What a Delicious & Filling 400-Calorie Dinner Looks Like

When it comes to creating a satisfying meal, fewer calories doesn’t necessarily mean less satisfaction. It’s a lot easier to create filling, delicious dinners at a conservative 400-calorie count by sticking to nutrient-dense foods that bring fiber, lean protein and healthy fat to the table. That means more flavor, with fewer empty calories.

Recipes that include beans, fish, lean meats like chicken and turkey, low-fat dairy, whole grains, plant-based fats and vegetables help keep you full while eating less. Non-starchy vegetables and greens (think asparagus, tomatoes, spinach and peppers) are another secret weapon for adding lots of volume without loading up on calories, so you can fill your whole plate and not feel deprived.

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READ MORE > WHAT 2,000 CALORIES LOOKS LIKE [INFOGRAPHIC]

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The final key to making delicious meals that don’t go overboard on calories is adding a hit of flavor. Spices and fresh herbs, plus additions like garlic, ginger and fresh citrus, kick up the flavor of your meals with limited calories. Try these four flavorful dishes that fill the bill.

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 cup raw spinach
• 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 1/2  cups spaghetti squash, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 ounce crumbled feta

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, spinach and tomatoes and cook for 4–5 minutes, until the spinach is wilted and the tomatoes are soft.

Add the spaghetti squash and chickpeas and toss to combine. Top with crumbled feta.

Recipe makes 1 serving.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 387; Total Fat: 17g; Saturated Fat: 6g; Carbohydrate: 49g; Dietary Fiber: 10g; Protein: 13g

Ingredients

• 1 4-ounce filet salmon
• 15 asparagus spears
• 1 cup green beans
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/4 cup uncooked quinoa

Directions

Heat the oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper.  Place the salmon filet, asparagus and broccoli on the sheet pan in a single layer. Sprinkle with thyme and lemon juice and roast for 10–15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through.

Meanwhile, cook the quinoa according to package directions. Serve the salmon and veggies over the quinoa.

Recipe makes 1 serving.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 393; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Carbohydrate: 41g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Protein: 36g

Ingredients

• 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup canned diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1/2 cup sweet potato, diced
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 avocado, diced
• 2 tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt

Directions

Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the onion and peppers and cook for 3–4 minutes, until just softened.

Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, sweet potato, water, smoked paprika, chili powder and cumin. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook for 15–20 minutes, until the sweet potato is tender. Serve topped with avocado and Greek yogurt.

Recipe makes 1 serving.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 393; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Carbohydrate: 62g; Dietary Fiber: 17g; Protein: 16g

Ingredients

• 3 ounces chicken breast, cooked and shredded
• 1/2 cup brown rice, cooked
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1/2 cup carrots, diced
• 1 tablespoon natural peanut butter
• 1 tablespoon light coconut milk
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
• 1 lime wedge

Directions

Place the broccoli and carrots in a microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water. Microwave 3–4 minutes, until tender. Alternately, place broccoli and carrots in a steamer basket over boiling water. Cover and steam for 6–7 minutes, until tender.

Drain remaining water and add the cooked chicken and brown rice to the bowl.

In a small bowl, whisk together peanut butter, coconut milk, rice vinegar, soy sauce and ginger. Pour the peanut sauce over the chicken, rice and veggies. Top with cilantro and a squeeze of lime.

Recipe makes 1 serving.

Nutrition Information: Calories: 402; Total Fat: 13g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Carbohydrate: 44g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Protein: 29g

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