Low Calorie High Energy Lunch Ideas

Grilled Chicken Salad

When it comes to healthy lunches, a grilled chicken salad is one of the best options. Not only is it low in calories, it’s also high in energy and packed with nutrition. This salad is also versatile—you can add in any type of veggie or greens that you like, such as lettuce, arugula, spinach, or kale. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Ingredients

2 chicken breasts
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
2 cups of your favorite greens
1/4 cup diced red onion
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Rub the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Remove from the heat and let cool for a few minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, combine the greens, red onion, tomatoes, feta cheese, and walnuts. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar and 1 tablespoon of olive oil and toss to combine. Slice the chicken breasts and add to the salad. Serve immediately.

Nutrition

One serving of this salad contains approximately 350 calories, 20 grams of protein, 16 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbohydrates. It’s also packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. This salad is a great way to get your daily dose of nutrients while keeping your calorie count low.

Vegetable Soup

If you’re looking for a meal that’s low in calories and high in energy, vegetable soup is a great option. This soup is full of healthy ingredients like vegetables, beans, and herbs. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be made in bulk to last for several meals. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 onion, diced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 cups vegetable broth
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (15 ounces) white beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cups diced carrots
2 cups diced celery
2 cups chopped spinach
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 5 minutes, or until the onion is softened. Add the oregano, basil, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Add the vegetable broth, tomatoes, beans, carrots, and celery. Bring to a boil then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the spinach and parsley and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Serve warm.

Nutrition

One serving of this soup contains approximately 250 calories, 12 grams of protein, 5 grams of fat, and 40 grams of carbohydrates. It’s also full of vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron. This soup is a great way to get your daily dose of nutrients while keeping your calorie count low.

Conclusion

When it comes to healthy lunches, there are plenty of low-calorie and high-energy options. Grilled chicken salads and vegetable soups are two great choices. Both are packed with nutrition and can help you stay energized and full throughout the day. Plus, they’re both easy to make and can be customized to fit your tastes. So the next time you’re looking for a healthy lunch, try one of these recipes and enjoy!