WELL PLATED Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp — 40 to 50 per pound peeled, deveined shrimp, tails on or off (fresh or frozen and …

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10 Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes for Weight Loss (All Under 500 Calories!)

Maintaining a healthy diet while trying to lose weight can feel challenging, but it doesn’t have to be boring or bland. Here are ten delicious, low-calorie recipes that are all under 500 calories, ensuring you can enjoy flavorful meals while sticking to your weight-loss goals.

1. Zucchini Noodles with Pesto (Approx. 250 Calories)

Ingredients:

• 2 medium zucchinis
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Spiralize the zucchinis to create noodles.
2. Blend basil, Parmesan, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Toss zucchini noodles in pesto and serve immediately.

2. Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas and Cucumber (Approx. 350 Calories)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked quinoa
• 1/2 cup canned chickpeas, rinsed
• 1 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix quinoa, chickpeas, cucumber, and red onion.
2. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, then season with salt and pepper. Mix well.

3. Spicy Grilled Chicken Breast (Approx. 300 Calories)

Ingredients:

• 1 chicken breast (6 oz)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
2. Rub chicken with olive oil, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Grill for 6-7 minutes on each side until cooked through. Serve with a wedge of lime.

4. Multiple Berry Smoothie (Approx. 200 Calories)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 banana
• 1 tablespoon flaxseeds

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2. Pour into a glass and enjoy!

5. Stuffed Bell Peppers (Approx. 400 Calories)

Ingredients:

• 2 bell peppers, halved and seeded
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/4 cup shredded cheese

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Mix rice, beans, tomatoes, and cumin in a bowl.
3. Stuff the mixture into bell pepper halves and top with cheese.
4. Bake for 30 minutes.

6. Egg White Omelette with Spinach and Feta (Approx. 220 Calories)

Ingredients:

• 4 egg whites
• 1 cup fresh spinach
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a non-stick skillet, sauté spinach and cook until wilted.
2. Whisk egg whites and pour them over the spinach. Cook until set.
3. Sprinkle feta cheese on top, fold, and serve.

7. Cauliflower Rice Stir-Fry (Approx. 230 Calories)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cauliflower rice
• 1/2 cup mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, bell peppers)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Green onions for garnish

Instructions:

1. Sauté vegetables in sesame oil until tender.
2. Add cauliflower rice and soy sauce, cooking until heated through.
3. Garnish with green onions before serving.

8. Baked Salmon with Asparagus (Approx. 450 Calories)

Ingredients:

• 4 oz salmon fillet
• 1 cup asparagus
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Lemon wedges
• Salt and pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place salmon and asparagus on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season.
3. Bake for 15-20 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges.

9. Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tacos (Approx. 400 Calories)

Ingredients:

• 1 medium sweet potato, diced
• 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed
• 2 corn tortillas
• Cumin and chili powder
• Avocado slices

Instructions:

1. Roast sweet potatoes at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, seasoned with cumin and chili powder.
2. Heat tortillas and fill them with sweet potatoes, black beans, and avocado.

10. Greek Yogurt Parfait (Approx. 300 Calories)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup mixed berries
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/4 cup granola

Instructions:

1. Layer Greek yogurt with berries and granola in a glass.
2. Drizzle with honey and serve.

These recipes are not only low in calories but also packed with nutrients and flavors. Incorporating these meals into your diet can help you stay on track with your weight-loss journey while enjoying delicious, satisfying food. Happy cooking!