Spinach is a favorite veggie superfood for quite a few reasons--besides being naturally low in calories, it’s also fortified with plenty of health-boosting vitamins and minerals such as iron, calcium, Vitamins A, C, K and folic acid--the latter being an essential nutrient for female health. The fiber in spinach, especially when paired with the right foods, can make you feel fuller for longer, despite being low in calories. If you want to lose weight while getting some nutrients, here are some recipe ideas with spinach being the protagonist--and all under 300 calories.
No. 1: Creamy spinach soup. A lovely, creamy and totally comforting soup made in just 20 minutes and with only 5 ingredients handy. To make 2-3 portions of this lovely green soup, saute 2 cups of roughly chopped fresh or frozen spinach with one small scallion (chopped) in one tbsp of olive oil. Add 4 cups of vegetable stock and bring to a boil for 15 minutes. Add ½ cup of vegetable or heavy cream in the last minute, stir and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Finally, blend everything in a blender until creamy, frothy and smooth and serve optionally with a few croutons on top.
No.2: The ultimate spinach salad. A yummy and crunchy salad that bursts with flavors and textures. To make one portion, chop roughly 1 ½ cups of fresh spinach leaves and combine with one small grilled or baked pumpkin (chopped into small cubes). Add ¼ cup of chopped walnuts, and ⅓ cup ricotta cheese. Toss everything well, and make your dressing with 2 tbsp of balsamic vinegar, 1 tsp of olive oil, and ½ tsp basil. Mix well and pour the dressing over salad. You may also add a few drops of lemon juice to make the salad more tangy.
No.3: Bacon and spinach frittata. A rich frittata recipe with good fats inspired by keto diet. To make this frittata, beat 3 whole eggs and 2 egg whites in a bowl with a bit of salt and cayenne pepper. Melt 1 tsp of butter in a medium yet deep skillet and add two chopped slices of bacon. Let saute for a couple of minutes and add ½ cup of spinach leaves and saute until wilted for 1-2 minutes. Add the eggs and allow to cook on one side for 2 minutes. Place the skillet in the oven for 5 minutes at 358F/180C to cook the top side and flip.
If you are also looking for the perfect drink to accompany any of the above meals, you have to try out our spinach smoothie: blend ½ cup of fresh or frozen spinach leaves with ½ cup cold-brewed Teatox tea, ½ cup coconut milk, 1 small green apple, and 1 small ripe banana for sweetness. Blend until smooth, add some ice (if necessary) and enjoy chilled.