It’s probably cold outside (unless you’re in LA) … the perfect time for comfort food. But unless you’re a supermodel, it’s likely you’re trying to lose that winter weight you gained over the holidays (okay yes, I’m talking about me). Thing is … who wants to forego a loaded baked potato or a delicious stew for a tiny little salad? NOBODY. Here’s the good news. By making smart, low-fat meals that are both flavorful and filling, you don’t have to!
In that spirit, we’ve got 5 delicious meals that are lower in calories and also higher in taste and satisfaction. AWESOME!
A few general suggestions if you’re serious about keeping it healthy:
- Replace sugary snacks with fruit and have at least one serving of veggies with each major meal.
- Have 2-3 “meatless” dinners each week.
- Eat mainly fish and poultry. Meat is allowed once a week maximum.
- Work out 4-6 times per week. (45 minutes minimum)
And keep in mind, portion control is key to enjoying comfort meals while staying on track with your diet.
After these meals, you won’t be wondering what ELSE you can have for dinner (click the pics for recipes)...
1. Vegan Spinach Pasta
from thecheaplazyvegan.com
Savory and simple to make, this meatless meal may become a regular in your weekly meal planning.
2. Classic Chicken Salad
from foodiecrush.com
So many ways to make chicken salad! This recipe calls for adding grapes, but I prefer skipping the grapes and adding shredded carrots instead. Two great things about chicken salad … you can add whatever you like to it to make it “your way”, and it keeps for days in the fridge so you can make it on Sunday and eat it whenever.
3. Pan Seared Salmon
from primaverakitchen.com
I usually bake my salmon in the oven, but this pan seared salmon sounds like a quick way to make my favorite fish that doesn’t skimp on the flavor! Unlike the majority of home chefs out there I prefer electric to gas (that goes for my cars as well as my kitchen), so I’ll be trying this dish in my favorite electric skillet. Bon appetite!
4. Healthy Chicken Quesadilla
from healthyfitnessmeals.com
Tired of Taco Tuesday? Try this flavorful and healthy chicken quesadilla recipe instead! I prefer to skip the tomato puree in favor of fresh cut, cubed tomatoes, but you may like your quesadilla more saucy.
5. Poke Bowl
from cookedandloved.com
Okay, it may look complicated, but making a poke bowl is actually pretty simple. This Hawaiian dish consists of just 3 ingredients – protein, marinade and rice. Usually the protein is raw tuna but if you’re not a purist you can use salmon. I like both in my bowl. For those of you who get nauseous at the thought of raw fish ... go ahead, cook your fish (we won’t tell). This “make your own adventure” type dish lets you add lots of different extras, but if you’re sticking to the basics, the marinade and rice complete your meal. I love adding edamame, pickled ginger and guacamole to mine … definitely not a purist!
Add these tasty recipes to your weekly repertoire and break up the monotony of those same old dinners. More people are ordering out instead of eating in … reverse the trend for a healthier, lower cost alternative. You’ll finally be using more than just the refrigerator and microwave in your kitchen. And these flavor-filled dishes will make you glad you did.
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