Meal planning ideas

At Calorie Counter we don't agree with set diets and faddy eating, here we have suggested some meals which can get you started on your new healthy way of life!

BREAKFAST

Breakfast, say many, is the most important meal of the day, and we agree! By starting the day with a filling and nutritious meal you give your metabolism a kick start. You will feel full all the way up to lunchtime, therefore avoiding the temptation of that mid morning snack. Here are some healthy breakfast ideas:

Bowl of cereal, avoid sugary ones, go for wholegrain and use skimmed milk
Fruit Juice compliments breakfast and gives you your first serving of fruit for the day
Wholemeal toast, top with a poached egg, grilled bacon,mushrooms and low fat spread
Bagels are very low in fat, use some reduced sugar jam
Chopped up fruit such as apple, banana, pear, topped with natural yoghurt

LUNCH

What you have for lunch often depends on your circumstances. It is better to eat a fairly substantial meal at lunch time to fuel you through the afternoon. If you work it is a good idea to take a healthy packed lunch with you. If your job involves lots of pub lunches, avoid alcohol if your watching your weight and order something fresh and low fat.

Salad is very filling and can be varied with different veg, cold meat, cottage cheese, etc
Sandwiches of whole grain bread with low fat meats, soft cheese, tuna and salad veg
Crispbreads, rice cakes, rye crackers are very tasty and low in calories
Fresh Fruit, pots of yoghurt for something sweet afterwards
Low Calorie soups are filling and warming on colder days, serve with brown bread

DINNER

Dinner can often be a sociable and enjoyable occasion, if you eat out avoid fatty foods and creamy sauces. When preparing your own foods the possibilities are endless. Try and make the weeks menu balanced with a mixture of meat, if you eat it, vegetables and carbohydrates such as rice and pasta.

Grilled lean steak with new potatoes, broccoli, carrots or other vegetables or salad.
Veg stir fry with leek, beansprout, cabbage, carrot, pepper, mushrooms and noodles
Grilled white fish with mashed potatoes, peas and skimmed milk parsley sauce
Pasta with tomato and pepper sauce and garlic bread made with low fat spread
Ham and Pineapple thin crust pizza with mixed salad and low calorie coleslaw
Jacket potato with baked beans, tuna and low fat grated cheese
Chicken Tikka Masala with rice and small piece of naan

If you enjoy desert, stick to fruit and low fat options such as yoghurt, fromage frais, low fat custard, low fat rice pudding etc. Allow yourself a treat every so often but don't eat puddings and cakes after every meal. If you drink alcohol with your meal try and limit it to a couple of glasses of wine.