Slow and steady wins the weight-loss race, but slow and steady also makes it happen when it comes to low-calorie meals. Dust off the ol' slow cooker [1] and whip up these meals — full of flavor, fiber, and protein, and all under 400 calories.
Squash, Sweet Potato, Carrot, and White Bean Soup
It may sound complicated, but this seasonal slow-cooker soup [3] only calls for eight ingredients! It offers over 14 grams of protein per 272-calorie serving.
Overnight Breakfast Casserole
Prep breakfast in your slow cooker the night before and wake up to this delicious low-carb egg casserole [4] that can feed you for a week! Each serving contains 375 calories and 21 grams of filling protein.
Spicy Chicken Chili
Chili is one of the most common slow cooker recipes, and this one made with ground chicken [5] and kidney beans is sure to satisfy without breaking the calorie bank — it's only 324 calories per serving. This dish is made using a Dutch oven on the stove, but you can easily adapt this recipe to be made in a slow cooker; just keep it on low.
Low-Calorie Sweet and Sour Chicken
At 48 grams of protein and fewer than 350 calories per serving, this healthy take on a Chinese takeout favorite [6] is so much better than Panda Express!
Chickpea Coconut Curry With Sweet Potatoes
Slow cookers aren't just for applesauce and stroganoff! Try something a little more exotic for your next healthy dinner . . . this chickpea curry [7] is just the thing, and under 400 calories when paired with coconut rice.
Mexican-Style Chicken
For a healthy, protein-rich meal that doesn't rely on dairy for flavor, try this delicious Mexican-style chicken recipe [8] full of fresh ingredients for 381 calories.
Butternut Squash Lentil Soup
After you finish making eight servings of this vegan butternut squash and lentil soup [9], you can freeze the leftovers for a rainy (or exceptionally busy!) day. Each bowl is just over 250 calories.
Southwestern Three-Bean and Barley Soup
This recipe is chock-full of three different fiber-rich beans — black, kidney, and great northern. Those little gems plus barley make for a filling bowl that's only 205 calories per delicious serving [10]
Low-Calorie Beef and Vegetable Stew
Paleo dieters will love this beef and veggie stew [11], which only requires 20 minutes of preparation time before slow cooking to perfection. Each serving is 265 calories.
Easy Chicken Fajitas
These tasty chicken fajitas [12] practically cook themselves for an easy, low-calorie dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights. The recipe makes four servings at 233 calories each. And did we mention you only need five ingredients for the fajitas? See. So easy.
Turkey Chili
This bean-free turkey chili [13] is low in carbs but high in protein and flavor. Each serving contains only 233 calories.
Vegan Split Pea and Sweet Potato Soup
You can make this on the stove much faster, but it's also a great slow cooker recipe if you have the time to cook it while you're at work. Made with split peas, celery, and sweet potatoes, this hearty soup is only 254 calories [14] per serving.