Simple Low Calorie Meals for Two

It's easy to overindulge when you're cooking a meal for two. But, with a few simple ingredients and a bit of planning, you can create low calorie meals that are both tasty and nutritious. Here are a few recipes to get you started.

Grilled Chicken with Artichoke and Asparagus Salad

This low calorie meal is a great way to get your daily dose of protein while still keeping the calories and carbs low. To start, season two chicken breasts with your favorite herbs and spices, and then grill them in a lightly oiled skillet. Once the chicken is cooked through, set aside and start assembling the salad.

In a large bowl, combine a can of artichoke hearts, a cup of roasted asparagus, one cup of halved cherry tomatoes, and one cup of sliced bell peppers. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to combine. Divide the salad between two plates and top each with a grilled chicken breast. Serve with a side of freshly cooked quinoa or brown rice.

Baked Fish with Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes

This meal is packed with protein and fiber, making it a great choice for a low calorie meal. Start by preheating the oven to 375 degrees. Then, season two fillets of fish with your favorite herbs and spices and place on a lightly greased baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven until the fish is cooked through, about 10-15 minutes.

While the fish is baking, prepare the sides. Cut one sweet potato into cubes and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until the potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes. At the same time, cut one head of broccoli into florets and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven until the broccoli is tender, about 15 minutes.

Divide the fish, sweet potatoes, and broccoli between two plates and serve with a side of freshly cooked quinoa or brown rice for a complete meal.

Veggie Burgers with Sweet Potato Fries

Veggie burgers are a great way to get your protein without adding extra calories or fat. To prepare, simply cook two veggie burgers according to the package instructions.

While the burgers are cooking, prepare the fries. Cut two sweet potatoes into thin strips and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread onto a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 375 degree oven until the fries are tender, about 20 minutes.

Divide the burgers and fries between two plates and serve with a side of freshly cooked quinoa or brown rice. Add your favorite condiments, such as ketchup, mustard, or relish, if desired.

Stir Fry with Rice Noodles

Stir-fries are a great way to get in plenty of vegetables without adding a lot of calories. To start, heat a lightly oiled skillet over medium-high heat. Add one cup of thinly sliced bell peppers, one cup of thinly sliced carrots, one cup of snow peas, and one cup of broccoli florets. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil and add a package of rice noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes. Once the noodles are cooked, drain and set aside.

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables and toss to combine. Divide the stir-fry between two plates and serve with a side of freshly cooked quinoa or brown rice.

Vegetable Soup with Grilled Cheese Sandwiches

This meal is a great way to get in plenty of vegetables without feeling like you're eating a boring salad. Start by heating a lightly oiled pot over medium-high heat. Add one cup of diced onions, one cup of diced carrots, one cup of diced celery, and one cup of diced bell peppers. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.

Add four cups of vegetable stock and two cups of diced tomatoes to the pot and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the sandwiches. Spread a teaspoon of butter on each side of two slices of whole wheat bread. Place the sandwiches in a lightly oiled skillet and cook until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Divide the soup between two bowls and serve with the grilled cheese sandwiches for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Low calorie meals don't have to be boring or tasteless. With a few simple ingredients and a bit of planning, you can create meals that are both nutritious and delicious. Try out these recipes and you'll be sure to find a few that you love.