Missing item for diner or lunch

GennyDeee

Hi all!

I often eat salmon and pork with veggies, don't want empty carbs like rice but still feel that something is missing. What do you guys would add to that?

Thanks!

P.S.: Goal is weight loss, 28yo female, on a 1 320 calories diet.

slaite1

What do you mean by empty carbs? Would you prefer something less starchy? Or something with more fiber?

I usually choose potatoes or whole grain enriched pasta over rice for extra fiber and protein-but there is nothing wrong with rice. I like using 1/2 a portion of rice and adding beans. Gets me the extra protein and fiber, and I still get to have rice.

Mistraal1981

Avocados.

kcrxgirl

What about quinoa or black beans (or a mixture of both)? Would provide more fiber and protein than rice.

lemurcat12

I don't really consider rice "empty carbs" so we might have different goals or viewpoints such that this is not helpful, but I don't like rice that much (it's okay, but usually not worth the calories to me) so with dinner I'd be more likely to have potatoes (with the skin) or sweet potatoes or corn (when in season) or lentils or peas as my starch, or maybe something like sunchokes (so good!) or root vegetables (carrots, turnips, parsnips, beets), or winter squash or even a second non starchy veg that contrasts well with the main veg (like brussels sprouts or green beans with cauliflower, but millions of options). It really depends on how many carbs I want (I like carbs at dinner, they are good for morning workouts) and how many calories I am going for.

Sometimes I replace the starch with avocado or fruit or dairy.

zyxst

I would add dessert, but that's me.

whmscll

You might like the quinoa lentils recipe I recently found;

http://www.food.com/recipe/lentil-quinoa-salad-433808?nl=email_share

areallycoolstory

do a second veggie that is more starchy, hearty, or filling. some examples are carrots, corn, brussels sprouts, califlower, mushrooms, and peas, which tend to be more filling than say spinach.

I actually have a potato almost every night and my calories come in under 1300. Yukon Gold potatoes are only 100 calories. I usually slice them thin and season, spray a pan with butter or olive oil non stick, give the potatoes a spray as well, bake at 400 for about 7 minutes, flip them over to cook for a few more minutes. super yum. sometimes i cut them into little match stick size pieces to make skinny delicious oven french fries.

areallycoolstory

zyxst wrote: »

I would add dessert, but that's me.

lol. yes:-)

Kexessa

Sometimes when I have fish and veggies I make a Lean Cuisine macaroni and cheese with it. If you cook it and spoon it onto your plate it looks like a lot of food and it's substantial. If you get the Vermont white cheddar one it has 14g of protein.

barbecuesauce

I like beans or lentils myself.

Kexessa

barbecuesauce wrote: »

I like beans or lentils myself.

I've discovered a real liking for black eyed peas and black beans which was surprising.

kimw91

For me adding something sauce usually helps. Whether it be a fruity salsa in summer, or zoodles tossed with some tomato sauce.

rahnia

Wholemeal couscous...good protein & fibre source. Hella easy to prepare.

lynn1643

Also brown rice, sweet potatoes, quinoa, variations of brown rice or quinoa pasta, beans, are all good. I just measure portions at night. I also like sides that are filling and add volume like zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, and brussel sprouts.
.

iLoveMyPitbull1225

sweet potato.

DoogCampbell

^^^^ This! sweet potato is fantastic, cut into wedges (skin on) and baked in a little olive oil with salt and rosemary is just brilliant.

Other than that things like cous cous and quinoa are great suggestions. If you don't want carbs at all you can look at things like olives and cheeses although you need to be careful on a 1320cal diet.

Kalikel

Some cottage cheese.

Francl27

For me adding some whole grain pasta or potatoes really helps filling me up and is totally worth the extra 150-200 calories. Or some mashed cauliflower or carrots or something. I typically feel the need to have two sides with my meals too (I know, it's weird).

reallyregina

My husband eats low carb. He generally just does huge meat/veggie portions. If you feel the need for that missing third item maybe some almonds on the side would help or a different veggie so you still "see" that second side.

lemurcat12

Francl27 wrote: »

For me adding some whole grain pasta or potatoes really helps filling me up and is totally worth the extra 150-200 calories. Or some mashed cauliflower or carrots or something. I typically feel the need to have two sides with my meals too (I know, it's weird).

I don't think it's weird, that's how I am too. I always do multiple vegetables if I am trying to keep the cals low and skip starch/fruit/dairy.