Low Calorie, High Protein Lunch Idea
Since starting this blog almost 10 months ago, each time I sit down to eat, I can’t help but think to myself, “Ooh! I should post this on my blog and share it with others!” {ha ha!} In fact, at a recent parent/teacher conference, my son’s third grade teacher showed me an assignment he had completed, where he was assigned to write about the weird things his parents did. My son wrote that I’m weird because #1: I’m always taking pictures of our breakfast, lunch and dinner before we eat. And #2: I get giddy when I make spinach shakes. {Who doesn’t?}
So… I guess today is just another “weird mom” day, because I took some pictures of my lunch and wanted to share this yummy {and healthy} idea with you!
Something that I’m always teaching to my clients and to my kids, is that each time you eat a meal or snack, you should try to always include a lean protein, a complex carbohydrate and a healthy fat. When you have all three of those components, your blood sugar levels remain stable, you will feel fuller longer and you are getting a wide array of nutrients that our bodies need.
Well, this meal idea includes ALL three of those components… and the best part about it, is that it is very low in calories and contains a generous amount of fiber! And did I mention that it tastes absolutely WONDERFUL and is a cinch to make??
I have been in love with Veggie Burgers for a very, very long time. There are a variety of different flavors to choose from, but the Garden Original and Black Bean Chipolte are my two favorites. Anyway, they are in the frozen food section at the grocery store, and when you are ready to eat one, you take it straight from the freezer to your stove or oven… no thawing required! {That is a huge plus for us busy moms!}
All you do is cook the patty in a bit of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for 6 minutes on one side and 4 minutes on the other side… seriously… how easy is that? And if you get a cute little pan like the one above, {compliments of my sweet husband on my recent birthday} there is practically no mess at all! {By the way, that cute little pan is also fabulous for making fried eggs in a perfect little circle! 
It’s such a small thing… but makes me so happy!}
Annnyyyway… sorry to get side tracked by a frying pan, but it’s one of my favorite kitchen things. Okay. Back to the veggie burger. After your veggie burger is cooked all the way through, you can do all sorts of things to it! My favorite thing to do, is to melt a slice of swiss cheese on top {which I didn’t have today} and then top it with sliced tomatoes, cucumbers and 1/4 of an avocado! Mmmm!
The patty itself only has 150 calories! And get this… it has 9 grams of protein and 4 grams of fiber per patty! Add a slice of whole wheat toast, sprinkled with flax seed on the side, and you have yourself a completely, PERFECT meal! You are getting healthy fats from the olive oil and ground flaxseed, lean protein from the veggie burger, and the complex carbohydrates from the vegetables and slice of toast. So there you have it! Of course, you could always sandwich the patty between two slices of toast, but for some reason, I always prefer to eat the innards of a sandwich alone… without the bread… and eat the bread separately. Call me weird… it’s okay… my son already does!
Anyway, you’ve got to try this yummy lunch… and if you do, leave me a comment and let me know how you liked it!
Have a happy… and healthy week!
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9 Responses to “Low Calorie, High Protein Lunch Idea”
Lindsey
March 30th, 2009
I have not had a veggie burger in 2 years! Time to give it a go again! Thanks for this!
Mark
March 30th, 2009
hehe I eat these every week for lunch. we think a lot alike I tell you!
Lily
March 31st, 2009
Lindsey – I never even THOUGHT of grilling them outside on the grill! I’m going to try that this summer!
Lily – It’s almost ODD how much alike we are!
Liz Rosenbaum
March 31st, 2009
Hi Liz,
Saw your comment over at Lance’s so I had to stop on over. I’m loving this great tip on the “perfect meal.”
My problem is that I’m allergic to soy. I wish they would make the veggie burgers without soy, it would open up a whole new world for me.
My son told his third grade teacher last year that I was 42 and make really weird pasta. (Ravioli)I was only 37 at the time and I think my pasta is great! Kids are hilarious!
Audra Krells last blog post..Assoc. of Biblical Counselors Conference
Audra Krell
April 1st, 2009
Hi Liz,
oh! your veggie burgers make me hungry(hehe…)Feel like trying this one.
May you be healthy forever!
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Vikum
April 5th, 2009
Liz- I tried the spicy black bean one and really liked it! I would LOVE to have a sample menu week from you…it really gives me inspiration to eat better and gives me more ideas! Thank you!
Emily
April 7th, 2009
Audra – Isn’t it funny the things that go through our children’s heads? I love that story about your son.
Vikum – I hope you were able to try these yummy veggie burgers. I had another one today and mmm mmm, was it tasty!
Emily – I’m so glad you are finding some inspiration and ideas from my site! I love your idea of posting a weekly menu… I’ll have to do something like that for sure.
Liz Rosenbaum
April 9th, 2009
[...] sorts of things I eat for my meals and snacks to keep me healthy. One blog reader, {Emily}, even asked if I’d give a complete weekly meal plan, (which I still plan on doing by the way), to give [...]
Oh, that sounds great! I’m going to go buy some. I haven’t had a veggie burger in so long. I used to grill them on the bbq in the summer and have them all the time. I like the avocado idea. Yummy!
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