If you're watching your cholesterol
levels, having a few, low-fat lunch recipes are good to have on hand. While lunch is an important meal, it is also around the time of the day where things seem to get a little busy and you may forget about eating healthy. Because of this, you may sometimes select quick bites to eat from a fast food establishment instead of something a little more nutritious. Over time, this can have an
impact on your waistline – as well as your cholesterol. About.com’s
Guide to Low-Fat Cooking has many delicious recipes that can help you on the road to a healthy heart.
1. Sandwiches and Wraps
While sandwiches and wraps are very easy-to-make lunches you can prepare in a hurry, they can also be delicious – and equally nutritious. You can make them heart-healthy by using low-fat ingredients and whole-grain products. If you’re a little lost as to where to start, there are many low-fat recipes that can help you get on the right track.- Low Fat Ham and Turkey Wrap – An easy-to-make wrap that is also very filling.
- Yogurt Chicken Wrap – A quick, delicious wrap.
- PBJ and Banana Sandwich – A low-fat twist on a traditional favorite.
- Low Fat Tuna Salad Sandwich – A low-fat version of a classic.
- Southwestern Chicken Salad – This spicy, low-fat version of chicken salad can be used on a sandwich or in a salad.
2. Low-Fat Soups
Not only are soups easy to make, they are also very filling and easy on our waistlines. They make an excellent complement to your lunch, or can be consumed alone as a meal. When using the low-fat ingredients, consuming soups can help you to prevent your cholesterol levels from creeping up, too. Whether it is adding your favorite veggies, spices, or even whole grains, there are many ways you can make soups that are delicious and healthy. Here are a few examples:- Fall Harvest Soup – A delicious, zesty low-fat soup.
- Chunky Turkey and Rice Soup – This tasty, low-fat soup can be used as a meal by itself.
- Turkey and Lentil Soup – A very filling, delicious soup.
- Pasta and Bean Soup – This high fiber, hearty soup is also cholesterol-friendly.
3. Low-Fat Pizzas
Some people avoid pizza because they feel that it can be fattening and raise your cholesterol. And, given the right ingredients, pizza can be damaging to your waistline and cholesterol levels. However, if you use low-fat ingredients on your pizza, it can make a delicious, guilty pleasure that can be eaten for lunch or dinner – without putting a huge dent in your cholesterol-lowering efforts. These pizzas are easy to prepare – and make great leftovers! Try some of these delicious pizza recipes:- Mediterranean Pizza – A delicious and nutritious low-fat dish.
- Low Fat Mexican Pizza – This guilty pleasure is low in fat and easy to make.
- Low Fat Sausage, Mushroom and Red Pepper Pizza – A low-fat, delicious alternative to ordering out.
4. Salads
Are you looking for just a light lunch to eat? If so, salads are the perfect solution for those of you who want nutritious food, but do not want to eat a huge meal. While salads can make a heart-healthy lunch, be careful of the ingredients you add to your salad, since they could sabotage your cholesterol-lowering diet. Here are some healthy recipe ideas to try:- Spinach and Pink Grapefruit Salad – A tangy, heart-healthy salad.
- Tuna and Shell Pasta Salad – This seafood and pasta combination is a healthy treat.
- Low Fat Shrimp Pasta Salad – A delicious and filling seafood salad.
- Couscous Salad – A unique, tasty salad for those watching their fat intake.
- Confetti Rice Salad – A high-fiber food that can help lower your cholesterol, too.
