Sure, we always try to eat healthy, but with winter blues, the end of resolution season, and a long stretch until bikini time, it’s nice to have a little reminder — and a helpful round of recipes — to kick your cooking into gear. Forget juice cleanses and crash diets: These recipes, all under 450 calories, don’t sacrifice flavor, substance, or your favorite foods. You won’t believe just how tasty, low-cal versions of breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert can be.
Breakfast Recipes
Protein Pancakes
When you think “healthy,” a tall stack of pancakes doesn’t normally come to mind. But a few of these diet-friendly pancakes will help you meet your daily protein needs with roughly 24 grams per plate. (via Brit + Co)
Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
Make a batch of our chocolatey muffins and enjoy them all week long. They’re so good, we promise you won’t even notice there are veggies inside. Bonus: At 150 calories each, you can treat yourself to more than one. (via Brit + Co)
Sweet Potato Egg Boat
At just 394 calories (if you use one slice of bacon as opposed to two), this egg boat is loaded with deliciousness.(via Brit + Co)
Oatmeal Breakfast Bars With Wild Blueberries
These bars are just 190 calories each and are packed with whole-grain ingredients and fruit, giving you a healthy and easy option for busy mornings. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
Cookies for breakfast? Yes, please! These pumpkin-flavored cookies are packed with protein and are only 190 calories each. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Denver Omelet Breakfast Burritos
At just 410 calories, these freezer-friendly Denver omelet breakfast burritos are going to become your new favorite savory option. (via The Real Food Dietitians)
Lunch Recipes
Mermaid Veggie Bowls
Keep it heavy on the veg and tofu and light on the rice and avo to reign in the calorie count. (via Brit + Co)
Quinoa Salad
Fix up quinoa with your fave fruit, nuts, and herbs, and dive into a bowl of tastiness. This particular version comes in at 401 calories per serving. (via Brit + Co)
Ginger Butternut Squash Soup
All you need is five ingredients to make a bowl of sweet and savory soup that comes in at 110 calories per serving. (via Brit + Co)
Whole30 In-N-Out Animal-Style Burger
If you limit the sauce and caramelized onion to 1 teaspoon each, this burger can be yours for just under 450 calories. (via Brit + Co)
Dinner Recipes
Creamy Chicken Quinoa Casserole
No need to give up the ultimate comfort food. If you leave out the bacon, this casserole, complete with plenty of cheese and broccoli, is 414 calories per serving. (via Brit + Co)
Blackened Chicken and Avocado Salad
You can’t go wrong with a plateful of flavorful chicken and filling avo. Add a drizzle of olive oil, and you’ve got taste-bud magic for well within your calorie limit. (via Brit + Co)
Tuna Salad without Mayo
This dairy-free tuna salad recipe is perfect for a low-calorie and light lunch at just 171 calories. (via Give Recipe)
Tofu Burgers
These tofu burgers are simple to make and are just 190 calories for the patty. (via Live Eat Learn)
Korean Cauliflower Wings
These vegan BBQ skewer wings are sooo good and only 382 calories!
Dessert Recipes
Gluten-Free Mug Cake
It’s a sweet finish, and the base for this single-serving mug cake is only 395 calories. (The lemon chia version is only 19 calories more, and is a zesty way to curb your sweet tooth.) (via Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow: Quick Fix Recipes for Hangry Athletes)
This super moist and flavorful pumpkin bread is a great dessert option and is only 415 calories! (via Cilantro Parsley)
Grilled Pineapple Dessert
This grilled pineapple recipe comes together in just minutes and is super healthy. It is also just 157 calories per serving! (via Live Eat Learn)