Eating Light: 5 Easy Low-Calorie Meals for Busy Weeknights

Are you struggling to find time to make healthy meals during the week? Do you find yourself reaching for fast food or high-calorie snacks because you’re too busy to cook? Eating light doesn’t have to be difficult or time-consuming. Here are 5 easy low-calorie meals for busy weeknights that will keep you satisfied and on track with your health goals.

1. Grilled Chicken and Veggie Skewers

Ingredients:
– 2 chicken breasts, cut into chunks
– 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
– 1 zucchini, sliced into rounds
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Thread chicken and veggies onto skewers.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through and veggies are tender.

2. Cauliflower Fried Rice

Ingredients:
– 1 head cauliflower, grated
– 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 eggs, beaten
– 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
– 1 tbsp sesame oil
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and garlic and sauté for 2 minutes.
3. Add frozen peas and carrots and cook for 3-4 minutes.
4. Push veggies to one side of the skillet and add beaten eggs to the other side. Scramble until cooked through.
5. Add grated cauliflower, soy sauce, sesame oil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 5-7 minutes, until cauliflower is tender.

3. Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 packet taco seasoning
– 1 head iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
– 1 cup diced tomato
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional)

Instructions:
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add ground turkey and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces.
3. Add taco seasoning and stir to combine.
4. Spoon turkey mixture onto lettuce leaves.
5. Top with diced tomato, onion, shredded cheese, and cilantro.
6. Serve with Greek yogurt or sour cream, if desired.

4. Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Broccoli

Ingredients:
– 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 head broccoli, cut into florets
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 lemon, juiced
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss shrimp and broccoli with garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread mixture onto a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 10-12 minutes, until shrimp is pink and broccoli is tender.

5. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

Ingredients:
– 1 cup quinoa, cooked
– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1/2 cup diced onion
– 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, red bell pepper, onion, and cilantro.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper.
3. Pour dressing over quinoa mixture and toss to combine.

With these 5 easy low-calorie meals for busy weeknights, you’ll be able to eat light without sacrificing flavor or time. Try them out and see how much healthier and happier you feel!