If you’re on a diet, calorie counting and macro tracking can help you lose weight. With the holidays coming up, many people will want to lose a few pounds. But cutting calories doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. The following 6 Meal Prep Recipes Under 400 Calories are packed with tasty ingredients that are still healthy and low in calories.
Cobb salad
Cobb salad is an excellent Low Calorie Meal Prep option for those who are looking for a filling and hearty lunch. It is packed with bacon and chicken, as well as plenty of vegetables and healthy fats. It is also Whole30 compliant and dairy-free. This salad is easy to make, but packs a big punch. The combination of lean protein and healthy fats helps to keep you full for a long time.
To make this salad, start by cooking up some ground chicken in olive oil. After the chicken has cooked, you can cut it up and use it to make several salads. Add hard-boiled eggs, avocado, tomatoes, and cooked bacon, if you like. Add a red wine vinegar dressing for a low-calorie lunch.
To make the salad more convenient, prepare it in advance. It can be served in a big bowl or plate. It is best to prepare extra ingredients and dressing for a day or two ahead. This way, you don’t have to worry about leftovers. Moreover, you can reuse the dressing.
Besides being low-calorie, Cobb salads are also low-carb and full of nutrients. A good Cobb salad should include a variety of vegetables, lean protein, and a little healthy fat. One serving of a typical Cobb salad contains about 413 calories and seven grams of net carbohydrates.
Teriyaki chicken
Teriyaki chicken is a healthy meal prep that is great for lunch or dinner. It is an easy recipe to double or triple if needed. It is also quick and easy to make in advance. Make the sauce in advance, too, and it will be ready to go in no time.
Teriyaki chicken goes great with rice or stir-fried vegetables. It is an easy dish to prepare and can be easily stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also use the leftovers for another meal. This meal prep is convenient, healthy, and will help you save money on eating out.
When choosing chicken for teriyaki meal prep, it is important to choose skinless, boneless thighs. The skin adds 100 calories per ounce. The skin also contains fat, so choose skinless chicken if you can. It is also easy to cut the recipe down to a single serving size and prepare it in advance.
One ingredient that makes teriyaki chicken healthy is rice vinegar. It adds a sweet, tangy flavor to the meal. It is also great in sauces and dressings. Another ingredient is cornstarch, which helps thicken the sauce and keep the chicken mixture together. Sesame oil is another essential ingredient, which develops a rich flavor. Fresh ginger can also be added for an authentic Asian taste.
Chicken fajitas
Chicken fajitas are a delicious and nutritious recipe that can be made in the oven, stovetop, or on the grill. This recipe serves six, and the ingredients can be prepared in advance and stored in the freezer. It contains 592 calories per serving, making it a healthy meal prep option.
Cooking fajitas on the stove takes about 10 minutes. You must rinse the quinoa thoroughly before using it. Then, combine the quinoa with liquid and simmer for about 15 minutes. Then, you can serve the meal. The Low Calorie Meal Prep for chicken fajitas is a great option for busy days.
To prepare a low-calorie version of this Mexican dish, you’ll only need a sheet pan and a few ingredients. First, you can prepare chicken breasts by cutting them horizontally and crosswise. Next, you can mix olive oil with garlic, cumin, and chili powder. After that, you can add onions, bell peppers, and shredded lettuce. You can then transfer the mixture to the prepared sheet pan. Spread the mixture evenly.
Low Calorie Meal Prep for chicken fajitás can keep you on track throughout the week. The recipe is tasty and filling and it only takes a few minutes to prepare. You can prepare enough for five servings in advance so that you don’t run out of meals. Then, you can simply heat them up and serve them with warm tortillas and guacamole for a tasty and healthy meal.
Pesto chicken salad
A simple, Low Calorie Meal Prep idea is pesto chicken salad. This dish is great for lunch and can be made in advance for a week. The salad keeps well in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Traditional pesto includes basil, but you can swap it for nutritional yeast or walnuts for a healthier alternative.
This recipe is easy to prepare, requiring just ten ingredients. It is also versatile, serving as an appetizer, or as a main dish. It tastes fresh and is a fun midday meal. You can even freeze a portion for later use. Make sure to make enough for your family, since this recipe serves 10.
To make this salad, start by making a small amount of pesto. This will add a delicious, creamy flavor to your chicken salad. Add some lemon juice and lemon zest. You can also add some fresh herbs to the mixture. Once you have made the pesto, combine all the ingredients together. You’ll have a delicious, Low Calorie Meal Prep.
You can also make this salad using leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken. You can also use shredded or diced chicken breast. You can also use prepared or homemade pesto to make this dish more convenient for you. You can even serve it as a sandwich or over romaine lettuce, and you’ll be eating a filling meal in no time.
Mediterranean inspired chickpea salad
When it comes to low calorie meal prep, Mediterranean inspired chickpea salad is a great option. This recipe is fast and easy to make. It only takes 15 minutes to prepare. This salad is tasty and easy to store. It will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container. It is also a light, yet filling salad that makes use of the freshest summer ingredients.
This salad is packed with soluble fibers, which feed the good bacteria in your gut. They also help to keep your appetite in check. This recipe requires minimal ingredients and is high in protein and fiber. A simple chickpea salad contains chickpeas, cucumber, and fresh dill. If desired, you can also add feta cheese.
The Mediterranean chickpea salad is a tasty, healthy, and versatile meal prep option. It is a great side dish or a light dinner. It stores well without becoming soggy, and you can portion it throughout the week. You can also combine this salad with another protein such as grilled chicken or shredded chicken for a complete meal.
You can use canned chickpeas to make this dish, but you should make sure you rinse them first to remove the starchy liquid that may have accumulated inside them. This will improve their flavor and tenderness. Another bonus is that canned chickpeas often have a lot of sodium, so it’s recommended that you rinse them well before preparing the salad.
Three bean minestrone
This low-calorie soup is packed with wholesome veggies and beans. It’s also budget-friendly and perfect for a cosy winter meal. The classic soup has origins in Ancient Italy, where vegetarianism was a popular diet. The Romans enjoyed thick soups packed with vegetables.
If you’re on a budget, you can make a large batch of this soup and store it in the freezer for up to 4 months. Once frozen, divide it into portions so you’ll have easy access to reheat it whenever you need. Make sure you keep the soup in an air-tight container, with at least an inch of space between the soup and the lid. This will prevent the liquid from expanding as it sits in the freezer.
This soup can be made in the microwave or on the stove top. Use leftover vegetables if you have them. Add some extra virgin olive oil on top if you’re a vegetarian or vegan. It’s also great topped with parmesan cheese. You can also serve this soup with a green salad for a tasty lunch or dinner.