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Whether you\u2019re one to prep a week\u2019s worth of dinners or play it fast and loose, there\u2019s a lot to consider when deciding what to eat. Of course, there\u2019s taste; food should taste good! But there\u2019s also vitamins and minerals to worry about, different food groups to balance\u2014and if you\u2019re counting calories, you may also want to consider looking for low-calorie meals. It\u2019s all too easy to get overwhelmed, trying to balance it all.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s where the low-calorie recipes on this list come in handy: Not only are they all under 500 calories per serving, but they\u2019re also Prevention Test Kitchen-approved, meaning they\u2019re guaranteed to be delicious and nutritious as well.<\/p>\n
What makes a meal low-calorie? Generally speaking, \u201cA low-calorie meal can be in the 300 to 400 calorie range for breakfast and 500 to 600 calorie range for lunch and dinner meals, and 100 to 200 calorie range for snacks,\u201d says Vandana Sheth, R.D.N., C.D.E.S., F.A.N.D.<\/a>, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes<\/a>.<\/p>\n That said, while keeping a general calorie goal in mind may be helpful, especially if you\u2019re following a low-calorie diet<\/a>, it\u2019s essential to remember that every body has different needs and one calorie goal simply won\u2019t work for everyone, says Lindsey Palmer, M.B.A., M.S., R.D.N.,<\/a> vice president of nutrition and industry relations for Chartwells K12<\/a>. Factors like age, sex, activity level, health conditions, and weight goals need to be considered, she adds.<\/p>\n Meet the experts: Vandana Sheth, R.D.N., C.D.E.S., F.A.N.D.<\/a>, registered dietitian nutritionist and author of My Indian Table: Quick & Tasty Vegetarian Recipes<\/a>; Abby Langer, R.D., registered dietitian at Abby Langer Nutrition<\/a> and author of Good Food, Bad Diet<\/a>; Lindsey Palmer, M.B.A., M.S., R.D.N.,<\/a> vice president of nutrition and industry relations for Chartwells K12<\/a>; and the Prevention Test Kitchen.<\/p>\n When choosing a low-calorie dinner, Sheth suggests selecting dishes that feature a variety of food groups. An ideal scenario includes a plethora of colorful vegetables, plus lean protein, whole grain carbohydrates, and heart-healthy fats. Palmer notes that for most adults, it\u2019s best not to cut an entire food group or macronutrient from your diet, but create balanced meals that will give you energy and vital vitamins and minerals.<\/p>\n