Lunch is often a meal most people eat on the run. This can pose a problem for people interested in eating healthier or who might want to shed a few extra pounds. When looking for low calorie lunch ideas, people also want to find foods that are tasty and meals that are appealing. Eggs are often included in menu plans for dieters. Eggs are low in calories and contain protein, which is why they are often substituted for meat products.
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Add Some Zip to Your Eggs
If you are looking for ways to make your eggs more interesting, there are some condiments you can add, which will change the flavor without adding more calories. A deviled egg recipe can be made using low fat or fat free salad dressing or mayonnaise. To add some extra zip to the flavor add a few tablespoons of horse relish.
People who enjoy eating spicy dishes can create an egg white omelet and pour a zesty salsa over the top. Egg white omelets can also be spiced up with the addition of chilies or peppers, along with chopped onions and tomatoes. A light sprinkling of a low calorie cheddar across the top will make this dish complete.
Creating Low Calorie Lunches for the Workplace
For those people who work all day, bringing your lunch to work will help you stay on your low calorie diet. Sandwiches are a favorite item to make because they are easy to pack. When looking for low calorie lunch recipes, there are several in the category of sandwiches.
Turkey and Tomato on Whole Wheat
Ingredients:
3 ounces of sliced turkey
2 or 3 slices of tomato
Low calorie Parmesan dressing
1 tsp basil
2 slices whole wheat bread
This sandwich can be put together as a cold sandwich or grilled and served hot. The ingredients can vary according to your personal taste, with different dressings substituted for the Parmesan. You can also make your own low calorie dressing by combining the following ingredients:
1 Tablespoon low fat mayonnaise
1 Tablespoon nonfat plain yogurt
1 Tablespoon chopped basil
½ teaspoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
Add black pepper to taste
In addition, the main ingredients for the sandwich can also be mixed and matched according to a person’s individual tastes. Fresh vegetables such as bean sprouts, spinach or cucumber slices, can be substituted for the turkey to create a delicious vegetarian sandwich.
Another favorite idea of mine is a salad. I know that salads can have a bad rap, but you can have a low cal lunch that is filling just by mixing up some of the night before’s leftovers. What we do in our home is save a piece of chicken or beef (almost any type of cut) and the throw about 2 oz (half of chicken breast) onto a bed of lettuce. Top the salad with a couple pinches of cheese and even a hard boiled egg. The total calorie count, even with indulging in a little cheese is only about 300 to 350 calories. This is before your dressing, so make sure you choose a light brand or make your own.
What do you pack for your lunch? We would love to hear some healthy ideas! Leave your comment below!
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