Healthy, nutritional and low calories are rarely referred as ‘fast food’. In a world where the business day is no longer 9-5 and running errands (aka returning online clothing purchases to the post office) takes up more time than a part time job, it isn’t uncommon to collapse as soon as you walk through the door. Refined carbohydrates or something processed is a quick and convenient answer for dinner and i’m afraid this is often the cause of dieters losing a weight loss battle.
So, if you’ve come here looking for a healthy meal which is packed and bursting with all the healthy superfoods under the sun which takes 2 hours to prep and 2 minutes to eat you’ve come to the wrong place. Instead you will find something simple yet sweet. Delightful and delicious. Healthy and hearty. Bold, bright and beautiful. Everything you need to fill up your tummy… and empty up some room in your jeans.
Broccoli
Broccoli is one of the most commonly consumed leafy greens of the cruciferous vegetables. And quite rightly too! This bad boy contains essential vitamins, minerals, fibre and the bio active compounds we need to keep us happy and healthy. Broccoli is a popular vegetable to eat raw or cooked. Some of the different cooking methods include steaming or stir-frying. Although I personally love to over so slightly steam and drizzle with cold pressed oil. To reap maximum benefits it’s best eaten raw due to some of the nutrients being destroyed from the heat of cooking. The amount of nutrients that are compromised depends greatly on the time and method of cooking. Full blast in the microwave would be a massive faux pas.
100g of broccoli contains
- Calories – 34
- Carbs – 6.6g
- Fibre – 2.6g
- Fat – 0.4g
- Protein – 2.8g
- Vitamin A – 12.5 %
- Vitamin – C 148.7%
- Calcium – 4.7
- Iron – 4.1%
- Potassium – 316 mg
Celery
Ten years ago, celery was ranked number in the UK’S top 10 most hated vegetables as one in four proclaiming to loathe its taste. The anti-celery cult either declared to desist the taste or complained about the lack of it.
But a decade later the tables have certainty turned. Celery is now counted as a favourite by health and fitness junkies to have while detoxing, on a weight loss journey or to add to superfood smoothies. Celery is also a great addition in summer soups, hearty salads or to have as a crunchy and refreshing snack.
100g of celery contains
- Calories – 32
- Carbs – 5.9g
- Fibre – 3.2g
- Fat – 0.3g
- Protein – 1.4g
- Vitamin A – 18%
- Vitamin – C 10.3%
- Calcium – 48%
- Iron – 2.2%
- Potassium – 520mg
Carrots
The bread-and-butter of vegetables (…and that will be the only time bread is mentioned in a positive manner) carrots should be staple in every household. Boiled, baked, blended, raw, roasted. grated or strained. Carrots are so versatile I challenge you to name one person you know that doesn’t like them.
100g of carrots contains
- Calories – 41
- Carbs – 9.6g
- Fibre – 2.8g
- Fat – 0.2g
- Protein – 0.9g
- Vitamin A – 334.1%
- Vitamin – C 9.8%
- Calcium – 3.3%
- Iron – 1.7%
- Potassium – 320mg
- Calories – 12
- Carbs – 2.16g
- Fat – 0.16
- Protein – 0.59g
- Vitamin A – 1%
- Vitamin C – 5%
- Iron – 1%
- Potassium -136g
Cherry Tomatoes
Tomato. A fruit or a vegetable? What ever it is, it’s a classic and I’d even go as far as to compare it to the Roll Royes of Fruits… yes that’s right, I said it. Fruit!
New aged plant based foods from the grain family like Quinoa and Amaranth have fast become the coolest superfood and have stolen the limelight from our British vintages… and not for the better… more on this later. Tomatoes are among one of the best ways to get your fix of the antioxidant, lycopene, which has been noted for its vast health benefits, some researches even have gone as far as saying it could protect Against Certain Types of Cancer.
As for me, I’m happy to top up my intake purely because this beautiful red fruit is a great for the skin, and a reliable source of folate, potassium, vitamin C and vitamin K and bursting with antioxidants that help fight off nasties in the body which are trying to knock you off your A game – ‘A’ obviously standing for antioxidant!!
- Calories – 26
- Carbs – 3.6g
- Fibre – 1.3g
- Fat – 0.5g
- Protein 1.1g
- Vitamin – C -19%
- Sugar – 3.6g
Hummus
Okay, so let’s get one thing straight and let’s get it straight right now. Hummus is the universal food of love. You can be having a major meltdown, a complete crisis or in the middle of pretend plans while hiding from social situation but as soon as you hear hummus is involved… well, have Moroccan mercy… everything drops and you go running. Hummus brings us together and as long as we’ve got our own tub there’s we’ve got all the long to give in the world.
Low in saturated fat, high in protein and fibre, and a complete carbohydrate, hummus is a healthier alternative to other dips such as mayonnaise. Hummus is a fine example of quality over quantity when it comes to ingredients.
There may be a few variations with the ingredients but the best stuff won’t usually stray from the original recipe. Chickpeas, olive oil, garlic, tahini, lemon juice and salt. If you don’t mind bumping up the calories I recommend bumping up the olive oil.
100g of hummus contains
- Calories – 166
- Total Carbs – 14g
- Fibre – 7.3g
- Total Fat – 10g
- Protein – 8g
- Calcium – 3%
- Iron – 13%
- Potassium – 228mg
- Sodium – 379mg
Vegetable Medley Sticks
Healthy and low in calories fast food
- 1 carrot
- 2 celery stalks
- 50 g cucumber
- 80 g cherry tomatoes
- 100 g broccoli
- 100 g hummus
Slice and dice vegetables into easy to eat sticks
Other posts you’ll find interesting
Healthy and Nutritional Budget Salad Bowl
Beginners Guide to Fasting For Weight Loss
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE? I’D LOVE TO SEE IT!
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