5-Minute 400-Calorie Meals

When people hear me say that I am only eating 1400 calories per day since begining my journey to a new me on December 11, 2010 they often ask me what I am eating to only consume 1400 calories per day.  I honestly eat "normal" food but I just don't eat more than my daily calorie allowance of 1400.  Tonight while reading health, and weight loss articles on http://www.msn.com/ I found an interesting entry for 5-minute 400-calorie meals.  Check out some of these ideas and see if you can do a few of these to help you cut your calorie intake.  Who knows you may find something that you enjoy on this list.

5-Minute 400-Calorie Meals

Fast, finger-licking picks for every meal of the day!

Losing weight doesn't have to mean hours in the kitchen cooking healthy meals. These quick dishes rely on few ingredients, packaged foods, and simple instructions — leaving you no excuse to ditch your weight loss goal.

The secret to slimming down? It's easy. Just eat four, 400-calorie meals each day.

See all 10 delicious meals now!

Egg & Cheese Breakfast Bowl
Total calories: 380

This breakfast bowl combines egg whites, cheese, potatoes, and turkey sausage into a hearty and protein-packed morning meal.

 

1. Microwave a Jimmy Dean D-Lights Breakfast Bowl (230)
2. Pair with one slice whole wheat toast (70)
3. Wash it down with 6 oz orange juice (80)

Egg & Cheese Breakfast Bowl
Total calories: 380

This breakfast bowl combines egg whites, cheese, potatoes, and turkey sausage into a hearty and protein-packed morning meal.

 

1. Microwave a Jimmy Dean D-Lights Breakfast Bowl (230)
2. Pair with one slice whole wheat toast (70)
3. Wash it down with 6 oz orange juice (80)

Peanut Butter Soy Smoothie
Total calories: 390

Take a break from same-old cereal and milk. A sweet smoothie infused with creamy peanut butter packs in fiber, protein, and a serving of fruit.

1. To make the smoothie, blend 1 cup vanilla soy milk (100), 1 Tbsp peanut butter (90), 1/2 banana (50), 1/4 tsp cinnamon, and 6 ice cubes
2. Pair it with a toasted whole wheat English muffin (130) with 2 tsp all-fruit jam (20)

Blueberry Nut Oatmeal
Total calories: 390

We combine two of the healthiest foods — brain-boosting blueberries and heart-healthy oatmeal — to make your morning start right.

1. Cook 1/2 cup dry Quick 1-Minute Quaker Oats (150)
2. Top with 1 cup frozen organic blueberries (80), 2 Tbsp cashews (100), and 1 Tbsp honey (60)

Superfast Chef Salad
Total calories: 408 – 428
Creamy ranch dressing and shredded cheese make this healthy salad taste rich and satisfying.

1. To make the salad, mix 2 cups salad greens (20) with 2 oz water-packed drained canned tuna (80) or salmon (60) and 1/4 cup cooked chickpeas (70). Top with 2 Tbsp reduced-fat shredded cheese (50) and 2 Tbsp fat-free ranch dressing (40)
2. Pair it with a small dinner roll (78)
3. After the meal, enjoy a Hunt's Fat-Free Snack Pack Chocolate Pudding (90)

 Barbecue Chicken Pita

Total calories: 405

Make use of leftover chicken in this tasty sandwich that sneaks in whole grains and veggies.

 Stir together 1 Tbsp barbecue sauce (50) and 1/2 cup chopped precooked chicken (120); microwave for 30 seconds or until hot

1. Cut a whole wheat pita (170) in half and stuff each with chicken mixture
2. Top with 1 cup chopped lettuce (10), 2 Tbsp diced cucumber (5), and 1 Tbsp fat-free ranch dressing (10)
3. Pair with 10 baby carrots (40)

Total calories: 390
Vegetarian Chili


Chili is an easy, low-cost way to add fiber and protein to your lunch. Get your serving of greens by pairing with a crunchy, refreshing salad.

 Heat 1 cup Hormel Vegetarian Chili with Beans (190)

1. Pair with a large salad made with 2 cups lettuce (20), 1 tomato (20), salad dressing spray (10). Add two 1/2-oz slices Alpine Lace Swiss Cheese (90), cut into thin strips
2. Eat with one 6" corn tortilla (60)

Confetti Pesto Pasta

 

Pasta cravings? No problem! Lighten your typical Italian feast by sticking to a 1 cup serving of pasta and loading it with lots of veggies and lean protein.

 

1. Combine 1 pint cherry tomatoes (50), 1 1/2 cups cooked green beans (66), 1 1/2 cups diced chicken breast (346), 1/4 cup pesto sauce (230), and 1/4 tsp each salt and pepper
2. Add 4 cups cooked linguine (800)
3. Garnish with 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan (83)

Tofu and Veggie Stirfry
Total calories: 385

 Make your own, healthier version of Chinese takeout even faster than the delivery guy can show up at the door!

1. Sauté in a wok or skillet 1 1/2 cups Cascadian Farm Chinese-Style Stirfry Blend (40)
2. Add 1/2 cup extra-firm tofu (100)
3. Stir into the stirfry 1 Tbsp peanut butter (90) and 1 tsp low-sodium soy sauce (5)
4. Pair with 2/3 cup Minute Brown Rice (150)

Vanilla Macademia Parfait 

Total calories: 370 

For an afternoon snack that will keep you full 'til dinner, try a sweet, nutty yogurt parfait
Spoon into a bowl 1 container Stonyfield Farm Fat-Free Vanilla Yogurt (130)

1. Top with 1 cup Kashi 7 Whole Grain Puffs cereal (70)
2. Add 2 Tbsp macademia nuts (120) and 1 Tbsp maple syrup (50)

Sinless S'mores
Total calories: 410 

For an after-dinner dessert, enjoy two chocolaty s'mores — without major calorie overdose!

 Place 2 marshmallows (45) and 2 chocolate kisses (50) on a graham cracker square (30) and top with another graham cracker square (30); repeat to make the second one (155)

1. Heat in the microwave until soft and chocolate melts
2. Enjoy with 1 cup fat-free milk (100) .