When you are trying to lose weight or you just want to start eating healthy, it’s important to be aware of your calorie intake and pay attention to what you eat every day. Although healthful eating habits may seem dull and tiresome, there are many flavorful meals that are both delicious and low in calories. Read on.
1. Oatmeal with Fruit
For a healthy breakfast, it is hard to beat oatmeal. One serving of oatmeal consists of a half cup of dry oats, measured before adding water or milk, and packs around 150 calories.
Adding fresh fruit such as banana, berries, or apple slices will provide not only a punch of flavor but additional nutrients. Oatmeal provides a high dose of fiber and vitamins, making it an excellent addition to a healthy eating regimen.
2. Egg White Breakfast Burrito
There are many suggestions for preparing egg whites, but none provide quite as much flavor or customization options as a breakfast burrito. Scramble two or three egg whites and combine them with grilled turkey or chicken sausage, black beans, a spoonful of fresh salsa, low fat cheese, and a whole wheat, low-calorie wrap for a delicious breakfast with excellent health benefits.
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3. Roasted Herb Salmon with Salad
Baked fish is a staple of healthy diets. Adding fresh herbs can go a long way to liven up a go-to recipe. Combine Dijon mustard, fresh lemon juice, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, oregano, salt, and pepper and coat both sides of the fillets.
Roast for 10 to 15 minutes until it is tender. Serve over a bed of greens.
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4. Thai Carrot Salad
If you like traditional Thai flavors but don’t want to splurge on a creamy curry, this salad will satiate the craving. Mix Thai fish sauce with two fresh juiced limes, soft brown sugar, shredded red chillies, shredded carrots, two bundles of cooked rice noodles, and a handful of toasted peanuts. Toss all of the ingredients together, serve, and enjoy!
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5. Thyme Turkey Burgers
In a large bowl, combine a package of lean ground turkey with two teaspoons of chopped fresh thyme. Zest a lemon into the mixture and shape it into patties.
These can be frozen for future use or grilled immediately. Serve with slices of fresh tomato and lettuce on a low calorie whole wheat roll.
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6. Tortilla Pizzas
Using lower calorie tortillas and cheese, it is possible to create a guilt-free version of your favorite pizza dish. Once toppings have been applied, put it in the oven until the cheese is melted and the edges of the tortilla look slightly crispy. You can also use low calorie sandwich thins or pitas.
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7. Stir-Fry with Cauliflower Rice
In order to cut down on the calories in your favorite stir-fry, try substituting shredded cauliflower for rice. Using a food processor or cheese grater, shred the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces. Grill briefly with low fat cooking spray before serving with stir-fried vegetables.
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8. Vegetables and Hummus
This combination can be eaten as a snack or a meal. Using nutrient dense vegetables such as cauliflower, celery, and zucchini will provide you a substantial meal with a low caloric count.
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9. Raw Zucchini Spaghetti with Marinara Sauce
You will need 2 zucchini peeled, 3 medium tomatoes cut into wedges, 1 medium, sweet red bell pepper, ¼ cup sun dried tomatoes in olive oil, 1 tsp. Italian seasoning, sea salt, red pepper flakes. Rotate the zucchini making fettuccini like ribbons with a vegetable peeler. This will be your spaghetti.
Add the remaining ingredients to a blender and pulse to desired thickness. Top the zucchini spaghetti with marinara and enjoy. Yield: 2 servings.
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10. Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Almonds
For spinach salad with strawberries and almonds you’ll need 2 cups baby spinach leaves, 12 fresh strawberries, sliced, 1 tbsp. raw slivered almonds, 2 tbsp. Balsamic Vinaigrette, 1 tbsp. thinly sliced red onion. Arrange onion slices then strawberries and almonds on a bed of spinach leaves. Drizzle with Balsamic Vinaigrette dressing.
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11. Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breast
You will need 4 oz. boneless skinless chicken breast, ¼ cup feta cheese crumbles, ½ cup fresh spinach leaves, ½ small yellow onion, chopped, 1 tsp. extra virgin olive oil, sea salt and pepper. Pound chicken breast flat. Sauté onion in extra virgin olive oil for about 5 minutes.
Add spinach to wilt then add feta cheese, salt, and pepper. Roll mixture in chicken breast, secure with a toothpick and cook on medium heat for about 10 minutes turning occasionally. Remove toothpick and serve.
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12. Baked Salmon with Asparagus
Take ¼ lb. asparagus spears, 5 oz. salmon fillet, 1 small lemon, salt and pepper to taste. Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spray a foil sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Place salmon fillet in middle of foil sheet and top with asparagus spears.
Squeeze half the lemon over the salmon and asparagus then salt and pepper to your liking. Fold the foil to seal leaving a tiny space for air to circulate, place on a cookie sheet in the center of the oven and cook for 15 min. Garnish with lemon wedges.
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13. Steak and Bacon Tournedos
For this recipe you will need 3 ounces flank steak, pounded to 1/2 inch thickness unseasoned meat tenderizer, 1-1/4 slices bacon, cooked, but still soft, 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt, 3/4 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley. Score steak, season on both sides then sprinkle with parsley.
Lay bacon strips lengthwise on steak. Roll up and secure with a toothpick. Grill for about 15 minutes, turning once.
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14. Black Bean and Corn Burritos
Take 1 can black beans, drained, 1 can whole kernel corn, drained, 1 can Rotel tomatoes, drained, 1 Tbsp. cilantro, chopped, 4 Whole Wheat Tortilla’s. Mix the first four ingredients in a large bowl. Warm tortillas for 15 seconds in the microwave. Add ¼ black bean mixture to each tortilla and wrap. Yield: 4 servings.
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15. Cajun Halibut
For this recipe you will need 4 oz. halibut steak, ¼ tsp. garlic powder, ¼ tsp. paprika, ¼ tsp. ground red pepper, salt and pepper to taste. Mix spices together then rub both sides of fish. Pan fry fish for 3 to 4 minutes in a non-stick skillet.
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16. Tuscan Scrambled Eggs
You’ll need 3 eggs, ¼ yellow onion, chopped, 2 plum tomatoes, 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste. Sauté onions until translucent.
Add tomatoes and cook over low heat until liquid evaporates. Whisk eggs with salt and pepper, add to tomato mixture and cook over medium heat until done.
These flavorful meals will help you enjoy your food and still reach your fitness goals.
Do you know any other meals under 200 calories? Share them with us, please.
