New Year’s Eve Menu: Calorie-Controlled Diet

By Summer Banks FNS, SPT on Dec 21, 2020

With New Year’s Eve coming up, this is a popular time for people to get together with family members and friends, ring in the New Year, and eat a bunch of delicious food. On the other hand, if you are following a calorie-control diet, some of the traditional New Year’s Eve dishes may derail your goals. So, why not create a menu of your own? Let’s take a look at a few popular New Years Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet to keep yourself in a position to ring in the New Year without ruining your diet and weight loss goals!

Baked Banana Oatmeal

Baked Banana Oatmeal

When it comes to a delicious, classic menu combination, bananas and oatmeal tend to go together. You may have sliced a few bananas into your oatmeal growing up! This delicious baked banana oatmeal recipe is sure to please all the guests at your New Year’s Eve party this year!

To make this recipe, you need:

  • A few ripe bananas, peeled
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 cups of whole-grain rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 of skim milk
  • 1 teaspoon of baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
  • A cooking spray or a healthy oil that you can use to grease the pan

To complete this recipe:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. First, slice all but one of the bananas into a bowl and set them aside. Then, the remaining banana and combine it with the beaten egg, vanilla extract, and milk in a separate bowl. Mash the banana thoroughly in the egg.
  3. In a third bowl, mix the salt, baking powder, and oats. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
  4. Mix thoroughly.
  5. Grab an 8 inch round or square baking pan. Either line with parchment paper or grease it with the cooking spray or healthy oil. If you would prefer, you can also use a pie dish.
  6. Pour the batter into the pan. Make sure that it’s spread evenly.
  7. Take the banana slices from earlier and place them on top of the batter.
  8. Put the baking pan in the oven. Bake it for about 26 minutes.
  9. Remove the oatmeal and sprinkle it with brown sugar. Place the dish back in the oven and broil it for 3 to 4 minutes.
  10. After this, you can remove it from the oven and serve when cool. Try to time this dish to be removed close to when the party starts. One delicious way to serve this dish is to top it with a bit of greek yogurt or some blueberries.

This dish can help you control your calories and help you lose weight because it contains whole grain oats. Oats are packed with beta-glucans. These are soluble fibers that can help improve your satiety, according to Molecular Nutrition and Food Research. Other medical studies have shown that beta-glucans help you feel full, causing you to consume fewer calories. Whole grain oats also help improve your metabolic health. Instead of reaching for refined grains, go with whole grains, such as oats, instead.

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Greek Omelet with Feta Cheese

it’s good to have a little bit of variety at your New Year’s Eve party and 1 way to switch it up is to go with this delicious Greek omelet! Thanks to the tomatoes, spinach, feta cheese, and chopped red onions, this delicious Greek omelet is packed with a wide variety of nutrients without being filled with a lot of calories. cook up a few of these omelets and serve them at your party!

To make this recipe, you need:

  • 1 cup of baby spinach
  • 1/2 teaspoon of minced garlic
  • 2 tablespoons of red onions, chopped
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 1/4 cup of feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons of fat-free milk
  • 2 tablespoons of tomatoes, chopped and seeded

To complete this recipe:

  1. Take out a nonstick skillet and spray it with cooking spray. Cook the spinach, garlic, and onions in this skillet on medium heat for about 4 minutes. The onions should look tender. Be sure to stir everything continuously.
  2. After this, add the tomatoes to the dish.
  3. Crack open the eggs and whisk them until they are frothy. Add them to the skillet. Tilt the skillet to make sure that everything is coated evenly by the eggs.
  4. Cook everything for about 2 to 3 minutes. The eggs should begin to set.
  5. Top everything with three tablespoons of cheese. Cook for another minute until the cheese begins to melt.
  6. Fold the omelet in half and top with the remaining cheese.

This recipe is for one omelet. You may want to double or triple it and provide everyone with 1/4 of an omelet as a delicious appetizer at the New Year’s Eve party. Even though it’s true that whole eggs can throw off your cholesterol profile, they are still 1 of the best foods to eat if you are trying to control your calories and lose weight. This is because eggs are very satiating, meaning that they will make you feel full. 1 specific medical study took a closer look at a few dozen individuals who ate eggs for breakfast instead of bagels.

Even though bagels are significantly larger than eggs, the vast majority of the participants reported feeling fuller after eating the eggs than bagels, per research published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition. Another separate study in International Journal of Obesity (London) echoed these results, showing that eggs can help people who are trying to stick to a calorie-control diet and can help them lose weight. include this delicious omelet as 1 of your New Years eve menu ideas! This is a great way to switch out the dishes at your party and provide everyone with a delicious breakfast item!

Avocado Tuna Salad

Even though it’s true that tuna salad is usually prepared with mayonnaise, that’s not going to help you control your calorie intake. In this delicious recipe, the mayonnaise has been swapped out for avocado! Because this menu idea is made conveniently with smaller portion sizes, this is one of the easiest ways to serve a large number of people at your party!

To make this recipe, you need:

  • 1 avocado
  • 1 tablespoon of chopped onion, or to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 5 oz of fresh, wild tuna, cooked through (or is sushi grade)
  • Sea salt and cracked black pepper, to taste

To complete this recipe:

  1. Start by cutting the avocado in half. Scoop out the middle of both avocado halves and place them in a bowl. Try to leave a little bit of avocado flesh on the edge of each peel. Do not throw the peel away. Instead, sprinkle with lemon juice and set it aside for later.
  2. To the avocado in the bowl, add lemon juice and onion. Mash everything together.
  3. Next, add the tuna, sea salt, and black pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly to combine.
  4. Finally, take the mixture from the bowl and scoop it into the two avocado shells. Your tuna salad is ready to be served!

With this recipe, one avocado has been designed to serve two people. You can double or triple the recipe as needed. As one of the top New Years Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet, tuna is a food that is packed with protein and has very few calories. This is great for anyone who is trying to lose weight. This is a relatively lean fish, which means that it’s low in fat. If you decide to go with canned tuna, try to find tuna canned in water instead of oil. That way, you will keep your calorie intake relatively low while still enjoying all of the benefits of food that is incredibly high in protein.

Chicken Curry Lettuce Wraps

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Chicken curry lettuce wraps are another delicious option you can serve at your New Year’s Eve party. Packed with wholesome, nutritious foods that are free from preservatives, this is one of the best ways to eliminate processed foods from your diet. This delicious recipe is designed to be a twist on your classic chicken curry salad by throwing it in a lettuce wrap and spicing it up a little bit!

To make this recipe, you need:

  • 2 cups of lean chicken, cooked through
  • 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 lime, juiced
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger, grated
  • 1/4 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 teaspoons of curry powder
  • 1 cup of diced celery
  • 1 cup of diced apples
  • 1 cup of red grapes, cut in half
  • Whole grain bread (optional)
  • 4 large lettuce leaves

To make this recipe:

  1. Take out a medium mixing bowl. Stir together the yogurt, lime juice, ginger, and curry powder.
  2. Combine the chicken, apples, grapes, and celery. Take the dressing from the mixing bowl and combine it with these ingredients. Mix everything thoroughly.
  3. Cover and move to the refrigerator. Chill for at least one hour to allow the flavors to marinate.
  4. When you are ready to serve this dish, separate the lettuce leaves. Scoop the mixture into a single lettuce leaf. Then, you can place the lettuce leaf on top of a slice of whole-grain bread to serve, if you would like.

The Greek yogurt in this dish is very high in protein. It’s also relatively high in calcium. Foods high in calcium, such as dairy products, can help you burn fat faster, according to Obesity Research. In addition to being one of the most delicious New Years Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet, these chicken lettuce wraps will also help you burn fat thanks to the calcium content.

Quinoa Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Walnuts

The salad is relatively quick to make and is packed with a wide variety of ingredients that provide it with a delicious flavor profile. Because you can make the salad in bulk, this is ideal when it comes to serving people at a party. If you are looking for New Years Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet, then give this delicious salad a try and enjoy some of the earthy spices it has such as cumin and cinnamon. In addition to helping you lose weight, this can also help you satisfy a variety of cravings!

To make this recipe, you need:

  • 1 large sweet potato, peeled and cut into smaller cubes
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 1 cup of vegetable broth
  • 1 1/2 cup of quinoa
  • 1 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup of raisins

To complete this recipe:

  1. Start preheating the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Take out a baking tray and coat with cooking spray. Place the sweet potato on the baking tray and toss it with the olive oil, cayenne, cumin, and cinnamon.
  3. Roast the sweet potatoes until they are soft. This should take somewhere between 12 and 14 minutes.
  4. Next, place the quinoa and broth in a saucepan. Bring the entire mixture to a boil. Turn the heat down and simmer everything until the liquid is fully absorbed. That should take about 15 minutes. After this, fluff the quinoa with a fork.
  5. Finally, take the walnuts and heat them in a skillet over medium heat. The walnuts should begin to toast. Be sure to toss them occasionally to prevent one side from burning. It should take about two to three minutes for the walnuts to turn golden.

With everything now cooked, combine the quinoa, sweet potatoes, raisins, and walnut. You can also season the mixture to taste with salt and pepper.
This is a delicious salad that will help you control your weight, appetite, and satiety levels. Because the quinoa is relatively filling, this is a great way for you to reduce your calorie intake. Quinoa is also packed with slow-digesting protein instead of fast-digesting carbohydrates. Cook enough to feed a crowd, as this is a recipe that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

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Roasted Green Bean, Feta, and Tomato Salad

Green Bean, Tomato, and Feta Salad

As one of the New Years Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet, this dish will work with a wide variety of vegetables. You’re also welcome to double or triple the recipe below to make sure you can feed everyone who comes to the party! With nutritious, scrumptious ingredients, this dish is something that you can eat plenty of without having to worry about driving up your calorie count!

To make this recipe, you need:

  • 1 1/4 cup of sliced red onion
  • 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, cut in half
  • 1 pound of green beans, washed and trimmed
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon of pink Himalayan salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cracked pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 3 oz of light or reduced-fat crumbled feta cheese

To make this recipe, you should follow the following steps:

  1. Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Take the green beans and place them on a cooking sheet. Cook them in the oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. You may want to turn the green beans halfway through to ensure they cook evenly. After they have cooked thoroughly, remove and set aside.
  3. As the green beans are cooking, combine the lemon juice, garlic powder, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small mixing bowl. Mix thoroughly.
  4. After the green beans have cooled, combine them with the red onion and tomato halves in a small mixing bowl. Pour the dressing over the green beans and toss to coat evenly. Make sure that all of the ingredients are coated nicely.
  5. Place the bowl in the refrigerator. Allow everything to chill for between one and two hours.
  6. When you are ready to serve, sprinkle the entire mixture with feta cheese.

The salad will taste delicious either at room temperature or chilled. You have plenty of flexibility regarding how you want to serve everyone at your party. This is a salad that contains vitamins and minerals without a lot of calories. As a result, everyone at the party can eat plenty without having to worry about going overboard on their calorie count!

All-in-One Healthy Meatballs

When people go to a New Year’s Eve party, they are probably used to seeing that ever-present slow cooker of meatballs in a delicious marinade. Sure, these meatballs are absolutely delicious; however, they are not necessarily low in calories. Plus, many sauces people choose for slow cooker meatballs are also high in sugar. Take a look at these nutritious meatballs below and incorporate them as one of your New Years Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet!

To make this recipe, you need:

  • 1 1/2 pounds of lean ground beef
  • 1 diced sweet onion
  • 1 diced red pepper
  • 1/2 cup of fresh cauliflower, broken up into smaller pieces
  • 1/2 cup of fresh broccoli, broken up into smaller pieces
  • 1-third cup of carrots, julienned
  • 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon of oregano
  • Salt and red pepper to taste

To complete this recipe:

  1. Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place the red pepper and onion in the coconut oil. Saute everything for about 5 to 6 minutes.
  3. After this, add the carrots, broccoli, and cauliflower to the coconut oil mixture and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes.
  4. While this is cooking, add the ground beef to a mixing bowl. Combine with the seasonings. Mix everything well.
  5. After the vegetables have finished cooking, add them to the beef mixture, and combine.
  6. Take out a baking sheet. Spray it with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.
  7. Roll the ground beef into the shape of small meatballs and add them to the parchment paper. Place the meatballs in the oven and cook them for about 24 minutes.

Once they are removed from the oven, they should be ready to serve! These meatballs contain a lot of broccoli and cauliflower. These are known as cruciferous vegetables. They are incredibly high in fiber, which is good for your digestive tract. Fiber is also relatively filling. As a result, you are going to feel full quickly, ensuring that you consume fewer calories in the long run. Broccoli and cauliflower also contain a fair amount of protein. Cruciferous vegetables are important for your overall health and can help you stick to your calorie count during your New Year’s Eve party!

Avocado and Grapefruit Salmon

Avocado Grapefuit Salmon

One of the top New Years Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet, this avocado and grapefruit salmon is sure to provide your guests with an adventure for their tastebuds. This recipe is absolutely bursting with flavor and, thanks to the salmon, has a relatively low calorie content! The only problem you may have is that you may need to double or triple the recipe to appease the demands of your hungry party guests! Take a look at the recipe below and make sure that your guests are ready for a symphony of flavor!

To make this recipe, you need:

  • Several salmon fillets, 11/2 in thick
  • Olive oil used to brush the fillets
  • Kosher salt and cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Ancho chili powder, also to taste
  • 1 avocado, peeled, pitted, and cut into cubes
  • 1 to 2 large grapefruits, depending on the number of fillets
  • 1 jalapeno, diced
  • Cilantro, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons of red onion, minced

To complete this recipe:

  1. Begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. Place the fish in a small, nonstick baking pan. Brush the fish on both sides with olive oil. Season with the chili powder, salt, and pepper. Place in the oven and roast for about 18 minutes. It should look opaque in the center when it’s finished.
  3. Peel the grapefruit and use a small knife to remove the white pith from the edges. Break the grapefruit into segments. Squeeze the juice from the membranes into the mixing bowl.
  4. Cut the grapefruit segments into small, 1/2 inch pieces. After this, return the grapefruit to the bowl. Combine the grapefruit with the onion, lime juice, cilantro, avocado, and jalapeno.
  5. When the fish is done, remove it from the oven. Spoon the grapefruit salsa on top of the fillets. You may want to cut the fish in half if you have a lot of party guests.

This is a bright, savory dish for your New Year’s Eve party that has a complex flavor profile. Medical studies have shown that certain types of fish, such as salmon, are incredibly healthy and satiating. With relatively few calories, salmon will make you feel full. Packed with tons of protein and healthy fat, salmon will also provide you with a wide variety of nutrients.

For example, salmon is high in iodine. Iodine is an essential nutrient for your thyroid. Your thyroid controls your metabolic processes. If you do not have enough iodine for your thyroid, then your body’s metabolic rate could be derailed, according to the Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal.

In addition, salmon also has a lot of omega-3 fatty acids, per The Journal of Clinical Investigation. These fatty acids will reduce inflammation throughout your body. This can play an important role in reducing oxidative stress to improve your overall health. Make sure that you serve salmon at your New Year’s Eve party. This delicious recipe is one fantastic option!

Broiled Halibut with Stir-Fry Vegetables in a Sweet Thai Sauce

Another delicious fish recipe to serve at your New Year’s Eve party is broiled halibut with stir-fry vegetables. Topped with a sweet Thai sauce, this recipe has a relatively low calorie content despite providing a wide variety of flavors. You can also swap out some of the spices, tailoring the recipe to meet your own preferences! Take a look at the wide variety of ingredients below and prepare to serve a delicious, diverse dish at your New Year’s Eve party!

To make this recipe, you need:

  • A 1 pound halibut fillet
  • 1/4 cup of honey
  • 1/2 cup of rice vinegar
  • 4 minced garlic cloves
  • Red pepper flakes to taste
  • Two teaspoons of coconut oil or sesame oil
  • 1 diced red pepper
  • 1 diced zucchini
  • 1 cup of crimini mushrooms
  • Cilantro, to taste

To complete this recipe:

  1. Preheat your broiler on high.
  2. Take the garlic, vinegar, red flapper flakes, and honey and combine them in a bowl.
  3. Place the halibut in a glass dish or plastic bag. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of the liquid mixture over the fish. Seal the bag or cover the fish. Rotate the fish and coat it well. Marinate the fish in the mixture for at least 15 minutes. Take the rest of the liquid and set it aside.
  4. Next, place the fish on the broiler pan. Broil the fish for about 5 minutes. Turn the fish over and broil the other side for about 3 minutes. When the fish is finished, it should flake relatively easily.
  5. As the fish is broiling, heat a wok with some over medium heat. Gradually increase the heat to high as you add the vegetables to the wok. Stir fry everything for about 2 minutes.
  6. Take what is left of the vinegar mixture and pour it over the vegetables. Heat the mixture until it starts to boil. Boil everything for approximately 30 seconds as you stir it continuously.
  7. Remove the vegetables and sauce. Arrange them on a serving plate. Top the mixture with the fish. Spoon whatever mixture is left on top of the fish.
  8. Sprinkle with cilantro and the dish is ready to serve.

This is a diverse, delicious dish that can be cut into smaller pieces to serve to your party guests. Because fish provides protein to keep you feeling full, it will help you consume fewer calories. You can also swap out the honey for a slightly different sauce if you would like to reduce the carb count even further. Be sure to give this recipe a try! Your guests are going to fall in love with this dish immediately, as it’s one of the top New Years Eve menu ideas!

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Ginger Pineapple Chicken Skewers

Ginger Pineapple Chicken Skewer

This amazing dish is one of the top New Years Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet. Placed on convenient skewers, this dish is ideal for feeding the crowd at your party this year! Thanks to the ingredients, this is also going to be relatively filling without being flooded with carbs. You can eat without having to worry about ruining your diet! Let’s take a look at the variety of ingredients.

To make this recipe, you need:

  • 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 3 tablespoons of brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
  • 2 tablespoons of Sherry
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 8 lean chicken breasts, cut into cubes
  • Skewers
  • 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks

To complete this recipe:

  1. Take out a shallow glass dish. Mix the brown sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic powder, ginger, and sherry. Stir in the chicken pieces and pineapple.
  2. Ensure the marinade coats the mixture thoroughly. Cover the dish and place in the refrigerator. Allow flavors to marinate for about 2 hours.
  3. Preheat the grill over medium to high heat.
  4. Oil the grill grate liberally. Thread the chicken and pineapple onto the skewers, alternating pieces. Then, grill everything for between 15 and 20 minutes.
  5. Rotate the skewers occasionally, ensuring everything cooks evenly.

After they are finished, you can top the skewers with some red pepper flakes if you like to add a little heat! When you make this recipe with lean chicken, this is ideal for a weight loss plan. Because this dish is so high in protein, it will fill you up quickly. Medical studies, including one published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, have even shown that eating a diet that is high in protein, such as these chicken skewers, helps you reduce your overall calorie count by up to 100 calories per day. That means you may want to think about consuming a diet with plenty of protein if you would like to achieve your weight-loss goals. By serving these skewers at your New Year’s Eve party, you ensure that your party guests are happy while also providing yourself with a dish that will help you limit your calorie count!

Spinach and Apple Salad with Delicious Almonds

Having a couple of salads at your New Year’s Eve party is perfect for providing your guests with a little bit of freedom to try a bunch of different dishes. You can easily double or triple the recipe below to make sure that you can feed a crowd. As one of the easiest New Years Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet, this recipe combines leafy greens and nuts, which are both essential for achieving your weight loss goals!

To make this recipe, you need:

  • 1 1/4 cup of onion, minced
  • 3 tablespoons of white wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons of cider vinegar
  • Sesame seeds, to taste
  • 1 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1/2 cup of either extra virgin olive oil or sesame oil
  • 1 cup of slivered almonds, blanched or roasted
  • 1 package of baby spinach
  • Two medium apples that have been sliced thin

To complete this recipe:

  1. Take the vinegar, sesame seeds, paprika, and onion. Combine them in a small bowl. Mix in the oil gradually. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  2. Take the almonds and either roast them or blanch them if you have not done so already. After this, transfer the almonds to a paper towel and allow them to cool. If the almonds start to stick together, gently break them apart.
  3. Combine the spinach and apples in a large bowl.
  4. Place the dressing over the spinach and apples. Toss the salad with the almonds and it’s ready to serve!

Because this dish has plenty of spinach, it is ideal for helping people meet their weight loss goals. Plenty of studies have shown that vegetables that have a relatively low energy density, such as spinach, cause people to eat fewer calories, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. In addition, leafy greens contain a wide variety of vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, which can help you burn fat., according to the Journal of Nutrition. Use this as one of your top New Years Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet!

Give These New Year’s Eve Menu Ideas for a Calorie-Control Diet a Try

If you are looking for New Year’s Eve menu ideas for a calorie-control diet, these are a few of the many items from which to choose. When you get together for a New Year’s Eve party, this is usually a time to celebrate with family members and friends. There are plenty of items on the menu; however, many are filled with a ton of calories. You don’t need a ton of added sugar, fat, and calories to entertain a crowd and reap in a fantastic new year.

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About the Author:

Summer Banks has researched over 5000 weight-loss programs, pills, shakes and diet plans. Previously, she managed 15 supplement brands, worked with professionals in the weight loss industry and completed coursework in nutrition at Stanford University.

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