Favorite 400 calorie or less meals?

I'll admit that for lunch I usually have a Lean Cuisine meal or VH Steamers or something like that. I know there's usually too much salt, but if I had to rely on myself putting together something every day, I'd end up eating junk anyway, so I figure at least I'm getting some veggies and not too many calories.

And some of them are pretty tasty!

I have about 50 grams baby spinach with 120 grams of whatever protein you like (usually turkey or fish), sweet potato baked and cut up and for the "dressing" a 1/4 cup of low fat cottage cheese is perfect And for a low carb option I bake some pumpkin or mushrooms instead. Really satisfying and usually comes in around 300-400 cals

I usually eat either the lean cuisine, smart ones or healthy choice. I have found some that are really tasty. Way too much sodium, but better than eating out every day. I am not a cook and if this is going to be a life style change then it has to be something that I can live with. I am loosing weight and adding fruit and fresh vegatables to my diet. I am not hungry and I know I can live with it. So what works for me may not work for others.

I just thought of something else? Do you like seafood? There are so many things you can do with shrimp and it's not high in calories. I also just started making this crab dip and having it with low fat crackers. That's really low in calories too. Let me know if you want the recipe

That sounds awesome... please share!

My favorite right now is a Morningstar Farms Chipolte Blackbean Burger (190), 2 slices Healthy Life Bread (70), a slice of pepper jack cheese (80) and some Ott's Wing Sauce (20 Tbsp) or Horseradish Mustard for some kick. Throw in some veggies to get to 400 if you wish. Joe

2 Turkey tacos!

Lean ground Turkey 90/10
Black Beans
Corn
Cheese
Corn Tortillas heated
Lime for taste

I can eat 2 for under 400 cals

"Garlic-y Shrimp & Grits"

1/4 cup dried polenta (prepared according to directions)
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup chopped onion
1.5 tsp olive oil
1 cup baby spinach
1/2 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp minced garlic (divided)
1/4 tsp dried oregano
3 oz. large shrimp

Cook polenta according to directions and stir in 1/4 garlic, 1 tsp olive oil, and black pepper. Cook onion in 1 to 1.5 tsp olive oil over med-high heat for 4 minutes. Add 1 cup spinach and shrimp and cook until shrimp is pink. Add diced tomatoes, 1/4 tsp garlic, oregano and simmer until heated through. Serve over polenta.

387 cals, 15g fat, 26g protein, 4g fiber, 5g sugar

"Lemon Basil Shrimp & Pasta"

4 oz large shrimp
1 cup baby spinach
1 tbsp fresh basil
1 tbsp capers (drained)
1/2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 oz (dry) whole grain linguine
1/4 tsp sea salt
1.5 tsp olive oil

Cook pasta according to directions. Add shrimp too pasta water for last 3 minute of cooking and cook both until done. Drain pasta/shrimp mixture and pour into bowl. Stir in basil, capers, olive oil, lemon juice and salt. Top spinach on plate with pasta mixture.

370 cals, 11g fat, 28g protein, 7g fiber, 2g sugar

I just thought of something else? Do you like seafood? There are so many things you can do with shrimp and it's not high in calories. I also just started making this crab dip and having it with low fat crackers. That's really low in calories too. Let me know if you want the recipe

That sounds awesome... please share!

I buy a package of the louis kemp flake style crab meat. You then break it up with your hands to very small pieces. It will be almost shredded. Then I add Hellmans mayo (you can use light if you want) and add black pepper. A lot of black pepper. As far as the mayo, I don't like to much mayo. just add what you like. Then I serve it with low fat ritz crackers or use whatever kind you like. It is very low in calories this meal. You can have it for lunch or snack.

when I do something like that I also take frozen veggies and add them in. It is easy, doesn't add many calories, doesn't really affect the taste, and fills me up. I do this with everything from frozen burritos and hot pockets to lean cuisine meals. Good luck!

Everyone's 400 calorie meals sound either like rabbit food to me or like tiny, frozen appetizers lol. I'm thinking like, sausage & cheese casseroles can be under 400 cals a serving if you use turkey/chicken sausage. A modified carbonara sauce can be 300-350 cals per serving... Asian stir fries with crunchy veggies, beef stew, meatballs & cheese in a whole wheat pita. Now I have to stop because I'm getting hungry lol.

TACOS!!!!
1 lb lean ground beef
12 white corn tortillas
4 oz Medium Cheddar (Tilamook)
4 oz Monty Jack
Brown the ground beef and season as you wish (seasoning really only adds calories if you're adding veggies. I only use salt, pepper and herbs/spices). The corn tortilla make your taco shells. You use canola oil across the bottom of your skillet. Wait until hot, then you take the tortilla and make them into taco shells. They're really tasty. (and I can't explain taco shells well...sorry XD)

Salsa (serves 100+)
10 peppers of your choice (at least 5 jalapenos, I use 1 habanero, 2-3 serrano, 1-2 mini sweet)
1 15oz can whole peeled tomatoes
3-4 tbls of garlic (minced)

Pull the tops of the peppers off, boil the peppers for 10 minutes (or until they have that nice hot smell), throw everything else in a blender and you're done! (3 cals per serving, no joke!)

All together: 390 calories and serves 4

Yes, Amy's Kitchen has some tasty stuff, especially for those who are trying to do a gluten free diet. I love her gluten-free burrito - 240 calories and there is also an organic whole wheat black bean burrito -290 calories I think? I pair it with some tortilla chips and salsa, 4 tablespoons equal 20 calories I am around 390-440 calories.

bump for later

I figured out how to make fish tacos, after enjoying them in restaurants for the past couple of years. Many stores have fresh frozen individually packaged tilapia filets for around 5-6. I buy the fish taco spice, or just use chili powder and some garlic salt, cook the fish in olive oil in a nonstick pan, and then serve in either flour or corn taco/tortilla shells with the usual fixings -- lettuce, salsa, chopped tomato, with a 1/2 cup side of instant brown rice. Much less fattening that beef tacos, but satisfies that craving for Mexican food.