Watching your weight may mean counting calories, but with the help of the internet, you can find some stellar meals for under 200 calories - even main dishes that are hearty enough for dinner. Grab your grocery list and jot down the ingredients for all these recipes for a week of healthy (and yummy) dinners:
1. Spicy Thai Lettuce Cups
Head over to Southeast Asia for dinner tonight by making these lettuce cups. Shredded carrots and cucumbers add crunch (but not calories) while mint and garlic keep the flavors interesting. Adjust the spice level by cutting down or amping up the sliced Serrano chile, or add other toppings (like rice noodles) to tone down the spice.
Get the recipe on MyRecipes.
2. Slow Cooker Carnitas
Perfect for taco Tuesdays (or any other day ... tacos should be eaten more than once a week in my opinion), this recipe uses your slow cooker to make things even easier. In your crockpot, toss chicken and a yummy spice mix full of cumin, paprika and chili powder (and a few other spices) inside to cook before spooning the mixture into tortillas and topping with your favorite salsa.
Get the recipe on SlenderKitchen.
3. Butternut Squash and Apple Soup
Cozy up with this simple and comforting soup that clocks in at only 178 calories per serving. Grated ginger and apple lend some unique flavors, as does the addition of curry powder and cumin. You'll want to keep the ingredients for this soup on hand so you can eat it for dinner and lunch whenever you want.
Find the recipe on VegKitchen.
4. Chicken Low Mein
Skip out on greasy and salty take-out and mix up "Hungry Girl" Lisa Lillien's version - for only 200 calories, you'll get a take-out meal without all the extra calories. Lots of vegetables and chicken keep this recipe lean but filling, and the tofu noodles add even more protein, making sure you stay full all night.
Get her recipe onABCNews.
5. Greek Couscous
Anyone eating vegetarian (or just trying to eat less meat while losing weight) should check out this stellar meal. Fluffy couscous is topped with chickpeas, juicy tomatoes, and crisp cucumber to make this a light, yet filling dinner. Since there's only 147 calories per serving, add some more zest with feta cheese and Kalamata olives while still keeping your entire serving under 200 calories. Or, stuff into baked peppers.
Check out the recipe on Allrecipes.
6. Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice Soup
Another crockpot favorite, this soup is hearty and comforting - everything a soup should be, right? Long grain brown rice and potatoes bulk up the soup, while also keeping the calories low. You'll also stay full after dishing up a single bowl; 17 grams of protein and only 180 calories makes this low-calorie favorite.
Find the recipe on SkinnyMs.
7. Broiled Asian Chicken and Cabbage Slaw
A quick and yummy marinade makes this a flavorful dish, while cooking the chicken under the broiler makes it fast to put together. Add an easy-to-put-together cabbage slaw and dinner is on the table in no time. Feel free to add in other favorite vegetables (like cucumber or sliced bell peppers) for more crunch.
Get the recipe on MyRecipes.
