Eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. Here some easy 30 minute high protein, low calorie meals centered around whole foods that make looking and feeling your best simple.
With summer right around the corner, getting lean and feeling our best is often a priority. In order to do that, you need to be burning more calories than you are consuming on a daily basis. Often times, this is overcomplicated when it doesn’t need to be. The easiest first step is to simplify the process is to incorporate more whole foods into your diet. The more color on your plate, the better!
By focusing on dishes that have high protein and whole foods, ensures that you are getting all of the nutrients you need in the calorie range that reflects your goals.
Whole foods have lower calorie content, meaning that you are able to eat more without overdoing it. When you are able to eat more, you can stay fuller for longer. This eliminates the urge to snack, and contribute to your daily calorie intake even more.
It’s not about calculating an exact number, but about balance and discipline. Adding recipes that are easy with flavors you enjoy makes staying consistent easy.
Here are two simple recipes that take under 30 minuets and taste great!
1. Burger Bowl
Everyone loves a good juicy hamburger, but they can by full of unneeded calories and processed foods- especially if you are getting them somewhere quick and easy.
Making these at home can satisfy that craving while keeping the protein high, colors abundant and calories low.
They are easily customizable, making it an option you will surely enjoy!
Ingredients:
- Ground beef- 90/10 is best for calorie optimization, make sure you season well!
- Potatoes-I prefer sweet potatoes because they are much more nutrient dense and calorie friendly.
- Veggies of your choice- I typically go for onion, (light) tomato and lettuce- a classic burger stack!
- Sauces!- This is the best part for me… I love some good (sugar free) ketchup and (light) mayonnaise. You can also use mustard, bbq, or any other kind of sauce. Just make sure it aligns with your goals, this is the easiest way for extra calories to sneak in.
Once you have the ingredients, all you need to do is put them together. Cook your ground beef, chop up your veggies, assemble your burger bowl and enjoy!
2. PhChangs style ground beef lettuce wraps.
This meal is great for lovers of Asian cuisine- like myself, and is a staple in my home. The flavors are super simple, but are something I find myself craving often.
This crisp, fresh and colorful meal is very refreshing and so easy to make.
Ingredients:
- Ground beef- Feel free to use chicken, I personally prefer beef in most dishes.
- Ginger
- Green onion
- Carrots
- Garlic
- Lettuce
- Soy or teriyaki sauce.
Start by mincing the garlic and using a potato peeler to ribbon the ginger and carrots. Once you are satisfied, add them into a pan and let the flavors cook together.
Once you feel they have softened a bit, add your meat. Season and cook all the way through. Once the meat is cooked add in your soy or teriyaki sauce, I prefer to get the low sodium versions of these sauces. Let the meat simmer in the sauce for a couple minutes.
While the meat is cooking cut up your green onion and lettuce. Add the green onion to the meat and let it sit for a little longer.
Add the meat filling into individual lettuce leaves, and enjoy!
Take control of your diet by trying easy, balanced and nutritious meals into your life. Prioritizing Whole Foods and protein are easy building blocks to getting started with your journey.
