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6 Ways to Eat Quinoa Under 500 Calories

Published January 18, 2018
2 minute read
A white plate with a salmon patty on a bed of arugula and grapefruit segments, served with a fork on the side. The salmon patty appears crisp and browned, surrounded by fresh green arugula and pink grapefruit pieces. MyFitnessPal Blog
Published January 18, 2018
2 minute read
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High in fiber and protein, quinoa is the only plant-based food with all nine essential amino acids. We’ve got you covered from breakfast to lunch with these six quinoa-based recipes, all with less than 500 calories.

1. CINNAMON QUINOA BREAKFAST BOWL | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES

This vegan quinoa breakfast bowl is infused with cinnamon, naturally sweetened by maple syrup and topped with cacao nibs. Recipe makes 2 servings at 1 bowl each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 452; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 309mg; Carbohydrate: 94g; Dietary Fiber: 8g; Sugar: 15g; Protein: 14g

2. LEMON QUINOA & EGG BOWLS | A FARM GIRL’S DABBLES

For an easy meal all week long, prepare the lemony quinoa and vegetables on Sunday, then simply top your bowl with a freshly prepared egg. Recipe makes 4 servings at 1/4 recipe each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 442; Total Fat: 25g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 15g; Cholesterol: 186mg; Sodium: 279mg; Carbohydrate: 46g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 12g

3. MASON JAR QUINOA SALAD | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES

Reach your vegetable quota with this protein-packed, meatless salad in a jar. Make ahead of time and you’ve got the perfect lunch to-go. Recipe makes 2 servings at 1 salad jar each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 393; Total Fat: 21g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 244mg; Carbohydrate: 52g; Dietary Fiber: 14g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 14g

4. CARROT QUINOA OATMEAL BREAKFAST COOKIES | LOVE & LEMONS

A hybrid between a muffin and a traditional cookie, these feature a sweet and nutty flavor. Bonus: They’re also vegan and gluten-free. Recipe makes 12 servings at 1 cookie each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 252; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 8g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 139mg; Carbohydrate: 28g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 13g; Protein: 5g

5. SALMON QUINOA BURGERS | SKINNYTASTE

Serve these quinoa- and kale-packed salmon burgers atop a bed of your favorite greens for a low-carb, high-protein lunch. Recipe makes 5 servings at 1 burger and salad each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 313; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 73mg; Sodium: 466mg; Carbohydrate: 29g; Dietary Fiber: 3g; Sugar: 4g; Protein: 23g

6. CHICKEN & BROCCOLI QUINOA | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES

An updated riff on chicken-rice casserole, whole-grain quinoa stands in for white rice. Recipe makes 4 servings at 4 ounces chicken, 3/4 cup cooked quinoa and 4 ounces broccoli each.

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 320; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 63mg; Sodium: 478mg; Carbohydrate: 31g; Dietary Fiber: 5g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 25g

The information in this article is provided solely for informational purposes. This information is not medical advice and should not be relied upon when making medical decisions, or to diagnose or treat a health condition or illness. You should seek the advice of a physician or a medical professional before beginning any dietary programs or plans, exercise regimen or any other fitness or wellness activities.

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