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.

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

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