Brilliant meals under 200 calories

Posted on sustenance

Healthy food under 200 calories? Is that possible? We say yes! Be inspired by our suggestions for main courses and snacks under 200 calories and our three ultimate truths about weight loss!

The decision to control food intake or to start a diet may have been made for a variety of reasons. Most of the motives are weight loss and beauty — and we ask ourselves: Shouldn't our own health be the main reason for this?

Whether the pounds melt away or not depends primarily on calorie intake - but be careful: Calories are not the same when you consider the type of food that supplies them to the body. 200 calories from vegetables, fruit and healthy foods, for example, cannot be compared with 200 calories from sweets and sugary lemonades.

Here are a few basic rules that make losing weight easier:

1. Avoid starvation
It is possible to stick to a diet without reducing the amount of food. All you have to do is choose the right and healthy foods. A dietitian can be of great help and make sure that you don't starve and therefore regret your decision to start the diet. Eating regularly will help you control your appetite. Establish routines and a diet schedule so the body and brain know what they're getting into. In this way, you can optimally prepare yourself for the diet and prevent eating attacks.

2. Drink water
Water supply is the basis for regulating the body's fluid balance and ensuring a high energy level. With 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day, your systems can work optimally, your resistance and balance are increased and you can better control your appetite.

3. Treat yourself to relaxation
Studies have examined the relationship between sleep, physical activity, and weight loss and have shown that when the recovery period is inadequate, you tend to be hungrier as a result of this excess energy. In addition, the craving for sweets is greater and it is therefore impossible to stay healthy or lose weight. Getting enough sleep depends on your genetics and lifestyle, but the recommended length should not be less than 7 hours per night. An appropriate recovery period will change everything, even if you stick to a healthy diet and the necessary exercise.

There are many recipes for healthy eating under 200 calories, which you can optimally incorporate into your daily diet plan. These healthy alternatives also replace everyday foods, which contain more calories and are worse for our health.

Sweet potato chips: 136 calories
This delicious recipe as a side dish or snack between meals can curb your craving for traditional chips or other unhealthy snacks. This superfood (link) can be prepared easily and quickly using this microwave recipe.

Wash the sweet potatoes and cut them into thin slices (with skin on). Then place them on a baking tray and let them crisp in the microwave until they curl slightly (approx. 4 minutes). The sweet potato slices can darken very quickly, so don't leave them in the microwave for too long. Add a pinch of salt. (But beware: sodium causes water retention, which can lead to flatulence)

Crisp bread with tomatoes and feta: 175 calories
Refine your crispbread with a slice of red tomato and sprinkle some feta cheese on top. Season with oregano and black pepper and drizzle a little olive oil over the top.

Shrimp stew: 171 calories per serving (for 2 portions)
In a shallow pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a sliced garlic clove, a sliced fennel bulb and a handful of parsley stalks. Let it fry for about 15 minutes and then add 500g cherry tomatoes, 1 tablespoon dried tomato paste and 5 tablespoons sherry wine. Bring the whole thing to a boil and then simmer for 25 minutes. Add 10 to 15 large prawns and cook for 2 more minutes. Season with parsley at the end and serve.

Chinese chow-mein: 170 calories per serving (for 4 portions)
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a long frying pan (or wok) and add a sliced red pepper, 125 g broccoli stalks, a sliced carrot and 125 g sliced mushrooms and cook for 3 minutes. Then add 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon oyster sauce and 1 tablespoon soy sauce. Finally, mix the whole thing and add 300 g of ready-to-use egg noodles. Marinate with a little lime juice and serve.

Posted on sustenance