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You Won’t Believe These Recipes Are Under 450 Calories

Allyson Dickman

Allyson is an editor in Washington, DC. A fan of all things food and travel she's always on the hunt for her next adventure, a good bite to eat and the next best thing to truffles. You can find pics of her delicious travels on Instagram at @allyren.

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Nov 09, 2023

You Won’t Believe These Recipes Are Under 450 Calories

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)