10 Low-Calorie Meals That Don’t Taste Like Diet Food

 

Whether you're practicing intuitive eating or simply looking to incorporate more nutritious meals into your routine, these dinner recipes are the best of both worlds — low in calories and delicious. Our round-up of the best low-calorie meals features all kinds of lean proteins (including plant-based options), generous servings of fresh vegetables and hearty, filling whole grains that are sure to please. Sticking to a healthy weeknight dinner that fits into your diet plan just got a whole lot easier. 

Believe it or not, some of the most flavorful kitchen staples are foods that save you from extra calories at mealtime. You'll anchor your plate with high protein, low carb foods, like super flavorful salmon fillets seasoned with a fast pan sauce, flaky tilapia on a bed of greens or extremely versatile chicken thighs with a side of sweet potato spuds. Keeping your low-calorie dinner interesting is easy when you shop the freshest veg of the season: Start the year in spring with kale and carrots, move into zucchini and tomatoes in the summer, savor Brussels sprouts and mushrooms in fall, and finish strong with beets and winter squash. In-season produce from the grocery store or farmer's market can help you fill up at dinnertime without all those calories.

Discover all-time favorites or venture into new dishes that will keep you feeling great inside and out. This collection of low-calorie dinners will keep any diet feeling new, exciting and most of all, easy peasy all year long! 

Seared Salmon with Charred Green Beans

Here's what you need for this recipe: salmon, green beans, garlic, capers, and red chile. That's it!

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Broccoli "Steaks" with Spicy Tomato Jam

Seared on a skillet like steak and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, this is broccoli you eat with a fork and knife.

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Air Fryer Squash Soup

Ever tried soup in an air fryer? The even heat roasts squash, carrots and aromatics perfectly before blending.

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Sheet Pan Fish and Vegetables

Try a whole piece of cod or halibut (rather than fillets) for an impressive dinner that takes less than half hour to make.

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Spicy Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Set out a tray of healthy shrimplettuce wraps made with veggies and fresh herbs for dinner tonight!

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White Bean and Kale Toasts

Not just for breakfast, toast is a totally acceptable dinner when topped with creamy beans and tender kale.

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Garam Masala Roasted Chicken and Cauliflower

Garam masala adds warming heat and lots of flavor to this simple chicken-and-veggies meal.

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Roasted Cauliflower Tacos

It's (vegetarian) taco night! With chili, coriander and cumin-spiced cauliflower as the filling, you won't miss the meat.

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  Vegan Black Bean Soup

Many vegan recipes are indeed low in calories, but this soul-warming soup doesn't feel lacking at all — especially with its velvety avocado topping.

Traditional Chicken Curry

White rice can be part of a healthy dinner! This 220 calorie meal is proof, and you'll add it to your weekly rotation in no time.

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Information in article provided by BY SAMANTHA MACAVOY AND AMANDA GARRITY