Exploring 8 Low-Calorie Recipes For A Healthier Lifestyle

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle doesn't mean sacrificing flavour or feeling unsatisfied at mealtime. With these 8 delicious and low-calorie lunch recipes, you can enjoy a variety of dishes while keeping your calorie intake below 200 calories. These recipes incorporate Indian flavours and ingredients to add a delightful twist to your midday meals. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds and stay on track with your health goals!

Also Read: Weight Loss Diet: 5 Smoothie Bowl Recipes To Add To Your Meals

Chickpea Salad (180 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup boiled chickpeas
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped coriander leaves
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine the boiled chickpeas, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and coriander leaves.
2. Drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture and season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss everything together until well combined.
4. Serve chilled and enjoy a refreshing and filling salad.

Vegetable Quinoa Pulao (190 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/4 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers, etc.), diced
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1/4 teaspoon red chilli powder
• Salt to taste
• 1 teaspoon olive oil

Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and sauté for a few minutes until they are slightly tender.
3. Sprinkle turmeric powder, red chilli powder, and salt. Mix well.
4. Add the cooked quinoa and stir gently until everything is well combined.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld together.
6. Serve hot and savour the goodness of this colourful and nutritious pulao.

Spinach and Mushroom Soup (120 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup chopped spinach leaves
• 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions and garlic until they become translucent.
2. Add mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture.
3. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
5. Reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve hot and relish the comforting flavours of this nutritious soup.

Lentil Salad with Yoghourt Dressing (180 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup cooked lentils
• 1 small cucumber, diced
• 1 small tomato, diced
• 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 2 tablespoons plain yoghourt
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine cooked lentils, cucumber, tomato, and red bell pepper.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together yoghurt, lemon juice, cumin powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour the yoghurt dressing over the lentil mixture and toss gently.
4. Allow the flavours to meld for a few minutes before serving.
5. Enjoy this protein-packed salad that will keep you full and satisfied.

Egg and Vegetable Stir-Fry (150 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, beans, cabbage, etc.), thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat olive oil in a pan and sauté onions until they become soft and translucent.
2. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for a few minutes until they are tender-crisp.
3. Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and pour the beaten eggs onto the other side.
4. Scramble the eggs until they are cooked through.
5. Mix everything together and season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
6. Serve hot and enjoy this quick and nutritious stir-fry.

Moong Dal Chilla (190 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup moong dal (split yellow lentils), soaked for 2 hours
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons chopped coriander leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Cooking spray or 1 teaspoon of oil for cooking

Method:

1. Drain the soaked moong dal and blend it into a smooth paste.
2. Transfer the paste to a bowl and add chopped onions, green chilli, coriander leaves, cumin powder, and salt. Mix well.
3. Heat a non-stick pan and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
4. Pour a ladleful of the moong dal batter onto the pan and spread it into a thin circle.
5. Cook on medium heat until the edges turn golden brown, then flip and cook the other side.
6. Repeat the process with the remaining batter.
7. Serve hot with chutney or yoghurt for a delicious and protein-rich meal.

Tofu and Vegetable Stir-Fry (180 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 100g firm tofu, cut into cubes
• 1 cup mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, mushrooms, etc.), thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method:

1. Heat sesame oil in a pan and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant.
2. Add tofu cubes and stir-fry until they turn golden brown.
3. Add the mixed vegetables and cook until they are tender-crisp.
4. Season with soy sauce, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
5. Cook for another minute, ensuring the flavours are well incorporated.
6. Serve hot and savour this healthy and protein-packed stir-fry.

Cucumber and Mint Raita (50 calories per serving)

Ingredients:

• 1 small cucumber, grated
• 1/2 cup plain yoghourt
• 1 tablespoon chopped mint leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste

Method:

1. In a bowl, combine grated cucumber, plain yoghurt, chopped mint leaves, roasted cumin powder, and salt.
2. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Refrigerate for a while to allow the flavours to meld together.
4. Serve chilled as a refreshing side dish that compliments any low-calorie meal.

Eating a low-calorie lunch doesn't have to be boring or leave you feeling hungry. With these 8 flavorful and filling Indian-inspired recipes, you can indulge in delicious meals that are under 200 calories. From salads and soups to stir-fries and lentil-based dishes, these recipes offer a variety of options to suit your taste preferences. Embrace a healthier lifestyle without compromising on taste and enjoy these nutritious and satisfying lunch recipes!