Healthy dinners to lose weight can be tasty and satisfying. By focusing on foods with a low calorie density, you can eat satisfying portions while staying within your calorie budget. A healthy dinner is also balanced in terms of nutrition, providing you with protein and a healthy carbohydrate as well as vegetables for fiber, vitamins and antioxidants.
Proteins
Proteins low in saturated fat like fish, skinless chicken or turkey breast, extra lean ground beef or pork tenderloin make good dinner choices. Use cooking techniques that add minimal fat, like broiling, grilling, roasting or poaching. Use flavorings like citrus, vinegar, herbs and spices to add flavor with minimal calories. Marinate chicken, turkey or pork in lemon juice, fresh rosemary and a splash of olive oil before grilling. Sprinkle chili powder and a drizzle of maple syrup on salmon before roasting. Make meatballs with extra lean ground beef, egg white and whole wheat bread crumbs. Healthy dinners for weight loss often include vegetarian sources of protein like chick peas, lentils or black beans as they are low in calorie and provide essential nutrients and fiber, says the Harvard School of Public Health.
Starches
Opt for whole grains or colorful starchy vegetables over white products like white bread, rice or potatoes. A half-cup of brown rice, quinoa, barley or whole-wheat pasta counts as one serving of whole grains. Serve your marinated meats with these grain options flavored with onions, chicken or vegetable broth, mushrooms and citrus zest. A roasted sweet potato or fresh steamed peas complements the salmon. Whole wheat pasta is a natural accompaniment to the meatballs. Brown rice or quinoa works with the beans and lentils.
Vegetables
With every dinner, include a cup or more of green or orange vegetables. Have steamed broccoli or green beans with the lemon-marinated meat and grains. Roast asparagus until it is soft and caramelized and serve with the salmon. Try a large green salad with sweet red peppers dressed with a teaspoon of olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette with the meatballs and pasta. Most vegetables contain a lot of water and fiber, which can help you feel full ,says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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