How Emil Used Bigger Leaner Stronger to Lose 35 Pounds and 13% Body Fat
“I get a lot more attention from women. This didn’t happen to me before!”
When you want to lose fat and get lean, the biggest hurdle that you have to clear is getting your diet right.
As you probably know, that mostly means eating the right amount of calories and macronutrients every day. And by “right amount,” I mean “less than you want.”
That’s why many people struggle greatly with hunger and cravings when trying to lose weight. Their bodies view the caloric restriction as a potential threat to survival and take measures to negate it.
That’s also why the best types of foods for losing weight are lower in calories but highly nutritious and filling, like the potato.
Yes, you read that right.
Unbeknownst to many, the plain ol’ potato isn’t unhealthy or fattening. In fact, it’s one of the most satiating and nutrient-dense foods you can eat.
What it isn’t, though, is flavorful, until you load it up with fatty delights like butter, sour cream, and bacon bits.
This works wonders for our palates, but presents a problem: extra calories. Lots and lots of them.
As you’ll see with these recipes, though, it doesn’t have to be that way.
Roasted red potatoes are already pleasantly sweet, and with a little creativity, they can make delicious and “macro-friendly” meals.
For example, if you’re looking for a simple, flavorful standby that will work for any meal plan, try the Roasted Red Potatoes with Lemongrass, Garlic & Cilantro.
For a cross between mashed and roasted potatoes, the Indian Spiced Crash Potatoes are perfect for you.
And if you want something more indulgent, try the Roasted Red Potatoes with Bacon Parmesan Vinaigrette.
Enjoy!
Oven-roasted red potatoes are easy to make, and if you have the time, you can quickly add other ingredients to the mix too.
A jar of artichoke hearts is delicious when roasted with red potatoes. And it’s even better with herbs. Try oregano, rosemary, and thyme, which can be used up later for another recipe, or just kept in the freezer for future meals.
258
Calories5 g
Protein33 g
Carbs13 g
FatIngredients
1 1/2 lbs. red potatoes
1 large shallot
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 can (14 oz.) artichoke quarters, drained
Get the RecipeWith lemongrass and cilantro, these potatoes are an excellent substitute for rice as a side dish.
Lemongrass roasted red potatoes taste delicious with a simple curry, and also go well with grilled meats that use a variety of Asian marinades like Thai sweet chili or ginger-soy.
228
Calories5 g
Protein37 g
Carbs7 g
FatIngredients
3 lbs. red potatoes, cut into 2” pieces
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. cilantro paste
2 Tbsp. lemongrass paste
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 Tbsp. fresh lemon zest
Get the RecipeIn the summer, keep your eye out for fresh herbs. Especially when they’re pungent like dill, they add a lot of flavor with minimal work.
If you have a whole bunch of dill, you’ll need a few ways to use it all up. For a quick and healthy dip, mix together a cup of cottage cheese, whey protein powder, and season with garlic salt and fresh dill.
163
Calories5 g
Protein25 g
Carbs6 g
FatIngredients
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup (about 1 oz.) grated Parmesan
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill
2 lbs. red potatoes, cut into 1” pieces
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Get the RecipeDon’t have energy to make much more than a simple meat entrée seasoned with salt and pepper? Pair it with these roasted red potatoes.
You’ll get plenty of flavor from the garlic, fresh herbs, and cheese. And you can swap flavors to use up whatever ingredients you have on hand, like Emmental cheese and basil or white cheddar and sage.
195
Calories5 g
Protein28 g
Carbs7 g
FatIngredients
3 lbs. petite red potatoes, halved
8 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh rosemary
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup (about 2 oz.) grated asiago cheese
1 1/2 tsp. salt
3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
Get the RecipeWhen you’re learning to cook – or learning to meal prep in a hurry – it pays to practice easy, versatile recipes like this.
Chop up the potatoes, add oil and seasoning, then bake. And while they’re in the oven, you’ve got time to pan-sear chicken breast or poach salmon.
162
Calories4 g
Protein35 g
Carbs1 g
FatIngredients
4 medium red potatoes, diced
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1 tsp. granulated garlic
1/2 tsp. dried parsley
2 Tbsp. avocado oil
Nonstick spray
Get the RecipeThis impressive side dish will taste like something you’d have at a restaurant. Yet you only need a handful of ingredients for the potatoes and homemade vinaigrette.
You can use your favorite dressing for these potatoes if you prefer. But this one is not to be missed with bacon, garlic, and Parmesan.
357
Calories14 g
Protein41 g
Carbs17 g
FatIngredients
2 lbs. baby red potatoes, quartered
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
4 strips bacon, cooked and chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
3 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/4 cup (about 1 oz.) shredded Parmesan
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
Get the RecipeThis recipe for potato salad doesn’t need mayonnaise to be delicious. Instead it relies on Mediterranean flavors like mint, capers, and roasted red peppers.
The chickpeas go in the oven with the red potatoes, seasonings included. After they’re cooked, just drizzle with olive oil and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
309
Calories7 g
Protein46 g
Carbs12 g
FatIngredients
1 1/2 lbs. petite red potatoes, rinsed and quartered
1 can (15.5 oz.) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 tsp. salt
2 tsp. paprika
Juice from 1/2 lemon
1 jar (7 oz.) roasted red peppers, drained and diced
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint
3 Tbsp. capers, drained
2 large cloves garlic, minced
Get the RecipeThis healthy spring salad is awesome whether the weather is still cool or already getting warm.
Serve it with freshly roasted asparagus and potatoes, or if you want it to be cool and refreshing, move them from the oven to the fridge a couple hours before serving. Then add the salad greens and dressing when ready.
280
Calories6 g
Protein45 g
Carbs10 g
FatIngredients
4 red potatoes, chopped
1 bunch asparagus, chopped
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup low-fat honey mustard vinaigrette (or dressing of choice)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
Get the RecipeCan’t decide between roasted or mashed potatoes? With this simple cooking method, you’ll get the best of both.
This crash potatoes recipe includes turmeric, masala, and fresh cilantro for South Asian flavor. Or you can follow these steps – boil, add to a hot skillet, and smash the potatoes as they roast in the pan – then use your favorite seasonings.
235
Calories5 g
Protein40 g
Carbs7 g
FatIngredients
10 small red potatoes
2 Tbsp. oil or butter
Scant 1/4 tsp. carom seeds (or caraway)
Pinch of red chili flakes
Salt to taste
1/4 tsp. turmeric
1/2 tsp. chaat masala powder
Red chili powder to taste
Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Squeeze of lemon juice
Get the RecipeWant more flavor than you can get from seasonings? Chop up another ingredient like tomatoes to roast along with the red potatoes.
This recipe for roasted red potatoes with rosemary only takes a handful of ingredients. And you can use either dried or fresh herbs depending on what’s in your kitchen.
134
Calories2 g
Protein27 g
Carbs1 g
FatIngredients
6 medium red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil (or more as needed)
4 Roma tomatoes
1 Tbsp. minced fresh rosemary (or 1 tsp. dried)
Minced chives
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Get the Recipe“I get a lot more attention from women. This didn’t happen to me before!”
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Many companies use shipping and handling fees to increase their profit margins, but here at Legion, we hate profits, so our shipping is free!
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Also, if you don’t absolutely love our stuff for whatever reason, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon.
We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. No returns. No forms. No nonsense. Holy moo cows.
That means you can say “yes” now and decide later. You really have nothing to lose.
Many companies use shipping and handling fees to increase their profit margins, but here at Legion, we hate profits, so our shipping is free!
Okay, so we do dig on profits, but we also go in for happy customers, and free shipping works like gangbusters. So, if you’re outside the USA, your order ships free when it’s over $299.
Why the restriction on international orders? Unfortunately, shipping abroad is very expensive, and if we didn’t require a minimum order size, we’d lose a lot of money. But! We're also hustling to improve our international logistics and will be passing our savings along to our international customers.
Also, if you don’t absolutely love our stuff for whatever reason, we don’t request you deliver it to a PO box in the Gobi Desert by carrier pigeon.
We just . . . wait for it . . . give you your money back. No returns. No forms. No nonsense. Holy moo cows.
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