Lunch Under 400 Calories

12 Lunch Ideas Under 400 Calories Easy healthy lunches, Meals under from www.pinterest.com

Introduction

When it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle, keeping an eye on your caloric intake is essential. Lunch is a crucial meal of the day, and it's essential to choose a nutritious and satisfying option that won't tip the scale. In this blog post, we will explore some delicious lunch ideas that are all under 400 calories.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you will need for these lunch recipes:

Skinless chicken breast
Quinoa
Fresh vegetables (e.g., spinach, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes)
Salmon fillet
Whole wheat bread
Avocado
Black beans
Low-fat Greek yogurt
Lemon
Olive oil
Spices (e.g., garlic powder, paprika, cumin)
Salt and pepper

Instructions

1. Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad

Start by grilling a skinless chicken breast and cooking quinoa according to the package instructions. Once cooked, let them cool. In a large bowl, combine chopped fresh vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Slice the grilled chicken breast and mix it with the vegetables. Add the cooked quinoa and drizzle with a dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together and enjoy!

2. Baked Salmon with Whole Wheat Bread

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Season a salmon fillet with spices like paprika, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place the seasoned salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until cooked through. While the salmon is baking, toast two slices of whole wheat bread. Mash half an avocado and spread it on the toasted bread. Once the salmon is ready, place it on top of the avocado toast and enjoy!

3. Black Bean and Greek Yogurt Wrap

Rinse and drain a can of black beans. In a bowl, mash half of the beans with a fork until you have a chunky consistency. Spread low-fat Greek yogurt on a whole wheat tortilla. Add the mashed black beans, fresh vegetables of your choice, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Roll the tortilla tightly and cut it into halves. It's ready to be enjoyed!

Nutrition

Here's the approximate nutritional information for each lunch option:

Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Salad: Approximately 350 calories, 30g protein, 40g carbohydrates, 8g fat.
Baked Salmon with Whole Wheat Bread: Approximately 380 calories, 25g protein, 35g carbohydrates, 15g fat.
Black Bean and Greek Yogurt Wrap: Approximately 370 calories, 20g protein, 50g carbohydrates, 10g fat.

These lunch ideas are not only delicious but also provide a good balance of macronutrients to keep you energized throughout the day while staying within your caloric goals. Feel free to customize the recipes with your favorite vegetables and spices for added flavor!