Quick and Easy 300 (or Less) Calorie Meals

I just hate skimping at restaurants so when I know that we are going out for dinner I want to save as many calories as possible for my meal out. I never skip a meal, and I recommend that you don't either, here are some of my favorite low calorie meals that I use for lunch when I need to eat but want to save as many calories for dinner as possible. All of these recipes are quick and easy 300 calorie or less meals.

I love Italian food and God blessed me with an Italian husband, however Italian food is usually high in calories. That is why I love this recipe. The flavor is great, almost as good as an Italian restaurant, and it is quick and easy to make.

Baked Italian Chicken and Broccoli
4 oz Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast (124 cal)
4 tbsp. bottled, Kraft Fat Free Italian dressing (40 cal)
1 tbsp. flavored, dried bread crumbs (40 cal)
1 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese (22 cal)
1 tsp. paprika (6 cal)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray 12x8 pan with cooking spray. Coat chicken with dressing. Combine bread crumbs, cheese, and paprika. After coating chicken in dressing, roll chicken in the crumb mixture.

Bake 20 minutes. Turn; bake 20 minutes longer or until chicken is fork-tender. Add one cup steamed broccoli for a filling 287 calorie meal with less than 5 minute prep time.

I have never been a big fan of eggplant, but the first time my husband made this turkey and eggplant curry I changed my mind. This recipe is yummy and at just 160 calories per serving you can add your favorite side dish.

Turkey and Eggplant Curry
2 Sprays Sunflower Oil (80 cal)
1 Onion chopped (50 cal)
2 crushed garlic cloves (8 cal)
1 serrano chile, seeded and chopped
1 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. coriander 5 cal)
1/2 tsp. turmeric (4 cal)
8 oz. eggplant, trimmed and cut into small cubes (35 cal)
8 oz. skinless boneless turkey breast, cubed (150 cal)
6 oz. carrots, peeled and chopped (60 cal)
1 small red pepper, seeded and chopped (31 cal)
2 cups chicken stock (170 cal)
1 tbsp. chopped Cilantro

Heat a large non-stick skillet and add the oil. Cook the onion, garlic, and chilies for two minutes, stirring as needed. Add the spices and cook, stirring continuously, for an additional two minutes. Add the eggplant and turkey and cook for five minutes. Stirring until the turkey is browned. Add the carrots and red pepper, stir, then pour in the stock. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for 20 - 25 minutes. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve as four servings. Each serving is approximately 160 calories.

Short on time? There are many ready made meals that are 300 calories or less. My favorite quick meal are Progresso Light soups. The soups are only 120 calories for the whole can so I am free to add extra vegetables or a chunk of whole grain bread.

Lean Cuisines are also great quick meals. However, I don't find them very filling so I like to add extra vegetables. There is always plenty of sauce to cover the added vegetables.

Turkey breast from the deli with some low calorie cheese and hummus also makes a great quick meal. Just spread the hummus on the turkey, slice the cheese really thin, and then roll and eat. The calories will depend on the cheese and hummus dip you chose, but mine usually average 20 calories. Add a cup or two of mixed veggies with five of the turkey rolls and you've got yourself a yummy and filling meal that is under 300 calories and takes only minutes to make.