Low Calorie But Filling Lunch Ideas

One of the biggest hurdles when it comes to dieting or trying to eat healthy is finding meals that are both low in calories, yet still filling. It’s easy to find recipes that are low in calories, but the challenge is finding meals that fill you up and don't leave you feeling hungry and unsatisfied.

Chicken, Broccoli, and Quinoa Bowl

This delicious, filling meal is low in calories and packed with protein. To make it, start by cooking quinoa according to the package instructions. While the quinoa is cooking, heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray and add in cubed chicken breasts. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned. Add in one head of broccoli, cut into florets, and cook until lightly browned and tender.

Ingredients

1 cup cooked quinoa
1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
1 head broccoli, cut into florets
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. sesame oil
1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp. honey
2 tsp. cornstarch
1/4 cup water

Instructions

Cook quinoa according to package instructions.
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Spray with cooking spray and add in cubed chicken breasts. Cook until the chicken is cooked through and lightly browned.
Add in the broccoli florets and cook until lightly browned and tender.
Add in the chicken broth, garlic, and sesame oil. Simmer until the liquid is reduced by half.
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, cornstarch, and water. Add to the pan and stir to combine.
Continue to cook until the sauce is thickened and the chicken and broccoli are fully cooked.
Serve over cooked quinoa.

Nutrition

This meal contains about 420 calories per serving. It is packed with protein and fiber, providing about 32 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per serving. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, calcium, and iron.

Spicy Peanut Noodle Bowl

This spicy noodle bowl is a great way to get your Thai food fix without breaking your diet. To make it, start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. While the noodles are cooking, heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add in one tablespoon of peanut oil and one tablespoon of sesame oil. Add in one diced onion and one diced bell pepper and cook until softened.

Ingredients

8 oz. whole wheat spaghetti
2 tsp. peanut oil
2 tsp. sesame oil
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp. grated ginger
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp. rice vinegar
2 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. sriracha
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup hot water
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

Cook the noodles according to the package instructions.
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add in the peanut oil and sesame oil.
Add in the onion and bell pepper and cook until softened.
Add in the garlic and ginger and cook for one minute.
Add in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and sriracha and stir to combine.
Add in the peanut butter and hot water and stir until smooth.
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss to coat.
Top with chopped peanuts and cilantro.

Nutrition

This meal contains about 430 calories per serving. It is also high in protein and fiber, providing about 15 grams of protein and 8 grams of fiber per serving. It is also rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, iron, and calcium.

Conclusion

Eating a low-calorie lunch can be a challenge, but it is possible to make delicious, filling meals that are healthy and won’t break your diet. These two recipes are great examples of low-calorie but filling lunches. They are both packed with flavor and nutrition, and best of all, they are easy to make and won’t leave you feeling hungry.