Once you set your fitness goals, certain lifestyle changes are sure to follow. You may have decided to work out more frequently or intensely, but that is not enough and will never be. Whether you are trying to lose weight, gain muscle, or tone your body, a well-established and balanced diet will always play a key role in achieving the desired results.
When it comes to obtaining fitness goals and establishing good nutrition, protein is a nutrient that takes center stage. It not only helps muscle growth and recovery but is also an essential element in weight management. So, regardless of your fitness goals, introducing high-protein meals in your diet is a must!
However, things can get tricky when you want to decrease your calorie intake but include more protein in your meals. Finding low-calorie, high-protein meals can be challenging. That is why we have included some recipes you may like here. We have thought about the importance of food diversity and different preferences, so you will find meals from a variety of cuisines.
10 Top High-Protein Meals with Low-Calorie Value
People who have decided to follow a balanced diet know how challenging it can be to come up with diverse low-calorie, high-protein meals. You want to eat healthily and mindfully, but finding cooking inspiration can be an uphill battle. That is why we believe this list of ideas can help you out!
1. Grilled Chicken with Quinoa Salad
If you struggle with busy schedules and finding time to cook healthy meals, this is an option you will love! Grilled chicken with quinoa salad is a tasty dish that requires only 15 minutes of cooking and preparation. It is an ideal meal for busy weeknights when you do not really feel like dealing with complicated high-protein dinner recipes. Moreover, this is an amazing overnight option, so you can also consider it as a meal prep.
Speaking of preparations, simply grill the chicken, cook the quinoa, and toss the greens. Add your favorite dressing, and in 15 minutes, you will have a low-calorie, high-protein meal. It is a great post-workout dish or dinner option. This recipe is an amazing balanced blend of carbs and protein, but most importantly, it tastes heavenly!
- Necessary Ingredients: chicken breast, quinoa, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and mixed greens
- Nutritional Values: 30g of protein, 10g of fat, 40g of carbs
- Calorie Intake: 350
Also Read: Whey Protein Cholesterol - Is it Healthy or Unhealthy?
2. Zucchini Noodles with Shrimp
Who says that you cannot enjoy an Italian dish while trying to maintain a balanced diet? Zucchini noodles are the perfect pasta alternative when you are craving Italian dishes. This is a versatile option that allows different kinds of substitutes to align with your dietary preferences. Zucchini is rich in protein but not as rich in carbs as regular pasta, making it a perfect fit for balanced nutrition.
Furthermore, the shrimp addition contributes to healthy fat intake while giving the dish tasty tones. And the combination of veggies is the perfect choice for making the meal nutritious and diverse. Preparation requires sautéing the shrimp, spiralizing the zucchini, and simple garnishing. For enhanced taste, you can add some grated parmesan on top.
- Necessary Ingredients: zucchini, shrimp, cherry tomatoes, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil
- Nutritional Values: 28g of protein, 14g of fat, 22g of carbs
- Calorie Intake: 320
3. Egg White Omelet with Spinach and Mushrooms
Many experts consider breakfast the most important meal of the day. Since this is your first meal once your day starts, it is necessary to make it as nutritious and energizing as possible. The type of breakfast you choose fuels your energy levels and helps you begin your morning the right way. However, fueling yourself does not mean consuming high-calorie meals. That is why eggs are commonly chosen ingredients among people who maintain balanced diets.
One of the greatest breakfast options is the combination of egg whites with nutritious ingredients such as spinach and mushrooms. Egg white omelets are an excellent pure protein source, ideal for healthy low-calorie recipes. Making this dish requires only 15 minutes. Simply cook the eggs with cheese and veggies, and your breakfast will be ready on the plate in the blink of an eye.
- Necessary Ingredients: egg whites, mushrooms, spinach, herbs, and low-fat cheese
- Nutritional Values: 22g of protein, 10g of fat, 8g of carbs
- Calorie Intake: 200
Also Read: The Ultimate Guide to Protein Powders
4. Greek Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps
When you want something light and easy to make but still nutritious, chicken wraps are an ideal choice. Wraps are quite versatile, and there are many ways to make them. However, making a good combination of ingredients is essential to get the necessary nutrients from your meal. Greek chicken salad lettuce wraps include anti-inflammatory and fulfilling ingredients that will keep you satisfied for a long time.
Put some hummus on a tortilla, add lettuce, cut up chicken, and add all the veggies you find in a traditional Greek salad. This is quite similar to the classic Greek specialty - gyro, but instead of a high-calorie pita bread, you opt for a low-carb tortilla. It is heavenly, delicious, and easy to make. So, if you need a low-calorie, high-protein meal to take to your workplace, now you have a fantastic option.
- Necessary Ingredients: one tortilla, natural hummus, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, chicken steak
- Nutritional Values: 31g of protein, 18g of fat, 13g of carbs
- Calorie Intake: 322
Also Read: Slow vs Fast Absorbing Protein and When to Take Each
5. Turkey and Spinach Stuffed Bell Peppers
Looking for a healthier meat option? Consider adding turkey to your diet. When combined with the right ingredients, you can cook a highly nutritious dish while avoiding the addition of a lot of carbs. Stuffed bell peppers with turkey and spinach are one healthy and low-calorie option you will love! Plus, both spinach and turkey are rich protein sources, meaning you will easily get your required daily intake.
First, stuff peppers with turkey, spinach, and a veggie mix of your preference. We recommend going for onions and tomato sauce because it gives an amazing taste. Then, just put them in an oven and bake them until they become tender. It can be your perfect light option for lunch or an early dinner.
- Necessary Ingredients: ground turkey, bell peppers, spinach, garlic, tomato sauce, and onions
- Nutritional Values: 26g of protein, 12g of fat, 18g of carbs
- Calorie Intake: 275
6. Lentil and Quinoa Salad
Consuming protein through plant-based food can sometimes be challenging for vegans and vegetarians, but not if you know how to combine your ingredients. Lentil and quinoa salad is one example of a protein-rich dinner recipe. Lentils are filled with protein since they contain high amounts of insoluble fiber and starch. Therefore, whether you are a vegan or not, using lentils in your diet can be highly beneficial.
However, combining lentils with more protein-rich ingredients can make your meal more delicious and nutritious. Quinoa is another example of protein-rich food, so combining these two along with some veggies is a great option for lunch or dinner. You can also go for baked salmon or roasted chicken to enhance the nutrient levels of your meal and get healthy carbs
- Necessary Ingredients: quinoa, lentils, lettuce, avocado, and cherry tomatoes (meat is an optional addition)
- Nutritional Values: 19g of protein, 19g of fat, 30g of carbs
- Calorie Intake: 300
7. Crispy Baked Tilapia
This is an ideal healthy low-calorie recipe for those looking for fish dishes but with the possibility of avoiding all the fat. It is an excellent source of protein without high calories, usually found in some types of fish. Plus, it is easily incorporated into any kind of cuisine, meaning you can combine it with whatever side dish and enjoy a tasty and nutritious meal.
To make delightful crispy tilapia, you need parmesan cheese, seasonings, and breadcrumbs. Wrap the tilapia in a mix of these ingredients, put it in an oven, and in 10-12 minutes, you will have a nicely baked crispy tilapia that will not make you feel guilty about the calorie intake.
- Necessary Ingredients: tilapia, parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, parsley, and olive oil
- Nutritional Values: 37g of protein, 11g of fat, 12g of carbs
- Calorie Intake: 294
Also Read: The Importance of Protein for Runners
8. Tofu and Veggie Stir-Fry
This is another great low-calorie, high-protein meal for vegans. Tofu combined with veggies is a delightful mix rich in protein. Even if you are not a vegetarian or vegan, you may want to take a break from meat and get your protein intake from other sources, such as tofu. It is an amazing alternative that will give your dish tasty tones.
Plus, this dish can be prepared and cooked in several minutes. Cut up veggies, like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots, put them in a pan along with tofu, and then sauté for a few minutes. Add some sauce and enjoy your light but rich-in-protein meal. To intensify the taste and make your dish even more delicious, you can serve tofu and veggie stir-fry with brown rice.
- Necessary Ingredients: tilapia, parmesan cheese, paprika, salt, parsley, and olive oil
- Nutritional Values: 25g of protein, 8g of fat, 35g of carbs
- Calorie Intake: 300
Also Read: The 7 Best Protein Powders for Athletes
9. Greek Yogurt and Berry Parfait
Your light breakfast or snack can also be full of protein if you know how to prepare it. Greek yogurt mixed with berries is an amazing combination of ingredients that does not contain a high-calorie content. Plus, the berries’ antioxidant properties are good for your health, meaning you will maintain a low-calorie and healthy diet.
Mix different kinds of berries along with Greek yogurt and a cup of granola in a glass. You can also drizzle your snack with a little bit of honey to add a dash of sweetness to your meal. This is a great snack you can take to work, and avoid resorting to chocolate and other unhealthy snacks when cravings appear.
- Necessary Ingredients: Greek yogurt, granola, a mix of berries, honey
- Nutritional Values: 20g of protein, 4g of fat, 30g of carbs
- Calorie Intake: 220
10. Smoothie Bowl
A smoothie bowl is a great alternative to a regular smoothie for those who are not big fans of this kind of drink. Instead of mixing all the ingredients in a blender, opt for arranging a nice bowl of nuts, seeds, and fruits. This is a versatile dish because you can add ingredients of your choice and still make it nutritious but low in calorie value. Moreover, you can add a protein powder and enhance the presence of protein in your breakfast or snack.
Mix protein powder, almond milk, banana, and berries in a blender. Once you get a smooth texture, put it in a bowl and add your favorite toppings. Some great topping options are nuts, berries, and chia seeds. You may also want to add a tiny portion of granola so your meal gets a dose of crunchiness.
- Necessary Ingredients: almond milk, banana, a mix of berries, chia seeds, nuts (granola is optional)
- Nutritional Values: 30g of protein, 7g of fat, 45g of carbs
- Calorie Intake: 350
Also Read: Gaining Muscle & Losing Fat
How to Make The Most of Your Protein-Based Diet?
Opting for protein-rich ingredients is essential if you want to consume a significant amount of this nutrient daily. Sometimes, it may be difficult to get enough protein just from food, even if all your meals include it in their content. This is especially important if you have specific fitness goals you want to obtain.
This is where protein powders shine and show their magnificent properties. If you feel like you cannot consume enough protein in a day, choosing the right protein supplements can help out. Protein powders go amazingly well with milk and water, meaning you can easily include them in your regular diet.
Including low-calorie, high-protein meals can do miracles for your overall health. They are not only about weight management or fitness goals. The recipes we have included are delicious and can help you include something new in your healthy diet. You will not only achieve your goals faster but also enjoy a variety of delightful flavors!
Do you need more advice on healthy and balanced diets or simply insightful information to improve your well-being? Then please check out our blog page.
