In the West, lots of us think of a complete plate with a big starchy side-dish (think a pile of oven-roasted french fries, a cup of rice, a heap of pasta, a slab of bread, you name it. Now, these are all awesome things, and they belong in our lives. But when you’re aiming to lose weight, sometimes swapping a few of these heavier sides for a lighter veggie-based side can help you increase your fiber and increase your fullness (not to mention, get lots of micro-nutrients that help your body function at its best.) The two things that make this dish wonderful for weight loss are 1) the calorie count (under 250), and the fiber content (a whopping 12 grams!) When the calories are reasonable and the fiber is high, you know you’re in for an easier calorie-deficit and less hunger overall.

Megan GaulJuly 3, 2025Vegetarian, Side Dishes, Veggie-Side, 200-300, 150-250 Calories, quick+easyComment

Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl with Garlic Spinach and Roasted Mushrooms

This Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl is one of those quiet superstar meals I keep coming back to when I want something fast, deeply satisfying, and surprisingly packed with protein. We’re talking creamy cottage cheese (don’t knock it yet), layered with roasted mushrooms that taste like cozy umami magic, garlicky sautéed spinach, and a little optional balsamic glaze or hot sauce to make it pop.

Free RecipesMegan GaulJune 4, 2025Prep-Ahead, 150-250 Calories, 200-300, Vegetarian, Veggie-Side, Lunch, Meal PrepComment

Honey-Lime-Tajin Salad with Black Beans, Corn, and Cauliflower

I’m a little bit obsessed with bean salads. Why, you may ask? Well, I feel like they were the lifeline I needed during a difficult time. I’ve been maintaining my 100 lb weight-loss since 2018, and I did a lot of work to banish emotional eating from my vocabulary (and my behavior) in order to accomplish that. But in the summer of 2024, I was seeing a very frustrating resurgence of that behavior! Especially during the evening “witching hour” of dessert (which would lead to another dessert, then another, then ANOTHER…

Free RecipesMegan GaulMay 28, 2025Prep-Ahead, 150-250 Calories, 200-300, Vegetarian, Veggie-Side, Lunch, Meal PrepComment

Spiced Chicken Thighs and Curry Zucchini

This is such an easy, low-carb sheet pan meal with juicy spiced chicken thighs and curry-roasted zucchini. Perfect for healthy meal prep and weight loss goals!

Free RecipesMegan GaulMay 19, 2025Prep-Ahead, 150-250 Calories, 200-300, Vegetarian, Veggie-Side, Lunch, Meal PrepComment

Simple and Irresistable Summer Bean Salad

I used to end almost every dinner with dessert. Not necessarily because I was still hungry — but because I needed something. A little sweet. A little reward. A signal that the day was winding down.

Free RecipesMegan GaulMay 15, 2025Prep-Ahead, snack, 150-250 Calories, 200-300, Vegetarian, Veggie-SideComment

Pan-Fried Gochujang Butter Tofu Rice Bowl

Crispy on the outside, tender inside, and coated in a sticky, spicy-sweet garlic butter glaze, this is the kind of tofu that wins people over. It’s fast enough for a weeknight—especially if you’ve got rice or veggies already going—and packs serious flavor into every bite

Free RecipesMegan GaulMay 8, 2025Prep-Ahead, Dessert, snack, 150-250 Calories, 100-200Comment

🍋Cookies and Lemonade Gluten-Free Marshmallow Cereal Treats

Looking for a bright, zesty twist on classic cereal bars? These Gluten-Free Cookies and Lemonade Marshmallow Cereal Treats are chewy, colorful, lemony, and a little bit magical. Think: crunchy fruity cereal + crushed sandwich cookies + salted butter + lemon glaze. The result? A gluten-free no-bake dessert that tastes like sunshine — and won’t derail your healthy habits.

Free RecipesMegan GaulMay 1, 2025Prep-Ahead, Dessert, snack, 150-250 Calories, 100-200Comment

Tangy Irresistible Turkey Meatball Bites

Tangy, sweet, and savory, with a rich honey-butter glaze and a touch of heat from Tajín. Lean turkey meatballs are lower in fat and calories than traditional beef meatballs but still hearty and satisfying. Grated zucchini adds moisture, fiber, and extra nutrients, making them a more filling and balanced option for meal prep or dinner. Serve them over rice, in a salad, or as an appetizer.

Free RecipesMegan GaulJanuary 30, 2025Meal Prep, 150-250 Calories, Lunch, DinnerComment

Chipotle Pumpkin And Roasted Vegetable Soup

This is the ultimate fall veggie side-dish for any dinner or lunch. It's smoky, warm, and complex, and the kick from the chipotle peppers is tempered by that lovely sweetness achieved with the pumpkin puree. Plus, this recipe uses only hearty veggies that last ages in the crisper drawer, so it's perfect for when you're low on greenery in the kitchen.

Free RecipesMegan GaulSeptember 20, 2022150-250 Calories, Soup, Lunch, Dinner, Side Dishes