Lose Weight With These 50+ Meals Under 500 Calories

POPSUGAR Photography
POPSUGAR Photography

No matter when you eat your biggest meal of the day, your calories should still work for you. These meals are jam-packed with nutrients — from energy-sustaining protein to disease-fighting antioxidants — while still ensuring you keep calorie counts low. Each of these comforting and filling meals is well under 500 calories, meaning you'll be full and satisfied afterward without sacrificing weight-loss goals. Check out the recipes below!

— Additional reporting by Michele Foley, Lizzie Fuhr, and Jenny Sugar

01
Chickpea Coconut Curry With Sweet Potatoes
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Chickpea Coconut Curry With Sweet Potatoes

After one bite of this chickpea and sweet potato curry with coconut rice, you will be sold. Plus you make it ahead, so it takes minutes to prepare.

Calories: 397

02
Carrot Fettuccine With Mushrooms and Red Pepper
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Carrot Fettuccine With Mushrooms and Red Pepper

Here's an equally satisfying, soft, and tender low-carb alternative to pasta that's as easy to whip up as a bowl of spaghetti.

Calories: 478

03
Mexican Tempeh Quinoa Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Mexican Tempeh Quinoa Salad

Made with cumin, cayenne, fresh lime juice, and cilantro, this filling dish offers zesty, fresh flavor that screams to be enjoyed with a margarita!

Calories: 353

04
Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Smashed Avocado Chickpea Salad

This creamy avocado chickpea salad throws together in less than 10 minutes, and you can even make a batch ahead of time to have a few days' worth of meals all ready when hunger strikes.

Calories: 485

05
Paleo Shrimp and Grits
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Shrimp and Grits

If your ultimate comfort food tends to be Southern-fried, this clean-eating shrimp and grits recipe will curb (and satisfy) those greasy cravings. Riced cauliflower simmers on the stove in a coconut milk bath to stand in for traditional corn grits, while fresh lemon, a little spice, and a touch of ghee make the shrimp portion of this classic dish much lighter.

Calories: 269

06
Broccoli Slaw Stir-Fry
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Broccoli Slaw Stir-Fry

This veggie-packed stir-fry has all the flavors you're craving — but since broccoli slaw stands in for noodles, you save big on carbs and calories.

Calories: 345

07
Maple-Cumin Tofu With Farro
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Maple-Cumin Tofu With Farro

This tofu stir-fry is so easy to whip up — it's fail-proof — and only takes about 40 minutes. Rich in savory flavor and comforting textures, it'll soon become a staple in your weekly meal plan too.

08
Thai Beef Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Thai Beef Salad

This hearty, flavorful Thai beef salad is the perfect starter recipe if you've never cooked Thai food at home. Fresh, hydrating cucumber and romaine balance well with lean marinated beef for a filling post-workout dinner you'll crave.

Calories: 452

09
Veggie Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Veggie Mac and Cheese

If you're craving mac and cheese but are trying to cut back on pasta, this low-carb mac and cheese recipe is for you. Cheesy and creamy, this recipe lets Trader Joe's versatile organic broccoli slaw stand in for traditional noodles, so you won't leave the table feeling overstuffed and bloated.

Calories: 312

10
Slow-Cooked Mexican Casserole
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Slow-Cooked Mexican Casserole

This Paleo slow-cooked Mexican casserole is the perfect recipe to prep ahead on a Sunday afternoon for weekday breakfast-as-dinner days.

Calories: 386

11
Broccoli Slaw Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Broccoli Slaw Salad

Instead of fatty coleslaw, mix up this lightened-up broccoli slaw salad recipe instead. Served with lean protein like grilled chicken breast atop, it makes for a low-calorie, filling comfort meal.

Calories: 313

12
Cauliflower Fettuccine Alfredo
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cauliflower Fettuccine Alfredo

Your guests will never guess that cauliflower stands in for cream in this ingenious dairy-free fettuccine alfredo recipe.

Calories: 300

13
Taco Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Taco Salad

The homemade cilantro-lime dressing gives this taco salad a fresh and zesty flavor perfect for the warmer weather. The layered ingredients also offer almost 25 grams of both protein and fiber. This is a great dinner when you need something fast after a hectic day: prep in advance and store in your fridge for a ready-to-go dinner.

Calories: 468

14
Sweet Potato Pizza
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Sweet Potato Pizza

Cut the carbs but not the comfort with this high-protein, vitamin-A-rich sweet potato crust pizza.

Calories per serving (half a pizza): 351

15
Vegan Bean Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Vegan Bean Salad

After a hard workout, this vegan bean salad is the perfect, protein-packed refreshing meal. It has more than 13 grams of fiber and nearly 17 grams to fill you up and help your muscles recover.

Calories: 349

16
Avocado Shell Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Avocado Shell Salad

No need for the oven for this refreshing dinner — avocado shell salad. It has 60 percent of your recommended fiber for the day, aids in digestion, and may even diminish belly fat.

Calories: 468

17
Baby Kale Sesame Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Baby Kale Sesame Salad

Kale may be a nutritious powerhouse, but its flavor is anything but timid. If you're tried of making soups, smoothies, and salads from the dark green roughage, baby kale makes an excellent alternative. The little leaves are tender, mild in flavor, and don't require the prep (chopping and massaging) required for their more mature counterparts, but it still contains the disease-fighting nutrients you need. Baby kale, baby spinach, and chard make a perfect delicate combo for this sesame chicken salad.

Calories: 414

18
Crockpot Mexican Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Crockpot Mexican Chicken

For a healthy, protein-rich meal that doesn't rely on dairy for flavor, try this delicious Mexican-style chicken crockpot recipe full of fresh ingredients. This preparation results in an absolutely delicious, fall-off-the-bone piece of meat.

Calories: 381

19
Coconut Curry Butternut Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash

This comforting, creamy coconut curry butternut squash soup is cream-free and the perfect way to add a few metabolism-boosting spices like cumin and turmeric to your diet.

Calories: 372

20
Sweet Potato Burger With Creamy Avocado Spread
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Sweet Potato Burger With Creamy Avocado Spread

So robust in flavor, these hearty veggie burgers are made with the goodness of sweet potatoes, black beans, millet, and corn. The creamy avocado sauce on top adds the perfect touch.

Calories: 367

21
Gluten-Free Veggie Pasta Bake
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Gluten-Free Veggie Pasta Bake

Using a mix of veggies like zucchini, spaghetti squash, and other veggies instead of penne means you can load on the cheese and still enjoy a low-calorie, ooey-gooey, cheesy bowl of steamy pasta. Even better? This veggie pasta bake is gluten-free.

Calories: 208

22
Oven-Fried Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Oven-Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is the definition of Southern comfort, but just one piece can weigh in at over 700 calories. Skip the classic, and opt for this lower-calorie, just-as-delicious fried chicken alternative that's baked in the oven.

Calories: 335

23
Creamy Flat-Belly Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Creamy Flat-Belly Soup

If your digestion needs a reset, opting for high-fiber, antioxidant-rich foods will help you feel better from the inside out. This creamy chard and spinach soup is easy to make and full of belly-relieving nutrients. Leafy greens, almond butter, and bell pepper will help soothe your stomach and shrink your belly. Adding a touch of low-fat cream cheese turns this soup into a creamy concoction without adding a lot of calories.

Calories: 194

24
Citrus Chicken Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Citrus Chicken Salad

This version of Trader Joe's citrus chicken salad tastes better than the original and is just as low in calories. A mix of digestion-relieving cabbage and papaya and hydrating, antioxidant-rich daikon — along with a tangy, Thai-inspired citrus dressing — makes for a flavorful, filling lunch that's high in protein and low in fat and calories.

Calories: 223

25
Spicy Sweet Potato Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spicy Sweet Potato Salad

High-fiber sweet potatoes in this spicy salad recipe can regulate blood sugar and help you lose weight, while a spicy, antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together.

Calories: 270

26
Vegan Bolognese
POPSUGAR Photography | Nicole Perry

Vegan Bolognese

A comforting bowl of spaghetti bolognese is often what's needed after a long day (or any day, really). Loading down on beef, however, can leave you feeling heavy and tired. Solve this problem — and cut back on calories, fat, and cholesterol — with this recipe for vegan bolognese.

Calories: 257

27
Cream-Free Potato Leek Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cream-Free Potato Leek Soup

You can do without the butter and cream of the classic potato leek soup recipe and go for this dairy-free potato leek soup, made velvety smooth from pureed beans and potatoes instead.

Calories: 255

28
Apple Cabbage Detox Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Apple Cabbage Detox Salad

For a lightened-up take on classic coleslaw, whip up this detox salad instead. Apples marry with the dynamic duo of red and Savoy cabbage, combining for a fiber-filled meal that aids in digestion. The addition of fennel seeds adds to the fiber factor, plus a kick of cayenne boosts your metabolism.

Calories: 289

29
Paleo Stuffed Peppers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Stuffed Peppers

For a warming, quick supper, look to these Italian-style Paleo stuffed peppers for inspiration. With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a fresh, clean meal with more than 30 grams of protein!

Calories: 285

30
Hemp and Cabbage Detox Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Hemp and Cabbage Detox Salad

If you're on the hunt for a quick and tasty detoxifying recipe, this crunchy cabbage and hemp salad is for you. If you haven't tried them yet, it's time to give hemp seeds a try. They're a great source of omega-3s and vitamin E for vegans and vegetarians, and the combination of the cold-pressed oil and seeds in this recipe gives this fresh salad a nutty flavor you'll love.

Calories: 381

31
Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spaghetti Squash Mac and Cheese

If you're looking to lighten things up the next time you dig into a comforting bowl of mac and cheese, opt for this twist on tradition that amps up the nutritional value as it cuts back on calories and carbs. Versatile and nutrient-rich spaghetti squash lays the base to this recipe, while broccoli adds more vitamin A.

Calories: 296

32
Eggless Kale Caesar Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Eggless Kale Caesar Salad

For just the same addictive taste as the original with an added bonus — vitamin A-rich superfood kale — opt for this lighter Caesar salad dressing instead. This recipe omits the egg yolk and a lot of the cheese for a lower-calorie dressing that tastes exactly like the classic. Using kale instead of romaine lettuce increases the nutrients and adds texture and flavor and allows the salad to keep in your fridge without going limp.

Calories: 175

33
Broccoli Slaw Pasta
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Broccoli Slaw Pasta

This cheesy, garlicky "pasta" from healthy chef Hungry Girl is the best of both worlds — it's just as fast to make as any simple pasta dish and doesn't come overloaded with carbs. And since it's a similarly low-calorie and low-carb pasta alternative as spaghetti squash (one whole bag of broccoli slaw is only 100 calories and five grams of carbs) without all the prep, it's perfect for any gluten-free girl on the go.

Calories: 134

34
Cumin-Spiced Lentils
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Cumin-Spiced Lentils

Settle in with a large, comforting bowl of cumin-spiced lentils; packed with protein and fiber, this gluten-free meal satisfies no matter how hungry you are.

Calories: 370

35
Tofu Scramble
POPSUGAR Photography | Jaime Young

Tofu Scramble

Versatile, quick, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, a basic tofu scramble is a great go-to meal. This vegan tofu scramble brings the Southwest to your table, fast.

Calories: 135

36
Panko-Crusted White Fish
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Panko-Crusted White Fish

This protein-packed, simply prepared panko-crusted white fish recipe is the perfect post-workout dinner.

Calories: 442

37
Blueberry, Quinoa, and Kale Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Blueberry, Quinoa, and Kale Salad

This colorful salad has a bit of everything: blueberries, carrots, tomatoes, almonds, nori, kale, and quinoa, all blended with an Asian-inspired soy ginger dressing. Talk about eating the rainbow!

Calories: 377

38
Toasted Quinoa and Cabbage
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Toasted Quinoa and Cabbage

If you need a break from a weekend of heavy meals, then make this digestion-aiding lemony toasted quinoa and wilted cabbage dish.

Calories: 348

39
Spicy Cauliflower Lasagna
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spicy Cauliflower Lasagna

Red pepper flakes, cinnamon, and roasted cauliflower give this healthy version of lasagna amazing depth of flavor.

Calories: 324

40
Vegan Split Pea Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Vegan Split Pea Soup

One-pot meals like this vegan split pea soup definitely don't lack dimension. With plenty of spices and sweet potatoes, a large bowl will fill you up for hours.

Calories: 326

41
Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Mac and Cheese

Yes, you can have delicious, healthy mac and cheese. This version owes its low calorie count — and appropriate orange hue — to pureed butternut squash.

Calories: 285

42
Cheddar Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cheddar Soup

A hearty bowl of creamy cheddar soup can soothe the soul, but it's not always so great for the waist. This healthy cheddar soup recipe keeps the texture you crave but nixes calories by using cauliflower to create a creamy soup base.

Calories: 247

43
Chirashi Bowl
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Chirashi Bowl

A light, refreshing meal is perfect for hot Summer days. Try this chirashi bowl, made with fresh vegetables, brown rice, and sushi-grade tuna, to cool off in the heat.

Calories: 403

44
Red Pepper and Lentil Bake
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Red Pepper and Lentil Bake

High in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber, red bell peppers make a perfect accompaniment to protein-rich lentils in this low-calorie recipe. Even better news? You'll be surprised at how large an under-250-calorie portion of this cheesy red pepper and lentil bake really is.

Calories: 233

45
Cauliflower Rice
Lizzie Fuhr

Cauliflower Rice

Fried rice should definitely not be on anyone's healthy-eating menu, so get the taste — and kill the cravings — with this paleo perfect cauliflower fried "rice" recipe instead.

Calories: 278

46
Spaghetti Carbonara
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spaghetti Carbonara

Lighten up traditional carbonara with this whole wheat spaghetti carbonara made with low-fat milk and, yes, a healthy dose of parmesan cheese.

Calories: 376

47
Healthy Chicken Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Healthy Chicken Salad

Traditional chicken salad clocks in at 500 calories, but this healthy chicken salad is 139 calories a serving. The secret? A simple swap of Greek yogurt for mayo. Serve with one or two slices of bread (like wheat bread, 220 calories for two slices).

Calories (with two slices of wheat bread): 359

48
Thai Peanut Soba Noodles
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Thai Peanut Soba Noodles

Make this Thai-inspired soba noodle salad for dinner, enjoy it for lunch the next day. The flavors develop with time, making this protein-rich and fiber-full cold dish perfect as leftovers.

Calories: 424

49
Turmeric-Spiced Mushroom Pilaf
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Turmeric-Spiced Mushroom Pilaf

Turmeric might just be a super spice: it's been known to boost immunity, relieve digestive discomfort, and possibly prevent disease. This turmeric-spiced mushroom pilaf is made with a generous dose of turmeric added to a brown rice and mushroom mixture. The result is a mildly spicy, satisfying one-pot meal that helps you feel your best.

Calories: 201

50
Paleo Meatballs
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Meatballs

Serve these paleo meatballs on a salad or bed of zucchini noodles, and you'll still hit your under-500 calorie goal.

Calories: 244

51
Sweet Potato, Chickpea, and Quinoa Burger
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Sweet Potato, Chickpea, and Quinoa Burger

This sweet potato, chickpea, and quinoa veggie burger is perfectly spiced and completely satisfying. At 202 calories per patty, you can add a 120-calorie whole wheat bun and lettuce, tomato, and ketchup (34 calories) and still come in at well under 500 calories.

Calories (with bun and fixings): 356

52
Cauliflower Crust Pizza
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Yes, you can eat half a pizza without guilt. This cauliflower crust pizza features a gluten-free crust and fresh tomatoes, skim mozzarella cheese, and basil leaves for a healthy take on a classic.

Calories: 272

53
No-Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

No-Mac and Cheese

What's the secret to making a pasta-less mac and cheese just as irresistible as the classic? Cauliflower, the perfect vehicle for a cheesy, creamy sauce made from cheese, coconut milk, butter, and coconut flour. While this gluten-free no-mac and cheese is under 400 calories, note that it's high in saturated fat, so enjoy this comforting dish in moderation.

Calories: 376

54
Zucchini Noodles Aglio et Olio
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Zucchini Noodles Aglio et Olio

For those days when you're craving nothing but pasta, reach for a huge bowl of this garlicky zucchini pasta dish. A sprinkle of almond meal instead of breadcrumbs takes this recipe over the top.

Calories: 257

55
Chicken and Vegetable Quinoa Bowl
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Chicken and Vegetable Quinoa Bowl

For nights when you don't have time to spend in the kitchen, this chicken and sweet potato quinoa bowl comes together fast. With 40 percent of your recommended daily intake of fiber and 20 grams of protein, it makes an ideal post-workout meal.

Calories: 409

56
Sweet and Sour Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Sweet and Sour Chicken

Save money and hundreds of calories by opting for a lightened-up version of Chinese takeout. This sweet and sour chicken recipe is light on calories and fat.

Calories: 348

57
Chickpea and Kale Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Chickpea and Kale Soup

Make a big batch of this chickpea and kale soup on the weekend, then enjoy hearty, healthy lunches or dinners all week.

Calories: 502