In today’s busy world, living a healthy lifestyle is something many people dream of. While regular exercise is a common part of this goal, it’s easy to forget that what you eat is just as important, and people lack and get confused while choosing the correct balanced diet.
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A balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and low in calories is one of the key factors essential for staying healthy. Eating low-calorie food for dinner can help manage weight while keeping you energised with other beneficial aspects. If you're looking for light, nutritious, and easy-to-make dinner ideas, you’ll find some great options in this article.
Ragi Idli
Ragi idli is a popular South Indian dish made from finger millet (ragi), which is packed with fibre, calcium, and essential nutrients. This healthy version of traditional idli is light, easy to digest, and low in calories. Ragi idli is an excellent option for dinner, as it helps you feel full without weighing you down. Serve it with coconut chutney or sambar for a flavourful meal that won’t compromise your calorie count.
Sweet Corn Chicken Soup
If you enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of soup, sweet corn chicken soup is a great option. It’s light, low in calories, and full of protein. Chicken provides lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and helps keep you full for longer. Sweet corn adds a touch of natural sweetness and provides fibre for digestion. This soup is a satisfying dinner choice that will help you stay on track with your calorie goals.
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Chicken And Vegetable Stir Fry
A chicken and vegetable stir fry is a quick, low-calorie dinner that is both nutritious and delicious. Lean chicken breast is a great source of protein, while a mix of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas adds fibre, vitamins, and minerals. Stir fry the ingredients with a small amount of olive oil and season with garlic, soy sauce, and a pinch of black pepper. This dish is a perfect way to enjoy a filling meal without overloading with calories.
Vegetable Wraps
For a simple and healthy dinner, vegetable wraps are an excellent choice. You can use whole wheat tortillas or lettuce leaves as the base and fill them with a variety of fresh vegetables like cucumbers, carrots, bell peppers, and spinach. Add a source of protein, such as tofu, paneer, or grilled chicken, and top it with hummus or a low-fat yoghurt dressing. These wraps are not only low in calories but also full of fibre and nutrients, making them an ideal dinner option.
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Greek Chickpea Salad
Greek chickpea salad is a refreshing and light dinner option that is easy to make and low in calories. Chickpeas are high in protein and fibre, which help you feel full and satisfied. To prepare the salad, mix cooked chickpeas with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and olives. Add a little feta cheese for flavour and dress it with olive oil, lemon juice, and a sprinkle of oregano. This salad is light but filling, making it a perfect choice for a low-calorie dinner.
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Khichdi
Khichdi is a simple, traditional Indian dish made from rice and lentils. It’s light, nutritious, and easy to digest, making it a great dinner option for those looking to maintain a low-calorie diet. You can make khichdi healthier by using brown rice and adding vegetables like carrots, peas, and spinach. Khichdi is rich in protein and fibre, and its warm, comforting nature makes it a popular choice for dinner, especially when you want something light yet filling.
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Dahi Chicken
Dahi chicken is a low-calorie chicken dish that uses yoghurt as the base for the marinade. Yoghurt not only tenderises the chicken but also adds a creamy texture without the need for high-calorie ingredients like cream or butter. To make dahi chicken, marinate boneless chicken pieces in yoghurt, garlic, ginger, and spices like cumin and coriander. Cook the chicken in a pan until it's tender and serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or a small portion of brown rice. This dish is flavourful, satisfying, and perfect for a healthy dinner.