The Five Best Low-Cal Foods You're Not Eating
Eating the same boring foods over and over again? Maybe it's time to expand your horizons. Check out these Hungry Girl essentials and why we love 'em so much... We think you'll love them too!
Fat-Free Greek Yogurt
PER SERVING (One 6-oz. container): 90 calories, 0g fat, 65mg sodium, 7g carbs, 0g fiber, 7g sugars, 15g protein
OK, this isn't just a yogurt upgrade, people. This is a serious multi-purpose ingredient. The main reasons we like this stuff so much? The high protein, the low calorie count, and the thick 'n creamy texture. Fat-free Greek yogurt has it all! Stir in some fresh fruit, low-sugar or sugar-free preserves, a little sweetener -- whatever you like! -- for a personalized and delicious snack. And use it instead of sour cream when making creamy dips for a protein boost. Marinate lean chicken with it for a super-moist and flavorful meal... like this kebab recipe!
Broccoli Cole Slaw
PER SERVING (3 oz., 1 cup): 25 calories, 0g fat, 25mg sodium, 5g carbs, 3g fiber, 2g sugars, 2g protein
You know that broccoli's good for you -- this is no big shock. But you might not know about this shredded veggie mix, which is loaded with broccoli and friends. A serving of this slaw mix is high in fiber, vitamin A, and vitamin C. Plus... look how low in calories it is. This stuff is good raw or cooked. Just add some light dressing and/or lean protein; enjoy it as is, or throw it into a pan for a stir-fry! (P.S. An awesome Chinese food swap is only a click away.) And for anyone who ever looked at a puny meal and thought, "This could probably use some veggies," a fistful of this stuff will take you from an entree to a MEAL.
CannedPure
Pumpkin
PER SERVING (1/2 cup): 40 calories, 0.5g fat, 5mg sodium, 9g carbs, 5g fiber, 4g sugars, 2g protein
No, it's not just for holiday cooking and pie filling! We're big fans of this mashy canned pumpkin and all the glorious things it's capable of. Adding it to foods boosts the fiber content in a fantastically natural way that makes hungry humans happy. How do you use it? Stir some into your morning oatmeal along with your sweetener of choice for added flavor and nutritional value. Plop a scoop into a blender with your other smoothie ingredients, and that sipper will be thick and delicious. Wanna get real crazy? Mix a standard can with a box of devil's food cake mix, and you can make some AMAZINGLY decadent chocolate muffins without adding any eggs, oil, or anything else. YAY, pumpkin!
Canned Crushed Tomatoes
PER SERVING (1/2 cup): 40 calories,
When you need tomato sauce, do you reach straight for a jar? DON'T! Why? Most pre-made pasta sauces have more added fat and sodium than needed... so cut it out! Take a can of crushed tomatoes, and doctor it up with some garlic and other seasonings; you'll have a delicious sauce that tastes homemade (without having to exert too much effort)! This stuff is like a blank slate -- use it to create a sauce you love. Mmmmm...
Tofu Shirataki Noodles
PER SERVING (4 oz.): 20 calories, 0.5g fat, 15mg sodium, 3g carbs, 2g fiber, 0g sugars, 1g protein
We gab about these things all the time, but there are still plenty of people who don't know about 'em. This noodle swap is made with Japanese yam flour and tofu; the result is a little chewier than regular noodles but VERY low in calories. There is a period of adjustment when it comes to the texture, but if you like to eat large portions, this is worth learning to love! Click here for some super-helpful tips on how to prepare these. Once you know how to cook them, the sky's the limit. Lo mein? Fettuccine Alfredo? Go for it...
Hungry for More?
Our latest large-and-in-charge bestselling cookbook, Hungry Girl 1-2-3: The Easiest, Most Delicious, Guilt-Free Recipes on the Planet, is practically exploding with delicious diet-friendly dishes. The book's in stores everywhere and can be ordered online by clicking here!
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