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

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. Very low-calorie meals can be both nutritious and delicious, allowing you to enjoy satisfying flavors while managing your weight. These recipes cater to various tastes and preferences, and make it easier for you to stick to a healthy eating plan.

Whether you’re looking for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep ideas, there are numerous options to choose from. You’ll find that preparing very low-calorie meals can actually be fun and rewarding, as you explore new ingredients and cooking methods.

Zesty Quinoa Salad

This Zesty Quinoa Salad is a tasty and healthy choice for a low-calorie meal. It’s packed with flavor and can be prepared quickly. All you need is about 30 minutes.

To make this salad, start by cooking one cup of quinoa in two cups of water. Bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes. Fluff it with a fork once it’s done.

Next, mix the cooked quinoa with cherry tomatoes, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze in the juice of two limes for a refreshing taste. Drizzle some extra-virgin olive oil to enhance the flavors.

You can season it with ground cumin, salt, and black pepper for an extra kick. This salad is not only delicious but also nutritious!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• Ground cumin, salt, and black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

1. Rinse quinoa under cold water.
2. Cook quinoa with water, bring to a boil, and simmer for 15 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, tomatoes, green onions, and cilantro.
4. Squeeze lime juice and add olive oil.
5. Season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

2) Avocado Toast with Radishes

Avocado toast is a simple and tasty meal. Adding radishes gives it a nice crunch and flavor. This version is low in calories, making it great for a light snack or meal.

To make this, start with whole grain bread. Toast it lightly for the best texture. While the bread is toasting, slice fresh radishes thinly.

Mash ripe avocados in a bowl and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the avocado mixture on the toast. Top it with the sliced radishes for a fresh twist.

For extra flavor, you can drizzle a bit of olive oil or sprinkle some chili flakes on top. This adds healthy fats and some heat if you like it spicy.

Ingredients

• 2 slices whole grain bread
• 1 ripe avocado
• 4-5 radishes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toast the whole grain bread.
2. Slice the radishes thinly.
3. Mash the avocado and season with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the avocado on the toast.
5. Top with radish slices.
6. Drizzle olive oil if desired.

3) Spicy Chickpea Stew

Spicy chickpea stew is a tasty and filling meal that is perfect for anyone looking to eat healthy. It’s low in calories and packed with flavor, making it a great choice for a light lunch or dinner.

You’ll need simple ingredients that are easy to find in your kitchen. The chickpeas provide protein and fiber, helping you feel full longer. Adding spices gives the stew its delicious heat.

Ingredients

• 1 can of chickpeas (15 oz or 425 g)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (14.5 oz or 411 g)
• 2 teaspoons of chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for cooking

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft, about 4-5 minutes.
3. Stir in chili powder and cook for 1-2 minutes.
4. Add the canned tomatoes and chickpeas. Stir to combine.
5. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer for 15-20 minutes. Enjoy!

4) Berry and Spinach Smoothie

A Berry and Spinach Smoothie is a delicious way to enjoy healthy flavors while keeping calories low. This smoothie packs nutrients and flavor in every sip.

You can easily blend your favorite berries with fresh spinach for a refreshing drink. Berries are rich in antioxidants and add natural sweetness without too much sugar. Spinach brings in extra vitamins and minerals, making this smoothie a great choice for any time of day.

For a creamy texture, consider adding banana or yogurt. Enjoy it as a quick breakfast or a healthy snack!

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
• 1 banana (optional)
• 1/2 cup yogurt or almond milk
• Ice cubes (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Add spinach and berries to the blender.
2. If using, slice the banana and add it.
3. Pour in yogurt or almond milk.
4. Add ice cubes if you want a chilled smoothie.
5. Blend until smooth and enjoy!

5) Sweet Potato Black Bean Tacos

Sweet potato black bean tacos are a tasty and healthy choice for a low-calorie meal. They are packed with fiber and nutrients, making them satisfying and nutritious.

To start, roast sweet potatoes in the oven at 425°F (220°C) until they are tender. This usually takes about 25-30 minutes. While the sweet potatoes cook, heat some olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions for about 5 minutes until they are soft.

Next, combine the roasted sweet potatoes with drained black beans and season with lime juice and honey for a sweet kick. You can also add corn for extra texture and flavor.

Serve the mixture in warm tortillas. Top your tacos with avocado slices, shredded cheese, or sour cream if you like. Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Ingredients

• 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 1 cup canned black beans, drained
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup corn (optional)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Juice of 1 lime
• Tortillas

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roast sweet potatoes for 25-30 minutes.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
4. Sauté onions until soft.
5. Mix sweet potatoes, black beans, corn, honey, and lime juice.
6. Serve in warm tortillas. Add toppings as desired.

6) Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken

Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken is a delicious and healthy meal choice. It’s low in calories and packed with flavor. This dish uses simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy days.

To prepare this chicken, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and your favorite herbs. This marinade enhances the taste while keeping it light.

Grill the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it’s safe to eat and juicy.

Serve your grilled chicken with a side of veggies or a fresh salad. It’s versatile and fits well with many sides.

Ingredients

• 2 chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like thyme or oregano)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts to the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes.
3. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F or 190°C).
4. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side.
5. Check that the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C) before serving.

7) Cauliflower Rice Stir-fry

Cauliflower rice stir-fry is a simple and healthy meal. It swaps traditional rice for cauliflower, making it low in calories but full of flavor. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables.

Start with frozen or fresh riced cauliflower. It cooks quickly and keeps the dish light. Combine it with a mix of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots. You can also add tofu or chicken for protein.

For added flavor, toss in some soy sauce or a peanut sauce. This keeps it tasty without adding too many calories. Plus, it’s quick to prepare!

Ingredients

• 1 bag of frozen riced cauliflower
• 2 cups mixed vegetables (like broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers)
• 1 cup tofu or chicken (optional)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat (around 350°F/175°C).
2. Add mixed vegetables and sauté for 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the riced cauliflower and soy sauce.
4. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until everything is tender.
5. Add tofu or chicken if using, and cook until heated through.

8) Lentil Vegetable Soup

Lentil vegetable soup is a nutritious and very low-calorie meal that’s delicious and simple to prepare. Packed with lentils and a variety of vegetables, it offers plenty of fiber and protein to keep you feeling full.

You can make this versatile soup with ingredients like carrots, celery, onions, and garlic. Lentils provide important nutrients like iron and potassium, making this soup both healthy and satisfying.

For a base, use vegetable broth or water and season with herbs and spices. This adds flavor without adding many calories.

This soup is perfect for meal prep or enjoying on a chilly day. With each serving containing around 100 calories, it’s a smart choice for any diet.

Ingredients

• 1 cup lentils (any variety)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: herbs like thyme or bay leaf

Cooking Instructions

1. Rinse the lentils under cold water.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion, garlic, carrots, and celery in a bit of olive oil over medium heat for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the lentils and vegetable broth.
4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes.
5. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs to taste.

9) Oatmeal with Almond Butter

Oatmeal with almond butter is a tasty and healthy choice for breakfast. It is low in calories and packed with nutrients. This meal can keep you feeling full for longer.

To make it, start with old-fashioned oats. Cook them in water or your favorite milk for a creamy texture. Almond butter adds a nice flavor and healthy fats.

You can sweeten your oatmeal with a drizzle of honey or a sprinkle of cinnamon. Top it with fresh fruits like bananas or berries for added taste and nutrition.

This meal is easy to customize. You can add chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber. Enjoy your oatmeal as a warm bowl of comfort to kickstart your day!

Ingredients

• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 2 cups water or milk
• 2 tablespoons almond butter
• Honey or cinnamon (optional)
• Fresh fruits (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Bring water or milk to a boil in a pot.
2. Stir in the oats and reduce heat to medium.
3. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove from heat and stir in almond butter.
5. Add sweeteners and toppings as desired.

Baked Salmon with Dill

Baked salmon with dill is a simple and healthy meal that you can prepare in no time. This dish is low in calories and high in protein, making it great for weight management. The fresh taste of dill pairs perfectly with the salmon.

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and fresh dill. A drizzle of lemon juice adds a bright flavor. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or lunch option.

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets
• Fresh dill (about 2 tablespoons)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Lemon juice (1 tablespoon)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
3. Season salmon with salt, pepper, and dill.
4. Drizzle lemon juice over the salmon.
5. Place fillets on the baking sheet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked through.