Low-Calorie Recipes

The low-calorie recipes on this website are what I refer to as “level 1” in the recipe notes. These recipes will support fat loss for many individuals who eat three meals per day (plus possibly 1-2 snacks). Those who prefer to eat fewer meals will either need larger portions or other dishes that are higher in calories.

Meals in this category will contain 500 or fewer calories per serving. Snacks in this category provide 100 or fewer calories per serving.

Recipes listed here will contain some combination of filling protein, fiber, and/or fluid to help you feel full on fewer calories. They will typically contain no flour or dried fruit (though I have made some exceptions).

During weight loss, women should not go below an average of 1200-1500 calories per day without consulting with their medical provider. Men should not let their daily average intake dip below 1500-1800 calories without approval from their physician or dietitian.

Some people have higher calorie needs during their weight loss journey. Many of the low-calorie recipes provided here have ideas to increase the energy density for those that need this option. Those in weight maintenance are another group that will likely need to incorporate higher calorie meals.

Also, no worries that the foods here are going to be lacking in the flavor department. We think that the recipes listed here are just as delicious as the dishes in the higher calorie categories. To get you started, here are a few of my family’s favorite low-calorie meals on the site: