Low Calorie Hot Lunch Ideas
Wednesday, May 24, 2023
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Low Calorie Hot Lunch Ideas
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Skinny Lasagna
Lasagna is one of the most popular Italian dishes, but it’s usually high in calories and fats. However, you can make an equally delicious, but much healthier version with this skinny lasagna recipe.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of spinach, chopped
- 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese, grated
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of basil
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 8 lasagna noodles
- 2 cups of marinara sauce
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, garlic powder, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9”x13” baking dish.
4. Arrange 4 of the lasagna noodles over the sauce. Spread half of the ricotta mixture over the noodles.
5. Top with 1/2 cup of sauce and the remaining noodles. Spread the remaining ricotta mixture over the noodles and top with the remaining sauce.
6. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 35 minutes.
7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the lasagna is golden brown and bubbling.
8. Let cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition:
This skinny lasagna is a great low calorie hot lunch option that is packed with protein and other essential vitamins and minerals. One serving of this lasagna contains about 350 calories, with 28 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber. It also contains plenty of iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Broccoli cheddar soup is a classic comfort food that is usually loaded with calories. But, you can lighten up this dish with this easy, low calorie version.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 cups of low-sodium vegetable broth
- 2 cups of skim milk
- 2 cups of broccoli florets, chopped
- 1/2 cup of carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup of celery, diced
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the vegetable broth, milk, broccoli, carrots, celery, oregano, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/2 cup of water.
6. Add the cornstarch mixture to the soup and stir to combine.
7. Simmer for 5 minutes, or until the soup has thickened.
8. Stir in the cheddar cheese and simmer for an additional 2 minutes.
9. Serve hot.
Nutrition:
This broccoli cheddar soup is a great option for a low calorie hot lunch. One serving of this soup contains about 220 calories, with 16 grams of protein and 6 grams of fiber. It’s also a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamins A and C.
Turkey Chili
Chili is one of the most popular winter dishes, but it’s usually high in calories and fat. However, you can make a healthier version with this turkey chili recipe.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 pound of ground turkey
- 1 (15-ounce) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes
- 1 (4-ounce) can of diced green chiles
- 2 tablespoons of chili powder
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and bell pepper and cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground turkey and cook until the turkey is cooked through, about 8 minutes.
4. Add the black beans, tomatoes, green chiles, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 15 minutes.
6. Serve hot.
Nutrition:
This turkey chili is an excellent low calorie hot lunch option that is packed with protein and fiber. One serving of this chili contains about 285 calories, with 22 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber. It’s also a great source of iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
Quinoa is a great source of protein and fiber, so it’s a perfect base for a healthy, low calorie hot lunch. This vegetable quinoa bowl is a tasty and nutritious option that you can whip up in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups of vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup of sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 cup of mushrooms, sliced
- 1 cup of spinach, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the quinoa and vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
4. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes.
5. Add the sweet potatoes, mushrooms, spinach, salt, and pepper and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the vegetables are softened.
6. Serve hot.
Nutrition:
This vegetable quinoa bowl is a great low calorie hot lunch option that is packed with protein, fiber, and other essential vitamins and minerals. One serving of this quinoa bowl contains about 370 calories, with 12 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber. It also contains plenty of iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C.
Eating a healthy, low calorie hot lunch every day is a great way to stay energized and full throughout the day. These five recipes are all delicious and nutritious options that you can make in no time. So, the next time you’re looking for a healthy lunch idea, give one of these recipes a try!
