Salad makes a versatile meal base.
Healthy meals for men work best if they also filling, satisfying, tasty and easy to prepare--not so different at all from meals that are good for everyone. Heavy, carbohydrate- and calorie-laden foods are tempting when alternatives are not readily known or available. Keeping ingredients for low-calorie meals on hand helps ensure that a healthy lunch or dinner can be thrown together on a moment's notice.
Grilled Protein Salad
Men love to grill. The lure of the open flames and smoky taste infused by the embers just add to the appeal. Grilled meats, fish and vegetables to use in a hearty dinner as an entree salad is a way to incorporate more lean proteins and vegetables.
Salad base - mixed greens, carrots, tomatoes
Protein - grilled chicken breast or fish seasoned with lemon pepper
Grilled vegetables - grilled along with the protein; use hearty varieties such as onions, pepper, eggplant and squash
Top the cold salad with the grilled items and finish with a light dressing if necessary.
Roasted Lean Beef with Vegetables
Lean beef, such as trimmed cuts of London broil, can be made healthy by relying on spices and seasonings to add flavor. One meal option is to place a London broil in a large pan, and surround the meat with cut vegetables such as eggplant, onions, carrots, green bell peppers and celery. Add one cup of water to prevent burning and season the top of the meat with spices such as coarse salt, tri-colored peppercorns, garlic and rosemary. Cover the dish with foil and roast at 350 degrees until the meat is prepared to your liking. Avoid high-calorie potatoes by using those other hearty and filling vegetables.
Pasta Dishes
Pasta is typically known as being a high-calorie meal. Substituting whole-wheat pasta in lieu of traditional varieties can help lower the calorie count of the meal. To make a healthy meal using whole-grain pasta, cook the pasta according to package directions and drain. Make a light sauce for the pasta by sauteing over low heat one-quarter stick of butter with freshly minced garlic and shallots. Toss the pasta in the sauce and top with Italian seasonings such as oregano, basil, fennel and salt.
Tags: London broil, meat with
