Many people believe that skipping dinner is the way to lose weight more efficiently, yet it is a misconception with very little support. The truth is that in recent months it has become a common and very recurring practice that is used with the aim of “saving calories.”
While the benefits of eating less are proven and are directly related to longevity , quality of life, healthy weight, and disease prevention. A healthy, light and low calorie dinner is associated with extraordinary and positive effects on losing weight and sleeping better. In fact, there are scientific references, such as the research published in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition , in which they state that there is no evidence indicating that dining promotes obesity.
Although it is a fact that the consumption of foods high in saturated fat, refined flours, sugars and sodium , which are normally found in processed foods and high in calories. Which are related to weight gain and some diseases , eating them before going to bed favors the accumulation of fat in the body and in excess is the direct cause of overweight and obesity.
Based on this, it is essential to understand the importance of making light , low-calorie and balanced dinners , having dinner is a good measure to avoid anxiety about eating and provides the body with the necessary nutrients to fulfill its functions during rest.
A good recommendation is to opt for dinners that do not exceed 300 calories. At the same time it is also important to try to have dinner as early as possible , it is a wonderful habit full of benefits: it benefits digestion, promotes good rest , accelerates metabolism and enhances the burning of fats during the night.
1. Tuna stuffed peppers
Ingredients, for 2 servings
- 4 peppers
- 2 cans of tuna
- 1 small white onion
- 2 sprigs of celery
- 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh basil leaves
- Salt and pepper
- 50 grams of light mozarella cheese
Preparation mode:
- Wash and disinfect the vegetables.
- The first step is to clean the peppers, split them at the height of the stem, remove the veins and seeds inside.
- Preheat the oven to 180ºC.
- Finely chop the onion and celery into small squares.
- For the filling: In a medium skillet add the olive oil, when it is hot add the onion and allow it to brown slightly. Then add the celery and cook for 5 more minutes, until it softens. Finish by adding the drained tuna, mix well, season with fresh basil, salt and pepper to taste.
- Fill the peppers and cover the top with grated mozzarella cheese.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes.
2. Cauliflower pancakes
Ingredients, for 4 servings
- 1 medium cauliflower
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- 1 egg
- 150 grams of flour
- 1 sprig of parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil
Preparation mode:
- Cut the florets from the cauliflower and wash them well with plenty of fresh water . Once clean, cook with steam or for 8-10 minutes in the microwave.
- When the cauliflower is soft , place in a deep bowl and allow it to cool slightly. Crush with the help of a fork , add a whole egg, the crushed garlic, chopped parsley to taste, salt and pepper. Mix all ingredients well.
- Add the flour little by little and in the form of rain. Incorporate well until you get a tender dough , if you consider it necessary add a little more flour so that it does not stick. Take a tablespoon of the dough and flatten it into a pan , if necessary add more flour, arrange them on a plate.
- In a non-stick frying pan over medium heat , add two tablespoons of olive oil and when the oil is hot, gently place the pancakes. Lightly brown them on both sides.
- Accompany with a light salad or some slices of tomato and avocado . They are a great option for a light and satiating dinner at the same time.
3. Caprese salad
Ingredients, for 4 servings
- 500 grams of ripe tomatoes
- 250 grams of fresh mozzarella cheese, sliced
- 1 sprig of fresh basil
- 50 ml of extra virgin olive oil
- 15 ml of apple or white vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparation mode:
- Wash and disinfect the tomatoes and basil leaves.
- Cut the tomatoes and mozzarella cheese into medium slices.
- In a large container, place a bed of mozarella cheese and on top of each one place a slice of tomato.
- For the dressing: In the blender glass add the olive oil, the fresh basil leaves, the vinegar, salt and pepper, process until you get a thick dressing.
- Pour in the dressing and garnish with extra basil leaves . It’s the perfect light dinner, ideal for hot nights.
