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High Volume Low Calorie Recipes are seriously a lifesaver for anyone wrestling with the whole “will I ever feel truly full and still lose weight” crisis. I’ve been there — hungrily picking at some tiny meal and then raiding the fridge 30 minutes later. Honestly, it’s frustrating! So, I started finding swaps and recipes that fill you up, taste good, and don’t leave you side-eyeing your snack drawer. Plus, if you want a little more inspiration for easy dinner ideas, check out these quick delicious low-carb dinners under 500 calories.

Best High-Volume Low-Calorie Foods for Weight Loss
Volume eating is kind of my jam lately. When you want a plate overflowing with food (who doesn’t, right?), but you’d rather not blow your calorie budget—these picks are absolute winners. My personal holy grail? Leafy greens. You can stack ‘em as high as your plate allows, and unless you’re drowning them in dressing, they stay super light. Think of spinach, kale, romaine, iceberg—the whole lot.
Then, there’s cabbage and friends, like shredded carrots, celery, and even jicama. Don’t forget cauliflower rice—literally magic for bulking out stir-fries or even as a swap for fried rice. Pile on all the zucchini noodles (zoodles!) or spiralized squash for pasta cravings. And oh wow, a heap of roasted veggies will look and feel like a five-star restaurant meal—except you’re in sweatpants and haven’t spent half your paycheck.
Egg whites are a sneaky addition, too. They go huge in volume if you whip them up in an omelet with a mountain of mushrooms, tomatoes, peppers—whatever you’ve got. Feeling hungry while reading this? Me too.
“I’ve lost over 20 pounds just by packing my meals with voluminous veggies and smart swaps—I finally feel full and happy at every meal. These high volume low calorie recipes change the game, honestly.”
— Kim, fellow enthusiast

Recipes You Can Make With These Foods
Let’s talk about what you can actually make, like stuff you’d want to eat on a Tuesday night (not just a sad salad). Personally, my kitchen gets experimental.
First up: Veggie stir-fry. Dump all those chopped veggies—broccoli, peppers, snap peas, onions—in a giant wok, spritz with soy sauce or some sriracha if you like it spicy. I toss in tofu or chicken if I’m hungrier than usual.
Egg white scramble is another favorite. I load a skillet with layers of spinach, chopped tomato, peppers, and a splash of hot sauce. Sometimes, if I’m feeling weirdly fancy, I’ll roll it up burrito-style in a giant lettuce leaf.
If you need something quick and cozy, try veggie-packed soup—a whole bowl full of chunky cauliflower, carrots, and cabbage simmered in chicken broth (makes enough for days).
Oh, and you can totally pile your sandwich fillings between lettuce wraps instead of regular bread, which I’ll admit, felt suspiciously trendy at first, but wow, it’s actually amazing. There’s a whole post for more ideas on delicious lettuce wrap sandwiches you might wanna try.
These recipes won’t leave you counting chips or feeling deprived, promise. 
200 Calorie Meal Recipes
Alright, so maybe you’re eyeing the clock, wondering if it’s snack time yet… Let’s keep things mighty and low cal.
Here’s my current three go-tos for meals around 200 calories:
- Veggie omelet: Whip up one cup egg whites with sautéed peppers, onions, mushrooms and a sprinkle of salsa (pure magic, trust me).
- Zoodle bowl: Two zucchini, spiralized, microwaved with tomato sauce, garlic, and a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Cabbage stir-fry bowl: Shredded cabbage plus whatever leftover veggies, tossed in soy sauce with some sesame seeds on top.
These are filling enough to keep you away from bottomless snack attacks (mostly). There’s always room for a fruit cup on the side if your tummy’s still rumbling.
Bonus tip (I can’t help myself): if you’re meal prepping for the week, low carb air fryer chicken is my quick fix, smoky and perfect for bulking up any of these dishes.
| Recipe | Ingredients | Calories (Approx.) | Preparation Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Veggie Omelet | 1 cup egg whites, peppers, onions, mushrooms, salsa | 200 | 10 mins |
| Zoodle Bowl | 2 zucchini, tomato sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes | 180 | 15 mins |
| Cabbage Stir-Fry Bowl | Shredded cabbage, leftover veggies, soy sauce, sesame seeds | 150 | 20 mins |
| Egg White Scramble | Egg whites, spinach, tomatoes, peppers | 170 | 10 mins |
Healthy Salad Ideas
Now, salads don’t have to be boring. Actually, they should be the opposite. Here’s what I tell myself: go wild. I’ll start with a giant bowl of mixed greens, and then just keep adding. I mean, put in roasted sweet potato chunks, loads of crunchy cucumber, salsa instead of dressing, and throw in some pickled onions for punch. Sometimes I even add a handful of pomegranate seeds—yeah, weird but they’re awesome.
The key is the contrast—something salty, something sweet, something crunchy. Sometimes I’ll grill a piece of chicken or a scoop of beans on top. You just keep things interesting by always tossing in one new thing each time. Is it always pretty? Definitely not. But it’s massive and filling and tastes way better than the wilted sadness from a random takeout spot.
If you want to get fancy, jazz things up with some pumpkin seeds or roasted chickpeas for extra staying power. I dare you to eat a giant bowl and still be hungry.
Closing Thoughts on the Best Low-Calorie, High-Volume Foods
Here’s the deal. You’re not supposed to starve your way through eating healthier. These recipes, packed with veggies and clever swaps, actually let you eat more. Yes, really. If I could only give one tip? Never underestimate the power of a giant roasted veggie tray or a big bowl of soup. Volume is your friend!
Whenever you’re stumped, just start with a pile of plants and add from there. Throw out the “tiny meal” rulebook. It’s broken, anyway.
Common Questions
Q: How do I keep my high volume low calorie meals tasting good?
A: Spices, herbs, low-calorie sauces. Add lemon, hot sauce, balsamic—whatever keeps it lively.
Q: What’s the best veggie for high volume, low calorie eating?
A: Cabbage and leafy greens. They’re like the bottomless chips of healthy eating.
Q: Can I meal prep these recipes?
A: Absolutely, things like stir-fries, salads, and those roasted veggies all keep great for a few days.
Q: Is it okay to eat lots of these foods if I’m really hungry?
A: Yes! That’s the whole idea—fill your plate, just watch the sauces and toppings.
Q: Any tips for dealing with cravings?
A: Go for the crunch. Cucumber, celery, or air-popped popcorn usually helps me out when cravings hit hard.
Ready to Eat Big and Still Crush Your Goals?
Alright, that’s the scoop. Eating healthy shouldn’t be a drag, and high volume low calorie recipes make it way easier (not to mention more fun, if you ask me). Try swapping in those veggies, play with new bold combos, and forget about sad tiny meals. If you want even more real-life meal ideas, there are fantastic discussions like High Volume Low Calorie Meals : r/EatCheapAndHealthy—and don’t miss High Volume Low Calorie Recipes – The Fitnessista. Eat up, friends. Your full plate (and happy stomach) will thank you.
Print
Veggie Omelet
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving
- Diet: Low Calorie, Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and filling veggie omelet packed with flavor and low in calories.
Ingredients
- 1 cup egg whites
- 1/2 cup peppers, chopped
- 1/2 cup onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 tablespoons salsa
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté the chopped peppers, onions, and mushrooms until soft.
- Add egg whites and cook until set, then top with salsa before serving.
Notes
Feel free to customize with your favorite vegetables or spices for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American