Improve Your Digestion and Lose Weight With 30 Low-Calorie Dinners

POPSUGAR Photography
POPSUGAR Photography

According to scientific research and Ayurvedic tradition, making lunch your largest meal of the day can help you lose weight and ease digestion woes. Consuming 40 percent of your daily calories at lunchtime ensures that you have enough time to burn them all off, and if you're stressed about digestion, Ayurveda experts recommend eating your largest meal between 12 and 2 p.m., since your digestive agni (fire) is working at its maximum potential.

If you usually opt for a humongous dinner, save your biggest meal for lunch and let these recipes help you make the shift to the lighter side when evening rolls around. One serving of each dish is 400 calories or fewer.

— Additional reporting by Leta Shy and Jenny Sugar

01
Crockpot Turkey Chili
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Crockpot Turkey Chili

This slow-cooked beanless chili fills you up with over 27 grams of protein.

Calories: 267

02
Sweet Potato, Chickpea, and Quinoa Burger
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Sweet Potato, Chickpea, and Quinoa Burger

This sweet potato, chickpea, and quinoa veggie burger is perfectly spiced and completely satisfying. At 202 calories per patty, you can add a 120-calorie whole-wheat bun and lettuce, tomato, and ketchup (34 calories) and still come in at well under 500 calories.

Calories (with bun and fixings): 356

03
Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese

Yes, you can have delicious, healthy mac and cheese. This version owes its low calorie count — and appropriate orange hue — to pureed butternut squash.

Calories: 285

04
Spicy Chicken Chili
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spicy Chicken Chili

Substituting ground chicken for beef in this spicy chili recipe brings the same traditional flavors and textures of the classic you crave — just lightened up for your healthy diet.

Calories: 324

05
Sausage, Apple, and Butternut Squash Stuffing
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Sausage, Apple, and Butternut Squash Stuffing

Who says stuffing has to be saved for Thanksgiving? This sausage, apple, and butternut squash stuffing makes for a protein- and nutrient-rich dinner any night!

Calories: 358

06
Lemon Tuna Salad
Michelle Bell

Lemon Tuna Salad

Substituting lemon and olive oil for mayonnaise makes for a lighter, brighter tuna salad that's perfectly in line with the Mediterranean diet. Tuck yours into a pita, or serve it on top of a bed of fresh greens.

Calories: 323

07
Asian Cauliflower Fried "Rice"
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Asian Cauliflower Fried "Rice"

Unlike the greasy Chinese takeout typical of most restaurants, this veggie-packed Paleo "rice" skips the food coma and leaves you feeling satisfied and energized at the end of your meal. The combination of textures and flavors in this comforting Asian-inspired recipe is spot-on, and the blitzed cauliflower easily subs in for rice — you might even trick some picky eaters at your table with this one!

Calories: 230

08
Low-Cal Spaghetti in White Wine Sauce
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Low-Cal Spaghetti in White Wine Sauce

There's no need to drench pasta in heavy cream, butter, and cheese to create a satisfying supper, and this vegan-friendly spaghetti recipe is proof. Fresh produce keeps this saucy recipe low in calories but rich in vitamins A and C.

Calories: 228

09
Polenta and Beans
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Polenta and Beans

If you're ready to get creative at dinner, let vegan polenta and beans come to the rescue. It's a filling and spicy meal that offers more than 10 grams of vegan-approved protein for under 300 calories.

Calories: 284

10
Paleo Pad Thai
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Pad Thai

No need for takeout; this low-calorie, noodle-free Paleo pad thai is waistline-friendly and just as tasty. It uses spaghetti squash instead of noodles to save on calories. This lower-carb riff on the classic rice noodle dish has over 300 percent of your recommended vitamin C and vitamin A for the day, more than 50 percent of your calcium, and over 30 percent of your iron.

Calories: 367

11
Santa Fe Vegetable Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Santa Fe Vegetable Soup

This Paleo-friendly vegetable soup simmers nicely in your slow cooker for dinner — be sure to make enough for an easy lunch the next day. While this recipe uses shredded chicken and chicken stock, you can substitute them with more beans and vegetable stock for a vegetarian dish that still packs in the protein you need to fight fat.

Calories: 321

12
Indian-Spiced Curry
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Indian-Spiced Curry

A bowl of this Indian-spiced tofu and chard has the protein and fiber to keep you satisfied. Even better, the combination of turmeric and ginger gives this recipe both metabolism-boosting and anti-inflammatory properties. It's one of my favorite ways to refuel my body after a challenging yoga class.

Calories: 222

13
Toasted Quinoa and Cabbage
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Toasted Quinoa and Cabbage

If you need a break from a weekend of heavy meals, then make this digestion-aiding lemony toasted quinoa and wilted cabbage dish.

Calories: 348

14
Broccoli Cheddar Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A hearty bowl of creamy cheddar soup can soothe the soul, but it's not always so great for the waist. This healthy cheddar soup recipe keeps the texture you crave but nixes calories by using cauliflower to create a creamy soup base.

Calories: 247

15
Blueberry, Quinoa, and Kale Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Leta Shy

Blueberry, Quinoa, and Kale Salad

This colorful salad has a bit of everything: blueberries, carrots, tomatoes, almonds, nori, kale, and quinoa, all blended with an Asian-inspired soy-ginger dressing. Talk about eating the rainbow!

Calories: 377

16
Spaghetti Carbonara
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spaghetti Carbonara

Lighten up traditional carbonara with this whole-wheat spaghetti carbonara made with low-fat milk and, yes, a healthy dose of parmesan cheese.

Calories: 376

17
Paleo Stuffed Peppers
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Stuffed Peppers

For a warming, quick supper, look to these Italian-style Paleo stuffed peppers for inspiration. With just a few ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a fresh, clean meal with more than 30 grams of protein.

Calories: 285

18
Spicy Sweet Potato Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Spicy Sweet Potato Salad

High-fiber sweet potatoes in this spicy salad recipe can regulate blood sugar and help you lose weight, while a spicy, antioxidant-rich red pepper and jalapeño dressing ties everything together.

Calories: 270

19
Oven-Fried Chicken
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Oven-Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is the definition of Southern comfort, but just one piece can weigh in at over 700 calories. Skip the classic, and opt for this lower-calorie, just-as-delicious fried chicken alternative that's baked in the oven.

Calories: 335

20
Tortilla-Less Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Tortilla-Less Soup

A spicy low-carb "tortilla" soup that's ready in 20 minutes? Sign us up. Since there are so many flavors in this comforting Mexican soup recipe, you won't even miss the high-calorie, high-carb strips of tortilla.

Calories: 291

21
Asian Chicken Edamame Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Asian Chicken Edamame Salad

Colorful, crispy, and packed with nutrition, this Asian chicken salad will satisfy your cravings and keep you full longer. With nearly 20 grams of protein and clocking in just over 230 calories per filling portion, it's a much healthier alternative that will support your goals.

Calories: 231

22
Gluten-Free Veggie "Pasta" Bake
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Gluten-Free Veggie "Pasta" Bake

Using a mix of veggies like zucchini and spaghetti squash instead of penne means you can load on the cheese and still enjoy a low-calorie, ooey-gooey, cheesy bowl of steamy pasta. Even better? This veggie "pasta" bake is gluten-free.

Calories: 208

23
Beef and Vegetable Stew
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Beef and Vegetable Stew

This fiber- and protein-rich beef stew will fill up calorie-conscious eaters — a huge helping weighs in at just 265 calories! This recipe requires about 20 minutes of prep before you toss it into the slow cooker; be sure to plan accordingly, so you're not pressed for time.

Calories: 265

24
Sweet Potato Burger With Creamy Avocado Spread
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Sweet Potato Burger With Creamy Avocado Spread

These hearty veggie burgers are made with the goodness of sweet potatoes, black beans, millet, and corn. The creamy avocado sauce on top adds the perfect touch.

Calories: 367

25
Fresh Burrito Bowl
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Fresh Burrito Bowl

Cut all the long lines at Chipotle — and more than half the calories! — with this quick and delicious homemade burrito bowl you can make in less than 10 minutes. A precooked chicken breast, fresh produce, and a few healthy staples are all you need for this nutrient-dense, low-calorie meal that will satisfy your Mexican fast-food cravings.

Calories: 350

26
Coconut Curry Butternut Squash
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Coconut Curry Butternut Squash

This comforting, creamy coconut curry butternut squash soup is cream-free and the perfect way to add a few metabolism-boosting spices like cumin and turmeric to your diet.

Calories: 372

27
Roasted Fish With Quinoa Salad
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Roasted Fish With Quinoa Salad

If you've been scared to cook fish at home, this is the perfect starter recipe for your kitchen. This low-sodium, heart-healthy roasted fish recipe offers more than 34 grams of protein and is also high in vitamin A, vitamin C, and fiber.

Calories: 370

28
Chickpea Curry
POPSUGAR Photography | Jenny Sugar

Chickpea Curry

When you're craving Indian food at home, cook up this nutrient-dense chickpea and sweet potato curry instead of picking up takeout that's loaded with cream and butter. This vegan recipe is rich in protein, fiber, and flavor.

Calories: 397

29
Penne Alla "Not-Ka"
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Penne Alla "Not-Ka"

Penne alla vodka is an Italian staple that heavily lays on the cream and calories. Even without the booze and significantly less dairy thrown into the pot, this penne alla "not-ka" brings the same tangy flavor and comforting texture indicative of the original.

Calories: 324

30
Roasted Veggies With Easy Fried Egg
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Roasted Veggies With Easy Fried Egg

Eggs might lend themselves to breakfast, but I love eating them at dinner — especially after a tough strength-training session. With a little effort, a handful of ingredients, and less than 30 minutes, you can have this nutrient-rich meal on the table that's quick, light, and so satisfying.

Calories: 349

31
Eggplant Pizzas
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Eggplant Pizzas

Eggplant rounds are the perfect vessel for all the saucy and cheesy goodness that comes with your favorite traditional slice. These minipizzas make a delicious low-calorie supper on their own or on top of one-half cup of quinoa (111 calories) to add some healthy complex carbs to your plate.

Calories: 225