Ideas for quick low cal lunches??

louell33
louell33 Posts: 85
edited September 26 in Recipes
Help!

I am running out of ideas for quick, low cal lunches. I need variation or I will stray!!!!

Any ideas would be much appreciated, I'm not a fussy eater and don't mind trying something new, just seem to be stuck in a soup sandwich/wrap rut. :smile:

Thanks, Lou x
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Replies

  • paced2day
    paced2day Posts: 55
    My baked potato today was good. :)
  • sweetsunlover
    sweetsunlover Posts: 62
    salad with anything you like . yesterday i had letuce cucumber cherry tomotos sesame seeds plus fryed garlic mushrroms and garlic lemon chicken was lovely
  • louell33
    louell33 Posts: 85
    I love baked pots, but have them alot with my evening meal. Come to think of it, my whole food diary may need an injection of life, I tend to eat the same things on an evening too.
  • SJT75
    SJT75 Posts: 134
    Tuna salad or baked sweet potatos are nice :)
  • rosec005
    rosec005 Posts: 67 Member
    My new obsession are Pita Pizzas. I take 1/2 - 1 pita, add about 1/4 cup of pizza sauce and 1/4 cup of low fat cheese, broil it in the oven for a few minutes and voila! Normally I can get by under 300 calories (depending on how much I make and if I put any other toppings on). If I get the pre-sliced pitas, I also occasionally cut those in half so they're really thin and do the same thing (except broil the pita before you put the sauce on, or it'll be mushy) so I feel like I'm eating more.

    Also, it's still a sandwich, but I'm hooked on them. Basically it's just grilled cheese but with turkey/ham and tomato in it. Depending on what I use it can be under 200 calories and I get almost one serving from each of the food groups!

    I got both recipes from here: http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/weightloss/2010-01-03-diet-menus-recipes_N.htm
  • xraychick77
    xraychick77 Posts: 1,775 Member
    sauteed portabello caps with provolone cheese melted over top
  • MissbusyLizzie
    MissbusyLizzie Posts: 326 Member
    I had spaghetti today for lunch... but instead of pasta I used spaghetti squash! It was SOOOOO good!! I can't wait to have more tomorrow!!
  • panicintheattic
    panicintheattic Posts: 102 Member
    I'm a huge fan of the bagel sandwich! Thomas' 100 calorie bagel thin, hummus on one side and low fat cream cheese on the other, some spinach, thinly sliced cucumber, and alfalfa sprouts. A sandwich, but still delicious :)
  • kenuk1
    kenuk1 Posts: 64 Member
    How many cals would you call low?

    I make a Chilli Prawn Noodle meal on an evening and always make extra, you can split the portions down to 390 cals and it's really nice and good nutritional values too, you can have recipe if you want, UK ingredients though?!
  • louell33
    louell33 Posts: 85
    Oooohhhh...loads of ideas.Thanks so much but I want lunch now and its only 08:15!!! By low cal I would prefer something under 400 cals, so the chili prawn noodle dish sounds delish, would love the recipe. Like the idea of making it the night before, save me time during the day. (uk)
  • brittanyscherich
    brittanyscherich Posts: 355 Member
    i usually just eat lean cuisines and smart ones lunches. they pretty low cal. i guess it depends on what your sodium and other limits are, though.
  • louell33
    louell33 Posts: 85
    @ Elkovacic...please excuse my ignorance/stupidity, but what is spaghetti squash?
  • Gary1977
    Gary1977 Posts: 804 Member
    i usually just eat lean cuisines and smart ones lunches. they pretty low cal. i guess it depends on what your sodium and other limits are, though.

    Same here. I need to start making homemade meals for my work days as I do on my off days, but I never seem to have the time. I also need an extra freezer for storage if I'm going that route. :grumble:
  • jennsie
    jennsie Posts: 38
    spaghetti squash is a yellow squash.
    (Google it; I'm, sure you will find photos.)

    My fitness-obsessed colleagues have brown rice and broccoli heated up with meat. They normally have turkey because it's healthier - less fat.

    I normally have several small snacks - soup for lunch and fruit.
  • BunnybeeJG
    BunnybeeJG Posts: 344 Member
    Healthy choice meals would be my quick lunch. Its usually what I drag to work.

    or

    veggie burger and a tray of green giant frozen veggies w sauces my preference is the broc. in cheese sauce.

    or you could make an egg omlet w spinach and red pepper and cheese yum yum yummy.

    tuna salad w miracle whip, sweet relish, bowtie noodles,red pepper a smigen of feta... idk what you're looking for.
  • lrns88
    lrns88 Posts: 151 Member
    I'm obsessed with pasta salads, especially for work as they are so quick and easy. E.G mine today contains:

    wholemeal pasta
    celery
    carrot
    sweetcorn
    cherry tomatoes
    cucumber
    radish
    spring onion
    avocado
    little bit of tuna!

    Totals maybe 400 calories, takes forever to eat (we're talking like 30mins!), and fills me up no end!

    I also love brown rice and chicken (England based people - you have to try Itsu for amazing brown rice dishes!!), but add some spice or balsamic vinegar to give it a bit more of a taste.

    xxx
  • BunnybeeJG
    BunnybeeJG Posts: 344 Member
    spagetti squash is really good actually !
  • hush7hush
    hush7hush Posts: 2,273 Member
    tuna packets!

    I can not stress this enough.
    I live off of them.
    80 calories. 1 carb. AMAZING!
  • wingchunrick
    wingchunrick Posts: 267 Member
    Pitta bread with grated carrot and hummous.
  • spirited_angel
    spirited_angel Posts: 142
    How many cals would you call low?

    I make a Chilli Prawn Noodle meal on an evening and always make extra, you can split the portions down to 390 cals and it's really nice and good nutritional values too, you can have recipe if you want, UK ingredients though?!
    That sounds yummy,could i have the recipe please????preety please!!lol
  • spirited_angel
    spirited_angel Posts: 142
    tuna packets!

    I can not stress this enough.
    I live off of them.
    80 calories. 1 carb. AMAZING!
    Tuna packets???is taht the ones ready in a sachet??
  • kenuk1
    kenuk1 Posts: 64 Member
    Sure lol,

    This totals 567 calories, but you will see how much it is (lots), you can reduce noodle amount, add more stir fry, but I think this split in half would be enough for a lunch snack, obviously Im working mine to about 350 - 400 cals.

    Asda - King Prawns Cooked and Peeled, 1/2 pack
    Sharwoods - Fine Egg Noodles, 125 g (1 nest cooked)
    Mushrooms - Raw, 1 cup, pieces or slices
    Bell Peppers Red - Red Peppers, 0.5 medium
    Asda - Oyster Sauce, 45 ml (2 tbsp)
    Asda Chosen by You - Soy Sauce Dark (150ml) (1Tbsp)
    Asda - Vegetable Stock Cubes, 1 cube
    Sugars - Granulated (sucrose), 1 tsp
    Onions - Raw, 0.5 medium (2-1/2" dia)
    Garlic - Raw, 3 cloves
    Asda - Red Chillies, 50 g
    Asda Smart Price Stir Fry (half a pack)

    Prep:

    Mix the Soy, Oyster, veg stock and sugar together with approx 150ml of Water (trial and error here until you get the consistency you like, read on for why)

    Heat a tbsp of Olive oil in a hot pan and add chopped chilli and garlic, fry for 2mins then add onions, pepper and mushrooms and stir fry mix, fry a further 2 mins, mean while add water to a separate pan, bring to boil and add your noodles.

    Whilst noodles are boiling, add prawns to your frying pan and fry for 2 mins, then add your Soy/Oyster mix, reduce temp and simmer, for 2 mins.

    Drain noodles and then add noodles to frying pan, mix well and serve.

    Depending on water and how long you simmer before noodles will determine how thick the final sauce is on the meal.

    Really nice meal and decent protein too.
  • fridalondon
    fridalondon Posts: 8 Member
    I love the BBC's Good Food website. It has lots of healthy ideas:

    http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/content/wellbeing/
  • kenuk1
    kenuk1 Posts: 64 Member
    reduce soy sauce down for taste, better try one first, I normally add 3, and replace sugar with half a spoon if using sweetener.
  • LilBrat71
    LilBrat71 Posts: 59 Member
    I usually have Boars Head Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast on Low Fat Club Crackers. I am soooo lazy when it comes to lunch. The last thing I feel like doing is cooking :)
  • louell33
    louell33 Posts: 85
    Thanks for the ideas guys, it has given inspiration for lunches, dinners and snacks. I have just called my local veggie shop and he is gonna try and get me a spaghetti squash from the market tomorrow, I have never seen one in the supermarkets here and it would be good to try something different and so low in cals :flowerforyou:
  • _Jessica_
    _Jessica_ Posts: 216 Member
    Very Tasty and easy soup to make:
    One box of chicken broth (or homeade broth if you'd rather)
    Your favorite tortilini (one package)
    One bag of fresh spinich
    Lemon zest

    bring the broth to boil
    add tortilini (cook til they float)
    add the entire bag of spinich
    add a bit of lemon zest

    soup is done when spinich is limp

    Very yummy!! if you would like to add a bit of meat, try some turkey susuage or pork susuage in it... (we use pork) and even my boyfriend loves it!

    Can also top with some fresh grated parmesean if you like! ENJOY!!
  • christinesimone
    christinesimone Posts: 7 Member
    Two comments: I have taken to sautéing an entire bag of spinach leaves in one tsp. of sesame oil, adding 1/4 cup of roasted sunflower seeds and two Tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese- i could eat it every day!!

    Spaghetti squash is a member of the squash/gourd family. It is yellow and oval. You cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and either microwave it or bake it (upside down/cut side down in a pan with just a little bit of water in the bottom) until it is soft. When you scoop out the flesh, it separates into strands and kind of looks like spaghetti- hence the name!! It has a nutty taste and the strands keep a little texture. It's very good- I also like mine with the sauce, but also like it with pesto or even just a little bit of butter and cheese. It's very high fiber and very filling!!
  • spirited_angel
    spirited_angel Posts: 142
    Sure lol,

    This totals 567 calories, but you will see how much it is (lots), you can reduce noodle amount, add more stir fry, but I think this split in half would be enough for a lunch snack, obviously Im working mine to about 350 - 400 cals.

    Asda - King Prawns Cooked and Peeled, 1/2 pack
    Sharwoods - Fine Egg Noodles, 125 g (1 nest cooked)
    Mushrooms - Raw, 1 cup, pieces or slices
    Bell Peppers Red - Red Peppers, 0.5 medium
    Asda - Oyster Sauce, 45 ml (2 tbsp)
    Asda Chosen by You - Soy Sauce Dark (150ml) (1Tbsp)
    Asda - Vegetable Stock Cubes, 1 cube
    Sugars - Granulated (sucrose), 1 tsp
    Onions - Raw, 0.5 medium (2-1/2" dia)
    Garlic - Raw, 3 cloves
    Asda - Red Chillies, 50 g
    Asda Smart Price Stir Fry (half a pack)

    Prep:

    Mix the Soy, Oyster, veg stock and sugar together with approx 150ml of Water (trial and error here until you get the consistency you like, read on for why)

    Heat a tbsp of Olive oil in a hot pan and add chopped chilli and garlic, fry for 2mins then add onions, pepper and mushrooms and stir fry mix, fry a further 2 mins, mean while add water to a separate pan, bring to boil and add your noodles.

    Whilst noodles are boiling, add prawns to your frying pan and fry for 2 mins, then add your Soy/Oyster mix, reduce temp and simmer, for 2 mins.

    Drain noodles and then add noodles to frying pan, mix well and serve.

    Depending on water and how long you simmer before noodles will determine how thick the final sauce is on the meal.

    Really nice meal and decent protein too.
    Sounds great huni thanks xx will let ya know how it goes xx
  • jameses
    jameses Posts: 22 Member
    If you have a ipad or iphone there is a BBC app "BBC Good Food Healthy" which has loads of good recipes on it, there is also a Under 200 Calories section which is really good for very low meals. I ue this ap all the time.
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