and I’m a wreck. I needed a great idea like this.
This recipe is straight out of the Medifast handbook and my favorite Lean and Green recipe so far. I like to keep things simple because I am not very good at cooking or at shopping for ingredients. This one is easy on both levels. I eat it more than I care to admit and still love it.
Any broiled Medifast lobster recipes. My husband is on Day 5 and I sent him to the store for prawns and romaine lettuce. He got prawns and a “great deal on lobster.” We are grilling the romaine tonight and probably broiling lobster.
I just started also and tried this one tonight and it really good and I will be making it often.
This is my first day on Medifast and I got to say this is sooooo goood! I can now actually look forward to a meal with flavor and substance and not feel gulity. Thanks!
I did medifast for two months and I am very dissapointed, no weight loss as promised and defenetely the food is worst I have ever eaten, for that kind of money a month I could loose over thirty pounds on something else. I would not recommed it to anyone I really care for. Good Luck!
Thanks for your comment. However, I find it almost impossible to believe that you actually followed the program for 2 months and lost no weight. It seems scientifically impossible, given the drastically reduced caloric intake.
I would love to hear more about your experience. If you don’t want to write about it in the comments, hit me up at getskinnybehappy@gmail.com.
i’m going to have to say i find very hard to believe too. because i’ve been on it one week and have lost 10 lbs. mustve not been following it. and the food isnt bad.
I totally agree Mallory. I’ve lost 21LB in 8 weeks. I have energy and feel great..
I started four days ago and have lost 4 lbs.
The food is not bad and if you follow the plan
you will lose weight.
37lb and 34inches in 7 weeks………..then they found cancer…..finished treatments and kept 10lbs off……started day 1 again today.
I know at least 1/2 a dozen people who are all on Medifast. They have all lost a LOT of weight! They are the reason my husband and I decided to give it a try. I needed to lose 40 lbs., and he needed to lose 55. We’ve been on it for 3 1/2 weeks and I’ve lost 12 lbs. and he has lost 20! It really works, as long as you follow the program exactly as you’re supposed to. I’m really thankful for the recipes! I know that We will keep eating the Lean and Green meals even after we are at our goal weight because they are SO good and healthy! Thank you!
You cheated then…..CAUSE IT WORKS!
you didn’t follow the plan i’ve been on for only 1 week and lost 8 pounds
I am not it now..I am starving…lol. Yes, medifast does work. Takes a few days for the starvation to go away. Thanks for that awesome taco recipe!!
pleae tell me what you did I starting next week and I wanting to get the best out of this as I am getting to old to keep doing the diet thing over and over. I am done I need the change
My aunt lost 70+ lbs and is over 70 years old.
Mattie,
First of all, wow at not liking the food. There is so much to choose from, I find it weird that you didn’t like ANYTHING?? I like a lot of it (smores…mmmm yummy, pretzels, chocolate shakes…all good.)
If you really followed the diet and didn’t lose, you should consider seeing your doctor, possibly something going on that you should know about.
I’m 40 and weight loss is supposed to be hard at my age, but it is dropping off, 2-3 pounds every week.
I have been on the med plan for 5 weeks lost 27 pnds im 50 yrs old. My blood presure was 200/114 5 wks ago. Today it is 128/79. For those who expect the food to taste as good as the crap we have all been eating it dosent. But Im hardly ever hungry and the bars and shakes arent to bad. I love some of these recipes and will be trying the out.
Congrats Brad! Medifast works, no doubt. I started 6/6/11 and lost 30 by July 30. This was one of my first favorite recipies also.
how didi you lose so fast …;lots of excerise or is it you are a man.
I have been on for 6 weeks and lost 40lbs. I did medifast once before and lost 150lbs in 6 months. WITH NO EXERCISE. i screwed up and didnt follow plan and gained that all back but now i am on track to be back to that mark soon!
Wow I am so sorry you are disappointed with this diet plan. I love it. My boys and I have been on it for just 2 weeks and we’ve lost a total of 33lbs. The first few days were really rough but once your body stabilizes it not that difficult and the food is not that bad if you find healthy ways to tweek it. We love this taco salad and we have done it with both turkey and lean beef. Delicious!
Marilyn I am Marilyn also and starting next week please pray for me to suceed.
My husband has been on this for only 2 weeks and has lost 20 pounds ! IT WORKS!
Mattie:
NO WAY you did Medifast for 2 months and lost no weight. My wife and I started only 18 days ago, and we’ve lost a combined 34 pounds already.
I’m sorry, but you couldn’t have possibly followed the plan. Please explain your experience in more detail.
I have to agree with christopher on this one. My first 2 weeks I thought I was going to die but I stuck thur the worst part and doing like it says to do and I have done it to get off meds as I really dont need to lose the weight and I still lost the weight and still not taking meds. Maybe try again and be honest with your self on what your eating or how your eatin. concerned member
There is no doubt that you didn’t follow the program as designed or else you would have lost the lbs like everyone else. Is the food gourmet food? Of course not but its good food and more important, its good for you which is more the reason i am on this program. I want to be healthy first. The weight lose is only a product of that. Maybe you should give another try but this time, have your mind set right and do the program as specified. That always helps. GOOD LUCK
I have had wonderful success with Medifast. Lost 30 pound then went off for about 6 months during a big move. Now I am back on and I feel so much better. It is work, but it works and you really do feel good if you stay on plan and make interesting dinners like the ones on this site.
Don’t give up, it is worth every penny.
Wow! I too find that hard to believe…I have tried MANY weight loss programs and this is the first time I have actually lost any significant amount of weight…20 pounds in 5 weeks!! I guess my only reply to you is this…If you can lose 30 pounds on another weight loss program… then do it! I for one WOULD recommend this program to anyone that is SERIOUS about losing weight and getting healthy…it’s not easy, in fact, it is very difficult to follow such a strict eating plan, but it DOES work!!
I don’t mean to call you a liar but there is just no way you couldn’t have lost weight unless you totally cheated and didn’t measure or weigh your food. I’ve lost 35 pounds in 6 weeks and I have even cheated 4 different days and cheated hard.
In response to your post, I started this program and after 7 days, weighed myself and lost ZERO pounds. Followed (or thought I did) the plan exactly as I was told. Had 5 medifast meals, and l lean and green meal EVERY DAY for 7 days. Drank at least 70 ozs of water every day and ate every 2 – 3 hours. I thought you could eat any of the medifast meals (5 a day) but found out NO you cannot. I ate 2 – 3 bars and everyday plus what I was suppose to. Just found out (from a nutritionist for medifast) that NO you cannot eat 2 – 3 bars a day and lose weight. So, yes, I feel for this person that said she lost no weight. Granted, I weighed after 7 days, and was completely depressed, especially when I read that other people are loosing 5 – 13 lbs the first week. Just wanted to put my 2 cents in. And, by the way, glad you didn’t come out and call her a LIAR!!!! I feel her pain.
Update: After a year on the program I and my family have lost a total of 218.5 pounds! My hubby and I are Health Coaches with the TSFL end of the company. I have had clients that said they haven’t lost even a pound and after going through what they have done exactly have found that it’s the little things that they think wouldn’t really matter ‘since the calorie count is so low this little bite won’t hurt’ or it’s just a Mocha Grande…how can a little coffee change things?’ or ‘It’s only salad…it should be a free food, right?’ and my favorite…’Seriously, no one can follow it completely..I mean I ate all 5 snacks and figured since they are so good for you a couple extra couldn’t hurt…right?’
I can say this…if you follow it exactly, you WILL lose the weight…not everyone will lose a lot at first, some go a week or two before they lose, but they are losing inches… Stay with the program as it is written, don’t veer from it, and don’t add to it…it will not fail you. The most important thing is to just stay focused and be honest with yourself…
Then spend your money on something else…if you lost nothing then you didn’t follow the plan…that’s all I can say…but, I would just say..if you can lose it else where, then why haven’t you? The only time a person loses nothing is when they don’t follow the plan. Shame on you for trying to discourage those that are trying to lose weight and get healthy!
Oh Mattie thats so sad. Well, every weight loss out there isn’t for everyone. If you want quick, healthy weight loss and are willing to be true to yourself, I guarantee you WILL lose weight on Medifast. Some things may not taste like the processed fake food we all are use to…but eating on this plan and learning to use the spices put on our earth to make food taste good instead of the stuff you read on the back of the processed food packages…will help YOU change the reason we are over weight to begin with.
I’m on 5th mo & down 52. 23 to go.
Despite increase in exercise, my loss is slowing a lot. It feels harder to manage hunger the closer I get. I’m hungry often. But I don’t want to stop trying.
Congratulations on your progress! These are awesome results! Right now I have 22 pounds to go, so we are at about the same stage. I think it gets harder the closer you get, so don’t give up!
Don’t give it up April you have come so far. And you know it works.
Congrats on the 52 down, but what do you mean despite increase in exercise? You shouldn’t be doing exercise until you have met your goal weight. Doing exercise will make you go into starvation mode and lose muscle unless you have a coach that is helping you adjust your meals and your intake to make up for some exercise. Stick to the plan and wait on the exercise, the weight will continue to drop off and then when you reach your goal you can exercise to your hearts content. The Take Shape For Life program is set up to help you succeed as long as you follow the steps, Good Luck in your future with Optimal Health!
I pray you stay on your course.mb
I was having the same problem, April…keep on program. I was at a stand-still for a whole month..not a single pound off. I didn’t gain either BUT I dropped 2 pant sizes so even if the pounds are moving, there is progress being made…Don’t give up, you are doing awesome!!
No exercise till you reach your goal weight? That was not my understanding? It said If you did not exercise before then no exercise for 3 weeks and if you did exercise before the plan then cut it in half for the first few weeks till your body can adjust. I am new at this so I am hoping I read that correctly? I also asked my coach who gave me the same information. Since April is in month 5 she is well into the stage where she can work out. I would say take your measurements not just your weight as you might be building muscle at this point. Seems when I work out My hunger increases as well so I would also be interested in knowing a solution for this….
Thanks for the meal idea. I’m on my first week on Medifast and needed a little inspiration. I have twenty-five pounds to lose. I lost some weight last year basically quit dieting then gain little back so here I go again determined to make my goal weight this time. I thought the structure of this program would help me break some bad eating habits.
I like your blog and have added it to my favorites.
Trish – Thanks for stopping by and thanks for the comment! I think the structure of Medifast is great for helping you to rewire your brain when it comes to eating and health. Lately, I’ve come to the belief that the mental component is just as important as the physical. I am working on a post about this and will publish it soon.
I agree hold heartedlly
I too, just started Medifast as my last resort to weight loss. I have been on it for 2 weeks today minus a 3 day hectic moment(daughter’s 15th bday and best food in the world, sushi) and realized I need to get a grip on my eating. I have lost about 10 lbs, gained 2 lbs to a total of about 8 lbs lost. I have regained control of my eating again and back on track. I enjoy the crunch bars the most…chocolate, caramel, s’mores and mint chocolate. Good luck to all peoples who struggle with weight and weight loss. Keep on trying,,.
I needed that
I need more recipes…getting bored but wnt gve up.y did u choose turkey instead of ground beef? New 2 this program…on my 2nd week. I’m going 2 make this but with ex-lean ground beef.
I’m working on a big new batch of recipes, so stay tuned. If you substitute ground beef for the turkey, you will need to reduce the amount of meat. Check the Medifast book, but I know that even lean ground beef isn’t as lean as ground turkey. The turkey tastes great, you should give it a shot!
Thanks for the recipe. I am into week 2 and looking for lean and green recipes. Good Luck!
I made this for me and my husband and it was such a nice change from grilled chicken and salad! Thanks! We are both going on week 2 and I am down 5 pounds, my husband is close to 9. Thanks for the recipes!!!
I have been on Medifast for 8 weeks and have lost 28 lbs. At this point I am always looking for ways to change up my lean and green. I tried this recipe and enjoyed it. I used lettuce leaves as “taco shells” – all good. Thanks!
Can’t imagine doing Medifast for 2 months and not losing any weight … good golly. 5 days – 5.5 lbs. dang am I happy. Can’t wait to report my loss after 7 weeks. Glad for recipe though – really struggling with the shakes – help there would be appreciated!
I was getting really bored with the shakes. When I started using the Rocket Blender, I was surprised how much better they were. Have you tried that? I’ve been on a Medifast break while moving and starting a new job, but am looking forward to getting back in action. I’m even looking forward to the shakes, now that I’ve had a break.
I didn’t like the shakes at first, but then I added just a tad of sugar free syrup to them and WOW! I can now actually drink the french vanilla shake and enjoy it when I add some caramel flavoring to it.
Hi Susan,
I love the shakes but after 4 months they get a little old…I have started blending them with ice…I have even added 1/2 the water and lots of ice and it turns into a frosty! So now I have ice cream a couple times a day! You can also try a bit of mint extract in the chocolate shake…that is really yummy. My daughter likes a bit of instant coffee in hers with ice and makes a Mocha Freeze! Keep at it, don’t give up…there are so many different things you can try to make it different and better!!
Just made this meal for my sister in-law who is on medifast diet and three other people who are not, including me, and all of us loved it. I did make some sautéed onions on the side with a tbls of olive oil, fresh jalapeños and garlic that added some more spice. Will definitely make this again for myself.
Sounds pretty yummy! I'll have to try it for sure. I started on the Medifast program in early '06 and by Christmas '08 I had lost 160#. This program works!
I'm getting ready to make this yummy recipe!! Thank you and keep the Medifast recipes coming LOL!!: ) P/s I can't believe the comment form the person that said about not loosing any weight on MF LOL!! She made me laugh
Let us know how you like the recipe! I am definitely hooked on this one. Probably my favorite Medifast recipe so far. I will probably continue to make this long after I am off program.
I tried this recipe on day 2 of Medifast. What a great dinner!! My favorite meal is tacos, so I was very excited after trying it, because I knew from that point on I was going to be okay. My husband and I are on day five and have not been hungry at all!
sounds great! I am going to have to try this recipe! I love taco salad!
Thanks for the recipe! I just made it for supper and my wife and I both loved it. I've always liked Taco salads and now I can still enjoy them while on MF and for the future.
I am on the medifast meals and excercizing and this is an amazing diet and a great recipe. i probably eat this meal once a week because it is so good. I am on my 4th week and have lost 28 pounds it is so worth it. i just need more food ideas.
I too added Jalapenos…. This was the first day for son #2 and I. I'm on board 101%… son…? He is thinking world is coming to end. But at 19.5 years and a BMI of 37… he needs this. He loved the salad, so I am hopeful we can make it through the first week without a major blowout.
How's your son doing on Medifast? I know when I was younger, I would have probably freaked out.
Glad you like it. Take a look at the recipes section because there is some good stuff in there. Now that my travels are over, I'm going to try to document some recipes. But to be honest, the taco salad is still my favorite because it's so good and so easy.
I really liked this one. I have already had it twice this week and its only wednesday! Its so flavorful. I just found this blog monday while searching for some new recipes. I have officially been on mf for 1 week today. Down 5.5 lbs. I couldnt be more excited! The lady who hadnt lost couldnt have been on plan is all I know! Thanks!
Well he lost 10 pounds in the first week but decided it was waaaay to limiting for him. I can't force him to continue… but I think it's planted a seed for later. We'll see I guess. I am still truding along though…. aaargh !
i thought we were allowed 7 0z of cooked turkey meat if it was 99 percent lean, you have 5 oz and then cook it so it really kind of puts you at 4 oz am i missing something?? if we do 5 oz of turkey meat, can we add 1 oz of cheese on taco salad? just wondering…
I was wondering that too.. I started medifast on 3/2/11 and today is 3/5/11 and I lost a total of 5.2lbs already in 3 1/2 days.. I think the more water you drink the more you increase your weight loss in the beginning. But I love turkey meat and I miss my turkey tacos so im gonna give this a shot.. Can somebody please email me other great ideas for medifast plans the strawberry shake is awful so are the soups and brownies and eggs yuck :-/.
Toya…the strawberry shakes are definately yucky!…I hated the eggs at first in microwave but then decided to just make them like normal scrambled eggs after I mixed the water in…it makes a huuuuuuuuge difference, they taste like normal eggs…plus I think the thought of microwaved eggs just grossed me out….I returned my stuff I didn’t like and they sent me other replacements I like…just call number on your order shipment slip…shakes taste a lot better to if you add ice and do in the magic bullet blender….and a pack of splenda and taste like real milkshakes.
This is the first time I 'm here at this web site. I'm happy to be reading everyone's remarks. I heard about Medifast from one of my customers that has lost 119 pounds> when she showed me her before picture, I was like WOW you look great and you shore don't look like that picture at all. I went to medifast chat for over a week to see how it works. I ordered the variety box. I started on Saturday Feb.13. So that makes me on my 25 th day. I have lost 10 pounds. I love the plan.
I will be very happy to look at the different ways you can fix foods. I love different recipes. Thanks so much.
If you were on the Medifast diet for two months with no weight loss, you weren't on the Medifast diet… you either did know what you were supposed to do or you just plain didn't stick to it as recommended. Personal responsibility is what it is also about.
I'm a little confused with the amount of meat… aren't you supposed to have 6 oz. of COOKED meat? That would mean that measuring out 5 oz. and then cooking it would give you even less of the amount recommended on the chart.
I purchased an electronic scale at Walmart (Biggest Loser brand) and it is a blessing. You put your plate on the scale and then turn it on. The scale subtracts out the weight of the plate/dish so as you add your meat … you know exactly how much cooked protein you are getting. Since I cook for two … there is always enough and I can combine leftovers if I have 2 oz of onen thing and 3 oz of another for the next meal. Pay attention to WHAT kind of protein you are having …. 7 oz of Tilapia -vs- 5 oz. pork loin etc. If you are hungry … fish is your best bet because there is so much volume for the weight! Good luck and if you stick to the program… you will lose! I have to take prednisone and I am diabetic – weight loss is a challenge … I’ve been on program since 2/7 and I’ve lost 24 lbs. It isn’t as much as I had hoped this early in the process – but it IS 24 lbs. less I am lugging around – don’t get discouraged!
Mattie, I am really surprised you say you lost no weight in two months. I can't believe you were true to the program with that claim. I lost 15# my first and second months, and even my husband – who has never had a weight problem has made remarks to people about how great this program has been for me, and how quick the weight has come off. After 5 months I have lost 62.8 pounds and feel better than I have in 35 years. I am a Senior Citizen that does no exercise, BUT I have not cheated, and that makes a big difference. You can not cheat on this program and you MUST drink the water. I just feel you did not do what you needed to do to be successful on this program.
You should not bad mouth a good program for your failure. The program did not fail you, you just failed the program.
I wish you good luck on your next try at losing weight, but you will never lose no matter what plan you are on if you don't stick true to the plan.
I agree with you on this, Judy! There is absolutely NO WAY Mattie couldn’t lose weight if she was staying within the parameters of the program. If anything, the science of weight loss PROVES that drastically reduced caloric intake WILL cause weight loss. I’ve been on my MF plan since 6/5/10 and have lost 35 pounds so far! If you “cheat” while on program, you are only “cheating” yourself and ensuring your ultimate failure…
Hey Doug! Thanks for the comment! 35 pounds in a little over a month is pretty amazing! I am just shooting for 20 pounds off by August 4th. I love hearing from people who are really kicking ass on Medifast. Congratulations!
This recipe sounds great ! This will be my second week on medifast and I love the diet. Easier than any other diet I have been on and we can eat food . First week 6.5 pounds and very excited. I look forward to trying this recipe . Thanks for posting it.
hello… i was just wondering.. did you quit the diet? you havent posted anything new in quite a while. i look to your website for inspiration and ideas. i hope you didnt medifail!
Hey Jessica – I know that I have been totally slacking on the site. I finished off my last batch of Medifast and was off of the diet for about 3 weeks during which I pretty much stuck to Lean and Green. Now I am re-stocked and going for the final push. I decided to quit posting regular updates but I will definitely update when I get close to the finish line. I will be updating the site with other stuff, but I right now I feel like I need to reach my goal without feeling the need to blog about it. Glad you are still getting inspiration and ideas from the site. That's what it's here for!
I found this recipe in the official Medifast book, so I'm assuming that it's okay. You could be right. Based on my personal experience, this recipe works because I eat it all the time and am down about 60 pounds from when I originally started.
I am new to Medifast , this is my fourth week on the plan, having trouble staying on track on the weekends, and with having the same things over and over and over again! I have been reading about the Medifast book, with receipes? I don’t have this book and where do you get it? all I got with my order was a brochure with the very small list of what you can have. I would appreciate the help. thanks,
Sissy’s mom ~ Did you get info on the Medifast book? I am just starting (I don’t even have my Medifast yet!), but I want to be ready and would love to have the book in my arsenal.
Lynn
I can’t wait to try this. My husband’s a hunter so we’ve got a ton of ground venison in the freezer. I love the crunch of romaine – I think I may use a combination of that and green leaf.
Romaine and Red Leaf would be a great combo. Thanks for your comment and thanks for reading!
Gonna try this but with soy grounds… Thanks!
Sounds good! Love your measuring spoon you show in the photo. Where did you find it? Can one healthy fat also be added to this?
It looks like a pampered chef measuring spoon. I’m sure a healthy fat could be added.
I just started Medifast yesterday and am already seeing and feeling results. This recipe is SO good! Thank you!
I am on Day 4 of the program and tried this recipe on my first day, and it was great! I didn’t have any taco seasoning, so I just used a bit of cumin, garlic powder, and tobasco to season up the turkey a bit. It was great! I’ll definitely be doing it again. So far I’ve lost 5 lbs, and am excited to be making this life change. Happy to have found this website!!!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! I just started medifast and I needed a variety of ways to make my lean and green interesting.
Really like this recipe, especially since it’s easily adaptable for the rest of your family. You can stick with your lean and green and they can add chips, cheese and sour cream. Store-bought taco seasoning can get pricey if you make this often. I found a homemade taco seasoning recipe that’s much cheaper and tastes just as good.
Taco Seasoning
1 tablespoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon oregano
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Mix it all together and store any remaining taco seasoning in an airtight container.
I use up all of the seasoning because I use 1 pound of ground turkey for my family. First I toast the seasoning in a pan over medium-high heat for about 20-30 seconds, stirring constantly. Then I add about 1/4 cup of water to the seasoning (you’ll need to adjust the amount of water depending on how much seasoning and ground turkey you use), stir and let simmer for about 15-20 seconds. Then I add the ground turkey and break it up into the seasoning sauce, making sure the sauce mixes into the ground turkey, and cook until done.
The ground turkey is full of flavor and really good. Hope this helps someone!
Sure does sound like a winner! Thanks for the post.
I have been on mdifast today is starting my 3rd week. i lost 11 lbs so far. I love to cook so i enjoy looking up rescipes and have made a few of them.
thanks
This was so good! I’m a vegetarian so I used veggie ground beef. I wanted to cut out the salt, so instead of taco seasoning, I used some cumin, chili powder, paprika, and pepper flakes. Also, I wanted to add sour cream, but didn’t want the extra calories, so I topped the whole thing off with a healing spoon of non-fat greek yogurt (no fat, low carbs and TONS of protein) it turned out fantastic! I fed it to some friends that were over and they didn’t even know it was healthy!
Thanks so much for this recipe! I’m on day 2 and am only drinking the shakes and the lean and green. I have been completely smoke free now for 2 years and it’s time to get rid of the extra weight that I put on plus more! I look forward to checking back and hearing about more success stories and more recipes! Thanks for starting this!
This is something I’ve been making before even starting medifast 4 weeks ago (22 lbs lost so far & 88 to go, so it’shard to fathom that OP didn’t lose any weight on this diet). I make it w/mock beef cuz hubbie is vegetarian. I will try with the turkey since I need variety. The allowance of salsa seems higher than what the instruction book says I can have though. I liked the suggestion of the greek yogurt but I thought we couldn’t have dairy. Anyway – thanks for posting this recipe I need some more variety.
Kelly,
Good luck to you on the program! I too have lost 20 lbs in my first month, with 80 to go. I don’t eat meat either and have been pretty much living on veggie burgers, cottage cheese and eggs so can’t wait to try this.
Hey..I’m new to Medifast. in 4 days I’ve lost 6pds, really I just started losing weight because at first i was choosing the wrong foods…last night I ate ground LEAN turkey and spinach..i feel like i was eating the wrong ground turkey! i need to lose 60pd but at least 25pds by mid june..Iwant this so bad i cant afford any mistakes.. anyway veggie burgers sounds great.i know i cant go wrong with that ..I’m looking for good food ideas 😉 Have any??
The Taco Salad is my favorite recipe. I have it at least twice a week. The recipe actually allows 7 1/2 oz. ground beef (raw) or turkey(95-97% fat free) and you are supposed to have 3/4 tsp. taco seasoning. You are probably going over in carbs using a tablespoon of taco seasoning. It is an awesome recipe and it has helped so much in my weight loss. I have lost 44.5 lbs in about three and a half months. That is also taking into account falling off the wagon a little during the holidays(no weight gain but no loss).
Joanne
I would like to get food ideas from you as well if you don’t mind. 44pds in 3 months is great…
I have been on Medifast for a little over 2weeks and have lost 9 lbs. I am able to manage the Medifast food, but was getting so sick of dinner. I am a picky eater, and was eating chicken and vegetables every night ! I missed my weekly burger, and was sooo glad to have some lean beef in this great taco salad Thanks for your efforts in helping those of us who are not creative cooks! This is the first diet that has ever worked so quickly for me. I hope to lose 35 lbs. Good luck to everyone who is following this and developing a new way of eating and a healthier way of life.
I have done Medifast several times (gained weight back during unexpected pregnancy). I am just getting started on it again now that my baby is 2 1/2!! LOL! But this is a favorite that I do all the time. I fix mine and my husbands as a salad, and the kids love theirs in taco shells. Its great only cooking one dish for the whole family instead of individual meals!
I’m sorry, I don’t have the time to read all the comments right now, but I just wanted to say DON’T GIVE UP! After about a month, I was SOOO ready to give up. ha I hated the food even tho I doctored it as much as I could! Now I know that variety is the spice of life and order the things you really like! I actually gained a pound one time and plateaued for a week. That just about killed me, but then I said to myself…my body is changing…it’s trying to fight it…next week will be a BIG loss….and it WAS! The biggest thing you HAVE to do, is write down EVERYTHING. I journal in a little 5×7 SPIRAL notebook. I can get 3 days on a page. I write down the full date and then 1. – 6. That’s it…Then I write down everything I put into my mouth…althou I gave up on writing down water….and tea which I drink mostly. Hope this helps!
What I think of when weight loss slows is that even the people on Biggest Loser have little or even no weightloss. With all the work they do I can expect to have the same sometimes.
How do all deal with alcohol? I LOVE my wine and cocktails. But it literally ALTS the weight loss….I guess the best thing would be to stop drinking. If I go out with friends I usually get diet coke and whiskey. Don’t need much since you don’t eat much…lol. But I see a drastic SLOW even from ONE drink. =(
Giving up alcohol has been hard – I like my cocktails too. But, I gave it up because losing weight became more important to me than drinking. I am nearing the 50 lb loss mark and have decided to allow myself one cheat meal and I will also let myself have a couple of cocktails with it. At that point I will be halfway to my goal. The counselor told me any alcohol, even low carb beer will interfere with weight loss so during this phase, until I transition into maintenance, I will not have any alcohol (except my 50 lb milestone reward). Just tell yourself, it’s not for forever.
I think if I was at your weight mark, I’d be faithful right up to the end… there is a time and place for everything and right now, the focus is on weight loss for me. This should be a concern that cheating even tempts.. it shouldn’t. Have you talked to your counselor about that?
I was just telling Rosetylerr about my personal experience with giving up alcohol since she posted about that issue and I felt similarly about it, and yes I did tell my counselor I wanted to cheat for one meal, she of course recommended I not cheat-well I did and lost 3 lbs that week still. I went on a four day cruise for my dd’s bday and cheated again with no weight gained but only .2 lost that week. Since my prior post I have lost an additional 25 lbs. I think I have done a pretty good job being faithful but I’m also not going to put my life on hold. Everyone’s weight loss journey is different but I’m proud of my progress- 70 lbs lost since Jan 3.
Kelly that is an awesome weight loss. I agree with you that we need to make the program fit into our life, which includes celebrating milestones, special events, etc. I began my journey six days ago and have lost 8 lbs. I was used to having a glass of wine or beer at dinner and sometimes a second glass if I wanted one. I don’t miss the alcohol at all but at the same time I know Aug. 13 when my son is performing at our outside musical event, I will have a beer (or two). I don’t see anything wrong with that. Good luck everyone…I’m lovin the program.
I’ve plateaued for the past 3 weeks with not even a 10th of a pound loss. BUT within that 3 weeks I went from a size 12 to a size 10. Don’t get discouraged! I only drink the vanilla shakes and can switch them up by using coconut extract, orange extract, a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder and sometimes I add a half of a small banana. The blender that is sold on the Medifast site is key! And, in addition to the lean and green I’ve been taking recipies off the Weight Watcher site. Each shake is only 2 WW points so I have plenty of points left over for my glass or TWO of wine. I just try to make sure I walk my entire 30 min. and maybe step it up to a faster pace. Just keep the faith that you CAN do this. We’re all here for you so just shout out if you need some encouragement!
Thanks Nancy!
I stopped drinking so far and went from 191 to 187 in 3 days! I am still kinda hungry though. Probably PMS. =). I ate some very very small carrots, I know we are supposed to watch those, but they really help me with cravings.
Trying this one tonight! 6 days down 6lbs gone!
I just started Medifast today and made this as my first lean and green meal. I am still trying to follow all of the rules. I used 98% lean ground chicken breast therefore, I followed the guidelines for a “leanest” protein and had 7 ounces of meat and also added 2 healthy fats. It seems like an awful lot of taco seasoning. Most of the optional spices say 1/2 to 1 teaspoon each and this calls for a tablespoon.. taco seasoning is high in sodium.. how does this all affect the Medifast plan? I’m still trying to understand it all.. thanks! It was very good, though. I added some olives and some Italian dressing (with 2 g of carbs and 5 grams of fat) as my 2 healthy fats. Did i do this right?
Hi, I am 18 years old and this is my first week on MF, feels amazing but I just had the cappuccino for breakfast and almost choked on it. I was scared every meal for the next 4 weeks was going to be like this, until I found this site! Taco salad is by far one of my favorite meals in general, and being in college it works with the budget as well. I am SO thankful for all the recipies provided here and even more so that taco salad is included!
Any chance there’s a way to make the oatmeal edible?
Thank you!!
there is an oatmeal pancake, which is delish, i am in puerta vallarta right now, will be home saturday send me personal email and i will send you recipe..the cappuccino, are you putting 3 tablespoons of water in and making sure all the lumps are out before you add the hot water, you so have to do that…and if you still dont like, put in a blender with some ice and 1 cup of water and make a frappe…i always add just a touch of cinnimon also..email me at munoz124@hotmail.com
connie
I do not like oatmeal, so I use the oatmeal to make muffins. Any flavor of oatmeal, 1/8 teaspoon baking powder, 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla, 1 packet Splenda. Mix and it makes 2 regular sized cupcakes. Use cupcake papers. Bake at 350 for 16-17 minutes. It is a lot more dense than you would think of a muffin, but if you microwave it a few seconds to warm it up…it is pretty good. Two muffins is a meal. I make 2 packages at a time and make 4 muffins (for 2 days). Do not seal them up in a baggie as they will sweat. I understand you can keep them in frig for a day or so.
so on the oatmeal muffins how much water do you add???
This is my first day and I’m glad I found this site for my evening meal. My husband and I don’t eat meat, so I substituted Yves veggie meatless ground for the turkey and it was wonderful! Perhaps it’s because I have been eating this product for so long, but it tastes like a remember ground beef tasting 🙂 and makes a really good Taco salad. Thank you for the idea!
My wife made this for me today and it great.
When mixing the shakes, we use the Hamilton Beach Single-Serve Blender. We bought ours at Target for $15. Put the water, packet of shake mix and about 1/2 cup ice in. Blend it and then add a spoonful of Walden Farms Calorie Free Marshmallow Dip (we buy ours at Fred Meyer) and blend. It makes it nice and thick and tastes so good! I have loved every shake flavor so far. I have lost 19 lbs in 3 weeks and my husband has lost 19 lbs in 4 weeks and has been able to go off of his blood pressure and cholesterol medications because of his weight loss!
tell me how you lost 19 lbs in 3 weeks, did you exercise or you just did not veer off program. I did veer off program but stress level super high these last 3 days back on today.
It was good I guess. I couldn’t eat all of it and I really, really don’t like eating meat. It makes me sick to my stomach. But for now, I’m going to try.
I keep reading ‘right out of the Medifast book’ – what book? I purchased their ‘cookbook’ but still…….. is there somewhere I’m not looking? I can’t seem to find anymore recipes. I’m not a big cook so I’m not very creative in making up my meals. I’d appreciate any help. Thanks so much and keep up the good work everyone. Feels good huh?
OK, I’ve read everyones posts and I am really curious as to what is working for you people. I have been on the program since June 24th and have lost 35 pounds, now that’s great and all but I’m having a hard time getting a straight answer about why I don’t have energy like I should. I have a health coach but it seems like she’s in it for the $$, and doesn’t really help me except to parrot the book, and I can read just fine. I don’t veer off plan and I definetly drink my water everyday but recently I have stalled and even gained a pound back. It’s very frustrating to go backwards when I spend so much time and money to make sure I’m eating what I’m supposed to and measuring everything and then find out it’s not working because of something I’m doing(or not doing) but nobody can tell me what that is. I need feedback on this, if anyone has ANY tips please feel free to get back to me, I’m trying to not get frustrated but it’s not easy. I started at 210 and I am looking to get back down to 130 but I’m stalled at 175-176 – PLEASE HELP!!
Hi Cheryl, I realize that some time has passed since you posted on 10/5. I started the 5 & 1 plan in early June. I would suggest “starting over”. (meaning act like tomorrow is day 1 of the plan for you). re-read the info, and make sure you are following the guidelines. Personally speaking, when I am on a program for a long time I forget to do the very simple things. Measure the green as well as the lean. Keep track of your water intake. Make sure the MF meals are spaced apart correctly. Maybe you are exercising too much & adding lean muscle? Maybe the pounds aren’t coming off, but your clothes are getting looser? Try not to get discouraged. You are doing a great job. Keep plugging along & it will happen. Amy 🙂
Thank you Thank you, Have been on for a month, lost 20 lbs. The plan works, this Taco salad is the flavor I’ve been looking for!
Thanks for posting this. I’m not much of a cook, and this. Is relatively easy. Will try soon!
To top it off i use the nacho cheese puffs on top for some crunch. I usually save a supplement so that i can do that.
Thank you so much! It looks yummy I can’t wait to try it!
I just bought a bunch boneless skinless chicken on sale and but it through the grinder attachment on my kitchen aid. I freeze in small zip lock packages and take as needed. I am going to use the ground chicken to make this taco salad recipe. Sounds great.
Thank you for posting this recipe! I made it tonight for my husband and I and we both really enjoyed it. I just started the program on Friday and because I have an allergy to raw vegetables I have been trying to find things to eat with my meats.
Thank you for posting pictures w/each step in the recipe. I started the TSFL plan on 1/19/2012 & I have already lost 5 pounds. You have to be serious about this and truly believe that changing your eating habits & portion control will improve your life. One day at a time…
Looks like a yummy recipe and can’t wait to try it. Just making sure…serving for 1 or 2? I’m assuming 5oz turkey it’s for one:). Day 5…no cheating….only a couple of pounds but hanging in there!!
I feel everyone’s pain as I have been reading these messages. What everyone needs to understand is that we all have different medical issues, ages, metabolisms, etc. The weight reduction will be different for everyone. I have Hoshimoto and my thyroid does not work. Even with medication, the lbs just kept on coming. I have tried every diet known to man and this is the first one that worked. I lost 4 in the first week, but it has slowed to 1.5 weekly for me. Still – I am over 55 with bad knees and a thyroid condition. When I was 35, if I needed to drop 5-10 lbs – they came off easily. As long as your scale is moving south – you are being successful. I am a real foodie – but have found this diet to be fairly easy since I am very busy 24/7. I look forward to my lean and green every evening.
Hang in there Stephanie. You can do it!!! I also have numerous health issues, one being I have hypothyroidism and have to take Synthroid every day for the rest of my life. My nurse practitioner told me it would be harder for me to lose the weight because of the thryroid issue but I am determined to get the weight off. I lost 4 pounds last week. I’ve only been on the diet for one week but am hoping and praying the weight will continue to come off. I have fibromyalgia also and it hurts me to walk, but I push myself and do it anyway because of my determination. She told me the weight loss could help improve that problem because it would take the weight off my knees and other joints. I am almost 55 and I agree, it is harder to lose the weight once you’re older. Good Luck!!
very very good best yet
OUT OF THIS WORLD DELICIOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Im going to try this recipe tonight! Thanks so much for posting. I’m just finishing week one and the first few days were horrible (literally in tears from hunger), but I think I’ve gotten past the rotten part. Please keep posting yummies for us to try out!
I am waiting for my first box of food to arrive. Quite frankly as a former restaurant owner and chef, I was nervous that I would hate the food. So glad that I found this site!! And i’m very happy to know that it’s OK to “doctor up” the bleak taste that others have described. I’m making the taco salad tonight!
I am thinking about trying this. Did you get the mess with the food?
Me and my son started MF last week. I agree with Mijken the first few days were hard. Trying to find good and tasty lean and green dishes for us are the hardest to me. Just fixed the taco salad. This is really good and (this makes it even better) so easy to make. Thank you for sharing the recipes and tips preparing and improving the MF food choices. Added getskinnybehappy to my favorites.
I have been on Medifast for one week and have lost 4 pounds!! I am so excited!! I just found this website and these recipes and am anxious to try the Taco salad. It sounds delicious. I am very pleased with the diet so far and have to say this is working much better than many others I have tried in the past. If you exercise and do everything you are supposed to do, I don’t see how you could not lose the weight. I agree with the comments from others that there could be other medical issues going on (such as thyroid problems) which need to be brought to your doctor’s attention. Good Luck to everyone:)
Any recommendations for a vegetarian lean and green meal? What can I substitute for meat? Just into first week of mf but having difficulty with lean and green meal. All suggestions totally welcome.
I am a newbie, but I thought you could have 7 oz of turkey??? Did I miss something in the recipe maybe? Just checking, I don’t want to mess up!
Thanks!
Hi Julie, yes you can have 7oz as long as it’s ≥ 98% lean.
This recipe looks great. I’ve been on medifast about 7 weeks, and have lost 26 pounds. Even with the reinforcement of success though, the things I can think of to make on my own for my lean and green (especially the green) are getting pretty monotonous. Salads have been a good stand by. Thanks for the tips!
Hi… I’m a newbie… Would you consider adding how many servings of lean and of green and of condiments each recipe you post has? 🙂 That would also be very helpful. 🙂 I am looking forward to trying your recipes. 🙂 Thank you.
I had my first Medifast meal this morning. I was not this nervous two years ago when I was on Weight Watchers! I need to loose 30 lbs by 10/13 so I can wear a darling red dress I bought back in March. The pancake was a flop this morning but I ate it since I had to throw the first one in the waste basket. The Peanut Butter bar was so-so. I dumped the Cappincino down the drain after a sip and the brownie was so-so also. I guess just like everything else, it will take time to get used to it! Wish me luck!!
I’m sooo excited to try this recipe. Looks good. Day one for me 🙂
Hello and thanks so much for this recipe! I’m very new to Medifast and have been extremely nervous because the plan seems so strict. It’s great to see a creative recipe like this that sounds so yummy. Will definitely try it as soon as I pull the ingred together (missing taco seasoning & salsa) & will post again after making it.
Thanks also for your attention to detail in posting the recipe, especially the pics. Although I’m a fairly experienced cook, I still appreciate specific directions and illustrations are always helpful. Clearly you’re not only a good cook, but also enjoy sharing your ideas with others and are great at communicating them. Keep it up; all the very best to you!
What Medifast book did this recipe come out of because I have the Take Shape For Life Lean & Green Meal Cookbook and it isn’t in that. I’m always looking for different recipes for my Lean & Green meal.
Thanks!
um i dont know if we are allowed to have salsa on the lean and green its not on the condiments list i have.
Wow, everyone has lost so much in their first week or so. I guess it varies? I have been on it for 6 days and I’m down 3.5lbs. everyone else seems to be losing 6-8 at this point. I am sticking to it religiously.
Don’t be discouraged. I lost 22.9 pounds in 8 weeks, which also seems to be a lot lower than others who have posted on here. I try to ignore the jealousy and focus on how much healthier I feel.
I just made this! I used fit and active buffalo ranch instead of salsa and it was awesome! I’ve been on the program for 9 days and I’ve lost 15lbs!
Yeah, I am inclined to agree, I am new to Medifast and I already lost 7 pounds and I cheated some. This recipe for the taco salad is great! As far as the lobster – got enough for me, sounds delicious.
Hi
To add to the fact why no weight would be lost is quite simple. If you decide to just replace 5 meals and eat one of whatever. As my health coach would say at that point your eating just to eat. Now in another instance eating the non allowed foods, overeating, binging and eating more than 6 meals will keep you at same weight and regain anything you have lost. I never lost weight like I have with TSFL. I swear by it and furthermore I have become Vegan I want to say about 90-95% as some lean options have traces of egg and dairy. But I have switched to all non dairy and egg free medifast meals. I have lost over 15 lbs and gained all back with interest because of my own stuff I didnt deal with. Now currently I believe Im down 12 lbs in 9 weeks. Its been slow but I work hard and I still tend to eat a little more veggies and lean and I did cheat here and there. But at the end of the day I still saw results and I wont ever go back to my old ways as I love my health and my body way too much. I will reach my ultimate goal this time! Im sorry to hear no weightloss in two months. I know stress can keep the weight on, drinking, lack a sleep, emotional eating and anxiety. Congrats to all on this wonderful program. I owe it to TSFL my new found hobby cooking unhealthy things healthy! My latest Veganizing it all 🙂
Much love and namaste,
Sol
These recipes are great but I wish they would state what each serving is, such as 1 lean protein, 2 healthy fats, 3 veg servings, 3 condiment servings, etc. sort of like weight watchers where everything is assigned points. It’s just easier to read a recipe and see what each serving consists of. I have lost 11 1/2 lbs in 4 wks and my husband has lost 16 lbs and its not bad at all. Happy so far.