It can be challenging to come across a handful of tasty cold weather dinner ideas that will not add inches to the waistline. We are often faced with an interesting predicament. While the body may require more calories in order to maintain the proper core temperature, the sources of these very same calories will often result in the accumulation of excess body fat. When we also take into account that many individuals are less likely to head off to the gym during inclement weather conditions, the issue becomes clear.
Thankfully, there are many winter weather ideas to consider and the majority of these will not require a great deal of time to prepare. Let’s therefore adopt a decidedly pragmatic approach in order to discover a handful of delectable options at your disposal. Note that all of the meals outlined below can also be consumed if you have recently been fitted with a Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon.
Ginger-Glazed Baked Salmon
Rich in omega fatty acids and high in protein, salmon represents the ideal solution for those who wish to enjoy a satisfying meal without packing on the calories. You will first need a farm-raised fillet of salmon. Then, finely chop a single garlic root and sprinkle the shavings atop the fillet. For extra flavour, feel free to add a dash of organic soy sauce. Serve with a side of sweet potatoes and a helping of spinach to complete the overall experience.
Air-Fried Chicken Breasts
Some winter dinner ideas are decidedly simple in terms of their execution and this next recipe certainly fits the bill. Chicken breast is quite high in protein and low in saturated fat; both real concerns for those who hope to limit their overall caloric intake. The good news about these cold weather dinner meals is that you have a flexible selection of tasty side dishes to include. From streamed asparagus to leaks with garlic, always make it a point to experiment.
Cauliflower Steaks
Winter meal ideas are sometimes made even more attractive by the titles themselves. While these are not steaks in the traditional sense, we have little doubt that your mouth will still water immediately before serving. Cauliflower steaks are actually nothing more than heads of cauliflower that are baked within the oven. However, the healthy fun does not stop here. We recommend adding a touch of chimichurri or hot sauce to give this dish an extra kick.
Baked Oatmeal
This could very well be the best dinner for cold weather if you have little time to spare. While a lesser-known recipe, baked oatmeal will provide a welcome departure from the norm. Of course, all-natural oatmeal is the primary ingredient. You can thereafter add a host of other toppings once the initial mixture has been baked. Dried fruits (with no sugar or preservatives) are one example although there are plenty of others if you perform a bit more online research.
Buffalo Chicken Meatballs
Often favourites in the pub, why not substitute fatty meat with chicken when preparing a platter of meatballs for dinner? The key here involves the flavourings that are involved. This recipe calls for lean chicken breast, freshly chopped chives, black pepper, low-fat ranch dressing, two egg whites, and organic buffalo sauce (often able to be found in all-natural grocery stores). These meatballs are great winter dinner ideas when served alone or employed as a side dish.
Baked Potatoes
We are referring to sweet potatoes in this sense and the word “sweet” defines what is in store. While baked sweet potatoes are scrumptious in and of themselves, the addition of low-fat cottage cheese, chives, scallions, or even a sprinkling of honey will transform a somewhat plain meal into a veritable work of art. Once again, this dish is easy to prepare and requires no prior experience.
Winter Delights for Foodies of All Ages
These recipes are extremely tasty, low in calories and laden with a host of vital nutrients. However, there is nothing wrong with modifying the inherent ingredients in order to suit your specific tastes. Whether intended for a solo meal or you are hoping to cater to a group of friends, thinking outside of the box has never been more appealing.
Anyone who is currently leveraging the weight loss benefits of the Spatz3 adjustable gastric balloon can likewise adopt these cold weather dinner ideas throughout the year if desired.
