9 Light, Bright Low-Calorie Meal Ideas

Crisp raw veggies with oil and lemon make me happy. :)

Looking for some low-calorie meals for a snack, a light lunch, or a "small plate" dinner? There are multiple reasons having a ready list of light meal options is a good idea. Maybe you're trying to trim some weight, or improve your digestion, or just feel lighter and brighter. These dishes will fit the bill! Go light on the salt and oil, and your waistline (and your gut) will thank you.

1. Chopped veggie salad with 1 tablespoon sunflower or pumpkin seeds, 5 pecans, and 4 walnuts, topped with a quick drizzle of oil and fresh squeezed lemon. Sprinkle with sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder (optional, and keep it light if you do add these seasonings!) and serve with 1/2 cup boiled or steamed edamame.

Calories: 250

2. 1 cup chia pudding topped with 2 tablespoons mixed roasted nuts, seeds, chocolate chips, and/or unsweetened coconut.

Calories: 150 - 200, depending upon what type of milk you use :)

3. Spinach and Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad (2 cups baby spinach and 1 cup shredded brussels tossed with a drizzle of olive oil, fresh squeezed lemon, lots of garlic powder and a little sea salt. Top with 8 black olive halves (4 olives) and 10 pecan halves, rough chopped.)

Calories: 295

4. Hemp protein shake (4 tablespoons plain hemp protein, 3 ice cubes, 8-10 oz water, 1/4 t. powdered stevia or sweetener of choice, + optional add-ins like green powder, cinnamon, powdered maca, etc.)

Calories: 110 + any additional from your add-ins (usually negligible calorie counts)

5. Four flax crackers with a handful of cherry tomatoes, some zucchini sticks, sliced cucumber, and sliced red bell pepper (about 2 cups total veggies.) Serve on a small plate with 6 black olives and an espresso. Mmm.

Calories: 200

6. Half a cup cooked quinoa seasoned with garlic powder + 3-4 cups steamed veggies (such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots.) Squeeze lemon juice over the vegetables and serve with 5 walnut halves and 6 olives.

Calories: 300

7. Raw shredded carrots and beets (2-3 cups or so) with lemon juice squeezed over the top.

Calories: Like, hardly anything. :) And it's delicious. Okay, probably around 50-80 calories.

8. Chickpea flour wrap with 2 avocado slices and chopped vegetable filling (veggies can be raw or cooked.)

Calories: 250

9. Nori wrap with mashed avocado or tahini dressing, stuffed with fresh sprouts and a tofu stick (a piece of tofu about the size of a 4-inch-long celery stick.)

Calories: 100