Healthy Filling Low Calorie High Protein Meals

Protein is an essential part of a healthy diet, as it helps build and repair body tissue, provide energy and fight off infection. Eating a high-protein diet can help you feel fuller for longer and reduce hunger cravings. It can also help you lose weight and maintain muscle mass. But if you’re trying to reduce your calorie intake, you may be wondering if there is a way to get enough protein in your diet without taking in too many calories. The answer is yes! There are plenty of low-calorie, high-protein meals that can help you meet your nutritional goals.

Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is a classic high-protein meal that can easily be made in minutes. Start by draining a can of tuna and adding it to a bowl. Add a variety of chopped veggies, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, onions, celery and carrots for flavor and extra nutrition. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of lemon juice for extra flavor. You can also add a tablespoon of mayonnaise, if desired. Mix everything together and serve with a side salad or some whole wheat crackers. This tasty meal has just 212 calories and 22 grams of protein.

Salmon Burgers

Salmon burgers are a great way to get a high-protein meal without too many calories. Start by combining cooked salmon, an egg, garlic, parsley and breadcrumbs in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is blended, then form into four patties. Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Cook the patties for about five minutes per side, or until lightly browned. Serve the burgers on whole wheat buns with lettuce and tomato. One salmon burger is just 194 calories and 16 grams of protein.

Chicken Fajitas

Fajitas make a great low-calorie, high-protein meal. Start by slicing a chicken breast into thin strips. Heat a skillet over medium heat and spray with non-stick cooking spray. Add the chicken, along with bell peppers, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, oregano and a splash of chicken broth. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the chicken is cooked through. Serve the fajitas on a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce, tomato, avocado, sour cream and salsa. One fajita has just 218 calories and 22 grams of protein.

Greek Yogurt Parfait

Greek Yogurt Parfait is a great way to get in a high-protein meal without too many calories. Start by mixing a cup of plain Greek yogurt with a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of cinnamon. Layer the yogurt in a parfait glass with a ½ cup of fresh berries and a tablespoon of chopped walnuts. Enjoy the parfait for breakfast, a snack or even dessert. One parfait has just 248 calories and 22 grams of protein.

Egg and Spinach Scramble

Egg and spinach scrambles make a great high-protein, low-calorie meal. Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and spraying with non-stick cooking spray. Add a cup of spinach, two cloves of garlic and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Cook until the spinach is wilted, then add two eggs. Cook the eggs until they’re almost set, then stir in a tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Serve the scramble with a slice of whole wheat toast. This delicious meal has just 181 calories and 18 grams of protein.

Mushroom and Bean Burrito

Mushroom and bean burritos are a great way to get a high-protein meal without too many calories. Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and spraying with non-stick cooking spray. Add a cup of sliced mushrooms, a cup of cooked black beans, a cup of corn and a tablespoon of taco seasoning. Cook until the vegetables are tender and the beans are heated through. Serve the mixture in a whole wheat tortilla with lettuce and tomato. One burrito has just 229 calories and 18 grams of protein.

Eating a low-calorie, high-protein diet doesn’t have to be difficult. With these delicious and filling meals, you can enjoy all the benefits of a high-protein diet without taking in too many calories.