If you’re looking for low calorie recipes that are delicious and nutritious, then look no further! This blog post will provide tasty recipes that all come under 16 calories. From light breakfasts to satisfying dinners, these low-calorie recipes make it easy to stick to a healthy diet. So, let’s get cooking and enjoy some delicious low-calorie recipes!
Low-calorie meals: Zucchini Noodles with Pesto
If you’re looking for a low calorie meal that’s still incredibly satisfying and delicious, look no further than zucchini noodles with pesto. This dish is not only healthy and nutritious, but it’s also packed with flavour that will leave you wanting more.
You only need a spiralizer or a julienne peeler to make zucchini noodles. Spiralize the zucchini into long, thin strands that resemble spaghetti noodles. Then, sauté the zucchini noodles in olive oil until tender and cooked.
For the pesto, blend fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil until smooth and creamy. Toss the zucchini noodles with the pesto until they’re well coated, and you have a delicious and satisfying low-calorie meal.
The best part about this dish is that it’s incredibly versatile. Add cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or grilled chicken for extra flavour and protein. It’s the perfect meal for those watching their calorie intake but still wants to enjoy a delicious and filling dish.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Cauliflower Fried Rice is a fantastic low-carb recipe that can be enjoyed by anyone looking to cut down on calories. Instead of using traditional rice, cauliflower is used as a substitute, making this dish lighter and healthier.
To make cauliflower fried rice:
- Stir cauliflower florets in a food processor until they reach a rice-like consistency.
- Heat a skillet with oil and add minced garlic and diced onion.
- Cook until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant.
Next, add your cauliflower rice and cook for a few minutes until it softens. Make a well in the centre of the skillet and crack in a couple of eggs. Scramble the eggs and then mix them into the cauliflower rice.
For added flavour, you can add your favourite vegetables, such as peas, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir fry them with the cauliflower rice until they are cooked to your liking. Season with soy sauce or tamari for a savoury taste, and you’re done!
Cauliflower fried rice is a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. For a complete meal, you can add lean protein like shrimp, chicken, or tofu. This low-carb recipe is not only delicious, but it’s also packed with vitamins, minerals, and fibre. Give it a try and enjoy a guilt-free, flavorful meal!
Cucumber and Tomato Salad
Cucumber and tomato salad is a refreshing and light dish for hot summer days. Not only is it low in calories, but it is also packed with vitamins and minerals. This salad is incredibly simple to make, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal preparation time.
Cut cucumber and a few tomatoes into thin rounds to make this salad. Then, chop up some red onion and fresh parsley for added flavour. Combine the sliced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley in a bowl. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette dressing, or squeeze some lemon juice over the top. Toss everything together until well combined.
This salad is great on its own as a refreshing snack or can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish. The combination of the crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and tangy dressing is a true crowd-pleaser. Plus, it adds a burst of colour to any plate.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Brussels sprouts may not be everyone’s first choice regarding vegetables, but trust me when I say that roasting them takes them to a new level of deliciousness. These little green gems are packed with vitamins and minerals, and when burned, they become crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
To make roasted Brussels sprouts:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Trim the ends off the Brussels sprouts and cut them in half.
- Toss them in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd them.
- Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
The result is a dish that is full of flavour and texture. The outer leaves become slightly charred and caramelized, while the inside remains tender. Roasted Brussels sprouts are a perfect side dish for any meal and a healthy snack.
You can get creative with your roasted Brussels sprouts by adding other flavours. Try tossing them with balsamic vinegar and honey for a sweet and tangy twist, or sprinkle them with parmesan cheese for a cheesy, savoury flavour. No matter how you season them, roasted Brussels sprouts are a simple and delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet. Give them a try, and you might change your mind about this underrated vegetable.
Egg White Omelette
Egg white omelettes are a delicious and healthy option for a low-calorie breakfast or brunch. With only around 17 calories per egg white, they are a great way to start your day.
To make an egg white omelette, separate the yolks from the whites and whisk the egg whites until they are frothy. Then, heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and pour the egg whites into the pan. Allow the eggs to cook for a few minutes until the edges start to set, then use a spatula to gently lift the edges and tilt the pan to let the uncooked egg whites run underneath.
Add any desired toppings to the omelette once the egg whites are mostly set. Low-calorie options include spinach, mushrooms, diced bell peppers, and low-fat cheese. Fold the omelette in half and continue cooking for another minute until the cheese is melted and the omelette is cooked through.
Baked Sweet Potato Chips
Sweet potato chips are a perfect snack when craving something crispy and crunchy. But traditional potato chips are high in calories and unhealthy. That’s why baked sweet potato chips are a fantastic alternative for a healthy and tasty snack. Not only are they easy to make, but they’re also low in calories.
You only need a few sweet potatoes, olive oil, salt, and pepper to make baked sweet potato chips. First, preheat your oven to 375°F. Slice the sweet potatoes into thin rounds. Then, place the slices onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle the slices with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until crispy and golden brown.
These baked sweet potato chips are a perfect low-calorie and healthy snack option. Not only are they low in calories, but they’re also packed with nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, and fibre. So the next time you’re craving something crunchy and salty, skip the traditional potato chips and give these delicious baked sweet potato chips a try!
Grilled Chicken Kabobs
Grilled chicken kabobs are a fantastic low-calorie option for a delicious and satisfying meal. Not only are they packed with flavour, but they are also easy to prepare. The best part is that you can customize the kabobs to suit your taste preferences.
To make grilled chicken kabobs:
- Cut boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favourite herbs and spices.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to develop.
While the chicken is marinating, soak wooden skewers in water to prevent them from burning on the grill. Once the chicken is ready, thread it onto the skewers, alternating with colourful vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes.
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Place the kabobs on the grill and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping occasionally, until the chicken is cooked and the vegetables are tender.
Low carb recipes
If you want to cut down on carbs but still enjoy delicious and satisfying meals, these low carb recipes are perfect for you. Low-carb diets have gained popularity in recent years, as they have been shown to help with weight loss and improve overall health.
One of my favourite low-carb recipes is a cauliflower crust pizza. Instead of traditional pizza dough, the crust is made with grated cauliflower, egg, and cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy a pizza without all the carbs and calories. Another low-carb option is zucchini noodles, also known as “zoodles.” They are a great substitute for traditional pasta and can be used in various dishes, from stir-fries to spaghetti.
For a filling and nutritious breakfast, try an egg white omelette. By using only the egg whites and loading them with veggies, you can create a low-carb and high-protein meal that will satisfy you throughout the morning. Baked sweet potato chips are a great option if you’re craving a snack. They are much healthier than traditional potato chips and are low in carbs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, incorporating low-calorie recipes into your diet means something other than sacrificing flavour or satisfaction. With the right ingredients and creativity, you can enjoy delicious meals while keeping your calorie intake in check.
From zucchini noodles with pesto to cauliflower fried rice, these recipes prove that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. The key is to focus on nutrient-dense ingredients and to make smart substitutions where possible. For example, using cauliflower instead of rice or swapping out regular pasta for zucchini noodles can significantly reduce the calorie content of a dish without compromising taste.