There’s a reason why Popeye loved spinach so much. While it might not make you instantly bulge with muscles the way he did, it is a great source of iron and protein, which keeps you strong and energised throughout your weight loss journey, without adding on loads of extra calories.

In fact, spinach is so low in calories that people often wish they enjoyed it more so they would eat it more often. Well, good news. Spinach doesn’t have to be plain and boring. Here are three great ways to include more spinach in your diet plan, so that you enjoy the benefits of this high-protein, low-calorie superfood in a way you’ll actually enjoy… 

Spinach curry

This delicious, creamy curry serves four, with only 126 calories and 7.9 grams of fat in each serving.

You’ll need:

• 2 bunches of fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup of low-fat milk
• 1 large chopped onion
• 3 medium chopped tomatoes
• 1tsp tumeric
• 1tsp cumin
• 1tsp ground chilli

Directions:

1. Steam the spinach for around two minutes until it is soft enough to puree. Add milk slowly as needed. 
2. Sautee the onions until golden brown. Add the chopped tomatoes, and once they are soft, add the tumeric, cumin, and ground chilli.
3. Combine the mixture with the pureed spinach and cook for 2 minutes.

And that’s it! Serve with rice, Indian bread, or on its own as a side dish.

Spinach and zucchini soup

This recipe makes around eight to ten servings. Each serving has around 77 calories, with only 3.3. grams of fat.

You’ll need:

• 2 small zucchinis
• 1 medium potato
• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic (crushed or finely chopped)
• 150 grams frozen spinach
• 1 litre chicken or vegetable stock

Directions:

1. Sautee the onions in a large pot until golden brown, and add the garlic.
2. Add the stock, chopped potato, zucchini and tomato. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low or medium.
3. Let simmer for 30 minutes to an hour, or until the potato and zucchini are soft.
4. Add the frozen spinach and let simmer until it is soft as well. 

Dish it out and enjoy as a warm winter treat! If you prefer it creamy, you can put the spinach and vegetables in the blender rather than chopping them up. Otherwise, enjoy a chunky, filling soup that will keep you warm and satisfied.

Greek chickpeas and spinach

This simple recipe serves four, and has 190 calories and 3.9 grams of fat in each serving.

You’ll need:

• 1 large onion
• 2 cloves garlic (finely chopped)
• 2 cups chickpeas (precooked or canned)
• 250 grams fresh spinach
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh dill weed (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsp lemon juice

Directions:

1. Sautee the onion and garlic in a large frying pan until golden brown
2. Add chickpeas and dill, and stir-fry for 5 minutes
3. Add the spinach a little at a time. Drizzle lemon juice over it and cover the pan with its lid
4. Cook for 5 minutes or until the spinach shrinks. Keep stirring to combine.

Serve hot as a light meal or side dish. Enjoy the tasty flavour and rich protein hit!