Having these dinners in mind allows me to use more calories on days that I am hungrier than usual during the day or I want to splurge at lunch with friends. But that doesn't mean dinner is slim pickings -- I often include a veggie-rich salad with a little dressing, too.
Here are some simple, healthy dinner ideas under 400 calories.
Gone Loco Veggie Burger
Veggie burger, 1, prepared as directed, topped with:
Avocado, half, mashed
Salsa, ½ c.
Whole-grain bun, 1
396 calories
Namaste Nosh
Naan bread, 1 piece, topped with:
Tomato sauce, ½ c.
Spinach, 1 c.
Low-fat mozzarella, ¼ c.
Almonds, slivered, 1 Tbsp.
Bake at 350 degrees until cheese is melted.
366 calories
Chicken Salad
Chicken, cooked and chopped, 3 oz. (Hint: I sometimes used canned chicken!)
Low-fat blue cheese, crumbled, 2 Tbsp.
Cucumber, chopped, ½ c.
Pecans, chopped, 1 Tbsp.
Dried cranberries, 1 Tbsp.
Romaine lettuce, 2 c.
Vinaigrette, 2 Tbsp.
356 calories
Rice and Beans
Black beans, ½ c. (Hint: I use canned to save time!)
Green bell pepper, chopped, ½ c.
Onion, chopped, ½ c.
Jalapeno, 1, chopped
Olive oil, 2 tsp.
Combine ingredients and cook in olive oil for five minutes. Top with:
Avocado, ¼, sliced
Serve over brown rice.
305 calories
Grilled Turkey Sammie
Roasted turkey, 3 slices (Hint: I prefer mesquite to bump up the flavor.)
Avocado, 2 slices
Low-fat pepper jack cheese, 1 slice
Whole-grain bread, 1 slice
Grill in non-stick pan (Hint: Spray with some non-fat cooking spray even though the pan is non-stick).
300 calories
Noodle Nosh
Udon noodles, ½ c., cooked with:
Spinach, 1 c. (Hint: It's okay to use frozen, it's just as nutritious.)
Hot vegetable broth, 1 ½ c.
Tofu, cubed, ½ c.
Mushroom, chopped, ½ c.
Soy sauce, 1 tsp.
226 calories
