10+ Very Low Calorie Meals Healthy Recipes for Weight Loss Success

Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean sacrificing flavor. Very low-calorie meals can be both nutritious and delicious, making it easier for you to stick to your health goals. With a variety of recipes available, you can enjoy satisfying dishes without counting every calorie.

Whether you’re looking for quick meals or more elaborate recipes, there are plenty of options to explore. You can find tasty ideas that fit your dietary needs and preferences, helping to keep your meals exciting and enjoyable.

1) Zucchini Noodles with Tomato Basil Sauce

Zucchini noodles are a great low-calorie alternative to pasta. They are light, flavorful, and very easy to make. This recipe is perfect for a quick meal.

For the sauce, you will need fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. The ingredients combine to create a delicious, healthy dish.

Start by spiralizing your zucchini into noodles. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Then, add diced tomatoes and cook until softened. Finally, stir in fresh basil, salt, and pepper.

Toss the zucchini noodles in the sauce just until warm. Serve immediately for a refreshing dinner that’s packed with flavor.

Ingredients

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 2 cups diced tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Spiralize zucchinis into noodles.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
3. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, cook for 5-7 minutes.
5. Stir in basil, salt, and pepper.
6. Toss in zucchini noodles until warm.
7. Serve immediately.

2) Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Salad

This Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken Salad is both tasty and healthy. It’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs make it refreshing.

To start, you will marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. Cooking the chicken on the grill adds a smoky flavor.

Once cooked, slice the chicken and serve it over a bed of mixed greens. You can also add veggies like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for extra crunch. For a creamy touch, consider adding some crumbled feta cheese.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Mixed greens
• Cherry tomatoes, halved
• Cucumber, sliced
• Feta cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes.
3. Preheat grill to medium heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
5. Slice chicken and arrange it on mixed greens.
6. Top with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese if using. Enjoy!

3) Spicy Black Bean Lettuce Wraps

Spicy black bean lettuce wraps are a tasty, low-calorie meal that’s quick to make. They are packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. You can enjoy them as a light lunch or a satisfying dinner.

To start, heat some olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Then, add black beans along with spices like cumin, chili powder, and smoked paprika for extra flavor. You can use fresh ingredients to brighten the dish.

Romaine lettuce leaves make a great wrapper. Simply fill them with the spicy black bean mixture. You can add toppings like diced tomatoes or avocado for more texture.

Ingredients

• 1 can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Romaine lettuce leaves
• Optional toppings: diced tomatoes, avocado

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add black beans and spices. Cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Fill romaine leaves with the bean mixture.
4. Add any desired toppings.

4) Quinoa and Veggie Stir Fry

Quinoa and veggie stir fry is a quick and healthy meal. It’s packed with colorful vegetables and protein-rich quinoa. This dish is perfect for lunch or dinner, especially on busy days.

You can customize your stir fry with your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, and broccoli. A simple sauce can add flavor without making it high in calories.

To make this dish even healthier, use less oil. You can sauté your veggies in a non-stick pan or use vegetable broth instead.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of quinoa
• 2 cups of water
• 1 cup of mixed vegetables (bell peppers, carrots, broccoli)
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. In a pot, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Add mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes.
5. Add cooked quinoa and soy sauce. Stir well and heat for another 2 minutes.
6. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

5) Cucumber and Avocado Soup

Cucumber and avocado soup is a refreshing meal perfect for warm days. This low-calorie option is not only healthy but also easy to prepare.

You’ll need ripe avocados and cucumbers for a creamy texture. Adding lime juice enhances the taste and gives it a zesty kick. You can serve this soup cold or warm.

This chilled soup is great for lunch or a light dinner. It is rich in healthy fats and packed with nutrients.

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 2 cucumbers
• 1 lime (juiced)
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel and chop the cucumbers.
2. In a blender, add cucumbers, avocados, lime juice, and vegetable broth.
3. Blend until smooth.
4. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Chill in the refrigerator before serving or serve warm.

6) Cauliflower Rice Sushi Rolls

Cauliflower rice sushi rolls are a delicious and low-calorie alternative to traditional sushi. Using cauliflower as a base, these rolls are light, healthy, and full of flavor. You’ll enjoy making and eating them!

You can fill your sushi with various ingredients like fresh vegetables, avocado, or cooked seafood. This way, you can customize your rolls to suit your taste. They are also low in carbs, making them a great choice for many diets.

Ingredients

• 1 small head of cauliflower
• 1 avocado
• 1 cucumber
• Nori sheets
• Soy sauce or tamari for dipping

Cooking Instructions

1. Grate the cauliflower into rice-sized pieces.
2. Steam the cauliflower for about 5 minutes.
3. Let it cool, then squeeze out excess water.
4. Lay a nori sheet on a bamboo mat.
5. Spread cauliflower rice on the nori, leaving space at the top.
6. Add avocado and cucumber slices.
7. Roll tightly and slice into pieces.
8. Serve with soy sauce or tamari.

7) Stuffed Bell Peppers with Quinoa

Stuffed bell peppers with quinoa are a tasty and healthy option. Quinoa is a great source of protein and is gluten-free. You can fill the peppers with various veggies and spices to match your taste.

Start by cooking the quinoa in vegetable broth for added flavor. While it cooks, chop bell peppers in half and remove the seeds. Mix the cooked quinoa with other ingredients, such as black beans and tomatoes.

Fill each pepper half with the quinoa mixture and top with cheese, if you like. Bake the peppers in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 25-30 minutes. This will soften the peppers while keeping the filling warm and delicious.

Ingredients:

• 4 bell peppers
• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup black beans (canned, drained)
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 cup cheese (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse quinoa and cook it in vegetable broth.
3. Cut bell peppers in half and remove seeds.
4. Mix cooked quinoa with black beans and diced tomatoes.
5. Fill each pepper with the mixture.
6. Top with cheese if using.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

8) Baked Cod with Asparagus

Baked cod with asparagus is a quick and healthy meal option. This dish combines tender fish with fresh vegetables, making it both nutritious and delicious.

To prepare it, start by seasoning your cod with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Place it on a baking tray with asparagus. Then, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Enjoy the flavors of spring in this simple dish.

Ingredients:

• 2 cod fillets
• 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or parsley (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the cod fillets and asparagus on a baking tray.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Top with lemon slices and herbs if using.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until the fish is cooked through.

9) Egg White Vegetable Omelette

An egg white vegetable omelette is a great option for a low-calorie meal. It’s light, fluffy, and full of flavor. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables.

Start by whisking egg whites until they are frothy. Then, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add chopped vegetables like spinach, tomatoes, or bell peppers.

Pour the egg whites over the veggies and cook until they start to set. Gently fold the omelette in half and cook for another minute. Enjoy your healthy breakfast!

Ingredients

• 4 egg whites
• 1/2 cup chopped vegetables (spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking spray or a small amount of oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Whisk 4 egg whites until frothy.
2. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat.
3. Add chopped vegetables to the pan.
4. Pour egg whites over the veggies.
5. Cook until the edges start to set.
6. Fold the omelette and cook for 1 more minute.
7. Season with salt and pepper before serving.

10) Mushroom and Spinach Cauliflower Risotto

This Mushroom and Spinach Cauliflower Risotto is a tasty, low-calorie meal. Using cauliflower rice keeps it light and healthy. You can enjoy the rich flavors of mushrooms and spinach without worrying about the carbs.

Start by cooking your mushrooms until they are soft. Then, add fresh spinach and let it wilt. Mixing these with cauliflower rice creates a comforting dish.

You can serve this risotto with your favorite protein or as a main dish on its own. It’s quick to make and perfect for any weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, riced
• 2 cups mushrooms, sliced
• 1 cup spinach leaves
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat (350°F / 175°C).
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft.
3. Stir in sliced mushrooms and cook until tender.
4. Mix in cauliflower rice and cook for about 5 minutes.
5. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
6. Season with salt and pepper before serving.