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Posted by u/notsofitmom··Hot Take

Anyone got ideas for high-volume low-cal dinners? I'm struggling here!

TL;DR: Looking for high-volume low-cal dinner ideas that are quick to make and easy on the budget.

So, I've been trying to get my act together with this fitness journey (you know, between the three kids and chaos) and I'm on the hunt for dinners that don't pack a ton of calories but still fill me up. I need some serious volume to keep my stomach from making embarrassing noises during yoga class.

I've been doing a lot of veggies and protein, but I feel like I'm running out of steam. The other night, I ended up eating a mountain of lettuce with a sprinkle of chicken on top, and my family looked at me like I was a total weirdo.

If anyone has some solid recipes or ideas for high-volume, low-cal meals, I'd love to hear them! Bonus points if they're quick to make, because I'm always short on time. If you could throw in the calorie and macro counts, that'd be even better. Thanks, fam!

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u/snack_stash·

I used to think that more veggies meant less flavor, but that's not true at all! Try a cauliflower rice stir-fry, it's quick and you can load it with whatever protein and veggies you love. Seriously, it's a game changer for feeling full without feeling heavy. Plus, u can season it however you want, which is key!

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u/bro_split_noob·

Tbh, I've been loving sweet potatoes lately. You can bake them and load them with black beans and salsa. High volume, low cal, plus it feels like comfort food!

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u/caffeine_craze·

For real, soup is life! But sometimes, I just crave something crispy. Air-fried chickpeas as a snack with a big salad? Yes, please! So crunchy and full of fiber. You can add them to any salad and make it a meal.

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u/intuitive_eater_22·

I totally get that! It's all about finding what works for u and your family. I've been loving stuffed bell peppers lately. You can fill them with quinoa, black beans, corn, and salsa, and then bake them. They're colorful, tasty, and super filling. Plus, they're fun to eat, and your kids might actually want to join in on the healthy vibes.

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u/gymratbutchill·

I'm still figuring out how to balance my meals. I get all hyped to make something and then it flops. Is meal prep a thing for you? I heard it can help avoid bland dinners!

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u/macro_master98·

I hear you on needing volume! One of my favorite high-volume meals is zucchini noodles with marinara sauce and some ground turkey. You can load up on the sauce and it feels like a feast but is super low in calories. Plus, if u're tracking macros, zucchini has almost no carbs, so you can save those for other meals. Check out some recipes on Instagram or TikTok for fun variations

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u/powerlifting_gamer·

I love making low-cal veggie-packed soups. Just throw in whatever you have, add some broth, and let it simmer. You can eat a ton and feel like you're having a feast. Plus, you can toss in some shredded chicken for protein without adding too many calories. This method is perfect for when you're busy with kids.

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u/lifting_hippie·

Sometimes simplicity is key. A big bowl of veggie soup with lots of herbs can be so comforting and filling. It's not just about the calories; it's about how you feel after eating. Find joy in cooking, and it'll reflect in your meals. Balance is the way to go.

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u/flexible_fitness·

You know what can help with volume? Making smoothie bowls! Throw in a bunch of spinach, some frozen fruit, and a banana. Blend it up and top it with a bit of granola or nuts. It feels indulgent, but you can keep it low cal and high volume.

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u/5k_challenger·

Ooh, im definitely trying that stuffed pepper idea! I never thought about making them. Did u know there's also a way to bake them and keep the filling fluffy? I'll be experimenting with that. But I might also have to sneak in some cheese for myself, ngl. 😂

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u/cardio_kiddo·

Yesss, those stuffed peppers sound amazing! I just made some and added a bit of cheese on top. It was a hit. Are there any quick recipes for seasoning? I'm still learning how to spice things up!

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u/notsofitmom·

Oh, 100% agree! I've been tracking my meals on MyFitnessPal, and it makes me more aware of my portions. At first, I thought it was a pain, but it actually helped me find the right balance. Plus, I learned how to make meals that are filling without being too high-cal.

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u/depressedlifter·

100% agree on the struggle. I was in a rut where I just had chicken and broccoli for weeks, and it killed my motivation. One thing that helped me is making huge batches of chili. I throw in a ton of beans, veggies, and some lean turkey. You can eat a giant bowl, feel full, and not feel guilty about the calories. It's like a warm hug in a bowl!

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u/creatine_ninja·

Look, don't underestimate the power of good spices. Sometimes, i throw in a whole bunch of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to my veggies, and it transforms everything. If you have any seasoning ideas, drop them! Cooking can be a science experiment too.

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u/busy_dad_lifter·

I feel you, sister! Just remember that kids often think anything green is poison. Try sneaking spinach into a smoothie, they'll never know! 😂

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u/crossfit_cook·

Another quick idea is making lettuce wraps! Just take some lean ground meat, add in your favorite spices, and use large lettuce leaves to wrap them up. They're filling and super fun to eat! Bonus, you can customize them easily.

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u/notsofitmom·

Ugh, I feel you! It's like my kids think I'm trying to make salad the main course. When you're juggling everything, it's hard to find meals that are filling but also healthy. One of my go-to dinners is a veggie stir-fry. I just toss whatever veggies I have on hand in a pan with some soy sauce and garlic, and add in a bit of shrimp or chicken for protein. It's quick and super satisfying! Plus, it looks like you're eating a lot

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u/macro_master98·

this is such a relatable struggle! I love making big salads with low-calorie dressings, like balsamic vinegar or a yogurt-based one. 100% packed with volume and flavor! Also, have you tried making veggie stir-fries? Just toss a bunch of colorful veggies in a pan with some soy sauce or teriyaki, and add a little protein. If you use non-starchy veggies, you can have a massive plate without many calories. Remember, tracking macros can help too; I use MacroFactor and love it for keeping everything in check. it's super user-friendly!

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u/sweaty_nerd·

Why not try a giant salad but make it more like a burrito bowl? Load it with greens, black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and some lean protein. You can add a bit of avocado or Greek yogurt for creaminess without going overboard on calories. Think of it like a health hack for a taco night! 🍽️

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u/depressedlifter·

Facts, but it gets old fast. I'm really trying to avoid bland meals. I need flavor! Have you thought about making a big batch of curry? Throw in a bunch of veggies, lentils, and some coconut milk. It's packed with flavor and you can eat it over rice or just by itself for a filling meal

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u/notsofitmom·

i feel you, between kids and meal prep, it's like you have zero time for anything! i've been on this journey too and high-volume meals are life savers. roasted veggies with a protein source like chicken or tofu can keep you full without going overboard on calories. try adding a bunch of herbs and spices to your veggies, it makes a huge difference. 100% agree with loading up on veggies, but maybe switch up the base? like, use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of lettuce. it's a game-changer for my dinners!

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