25 Volume Eating Recipes (High-Volume Low-Calorie Meals) (2024)

The best volume eating recipes for when you want to eat more while keeping your calorie intake low. These recipes are larger in portion and nutrient-dense but with fewer calorie counts, helping you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

They will keep you full and satisfied for longer, reduce your hunger and cravings, and increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.

Content Summary hide

Sweet Potato Hash

Spinach Mushroom Omelet

Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Mixed Berry Fruit Salad

Keto Turkey Club Wrap

Roasted Chickpeas

Rice Cakes With Hummus and Tomatoes

Crispy Baked Kale Chips

Turkey Roll-Ups

Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

High-Volume Taco Bowl

Lentil Quinoa Salad

Lentil Soup

Weight Loss Cabbage Soup

Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Lemon Herb Chicken Salad

Low Carb Chicken Bowl

Vegetable and Chickpea Coconut Curry

Stuffed Peppers

Keto Beef and Broccoli

Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles Pasta

Low-Carb Squash and Meatballs

Cauliflower Tabbouleh

Roasted Veggie Brown Rice Bowl

25 Volume Eating Recipes (High-Volume Low-Calorie Meals) (1)

What are the ingredients for volume eating recipes? Include ingredients packed with fiber and water, and are high in nutrients but low in calorie density when making these dishes.

Some examples of high-volume foods are:

  • Leafy greens like kale, spinach, romaine lettuce
  • Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts
  • Fruits like watermelon, berries, apples
  • Root vegetables like sweet potatoes, carrots, beets
  • Fiber-rich whole grains like quinoa, brown rice, barley
  • Legumes like lentils, chickpeas, black beans
  • Lean proteins like turkey, chicken breast, fish, tofu
  • Soups and broths
  • Source

Here are some of my favorite high volume low calorie meals that are nutritious and delicious.

Find recipes for breakfast, snacks, lunch, and dinner. From salad bowls and soups to omelets and stir-fry, there is a volume-eating recipe you can eat any time of the day.

So, let's dive in and explore some tasty options to help bulk your meals without bulking up your waistline.

Sweet Potato Hash

Calorie per serving: 222kcal

What to love about it: sweet and savory, easy one-skillet recipe

A breakfast recipe that will make your day! This dish is loaded with your favorite breakfast ingredients like bacon and eggs plus sweet potatoes and vegetables.

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Spinach Mushroom Omelet

Calorie per serving: 402kcal

What to love about it: Ready in 10 minutes, gluten-free, vegetarian

Simple yet powerhouse breakfast with leafy spinach, hearty mushrooms, and fluffy eggs.

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Calorie per serving: 204kcal

What to love about it: a healthy kind of sweet

A delightful breakfast with peanut butter drizzle and chocolate toppings. The secret to this high-volume meal is water. Add more water to the oats to make them grow and fluffier.

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Mixed Berry Fruit Salad

Calorie per serving: 132kcal

What to love about it: rich in antioxidants, fiber, and probiotics

Looking for a light lunch or a healthy snack? This salad is only 132kcal per serving. If you're tired of the same old fruit salads, this mixed berry fruit salad recipe is sure to shake things up. It's like a berry-licious party in a bowl of some juicy, fruity fun.

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Keto Turkey Club Wrap

Calorie per serving: 309kcal

What to love about it: all your favorite wrap fillings inside a lettuce

It's a club sandwich but way cooler! This wrap offers a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional high-carbohydrate sandwich options. It features a tender and juicy turkey breast, crisp bacon, and ripe tomatoes all wrapped in lettuce!

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Roasted Chickpeas

Calorie per serving: 214kcal

What to love about it: Perfect for snacking, adding to salads, or even using as a crunchy topping for soups and stews

It's time to trade that unhealthy overprocessed bag of chips for these tiny but powerful legumes called chickpeas! Roast them and add different spices as desired.

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Rice Cakes With Hummus and Tomatoes

Calorie per serving: 237kcal

What to love about it: gluten-free!

They come in different shapes and flavors. These rice cakes are low in calories and a popular gluten-free alternative! You can make them as a base for any toppings like you would with a toast. Add avocado, tomatoes, peanut butter, and your favorite spread.

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Crispy Baked Kale Chips

Calorie per serving: 62kcal

What to love about it: You can eat as much as you want, quick and easy

This dish is one of those volume eating recipes that you can consume to your heart's content without worrying about overindulging. If you are having crunchy cravings in between meals, make these kale chips.

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Turkey Roll-Ups

Calorie per serving: 165kcal (4pcs)

What to love about it: tastes better than store-bought, meal prep friendly

What a fun appetizer to serve during a party! Inspired by the roll-ups from Costco, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it's convenient that you can make them a day before. You just have to nicely freeze them and serve them the next day, fresh and delicious.

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Air-Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Calorie per serving: 236kcal

What to love about it: uses little to no oil, a healthy snack or side dish

Frying sweet potato fries in the air-fryer is a better alternative than frying traditionally in oil. It will result in the same crispiness and deliciousness, so why not choose an option that is light in the budget? Follow the recipe thoroughly to make sure your fries come out oh-so crispy.

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High-Volume Taco Bowl

Calorie per serving: 380kcal

What to love about it: flexible and customizable, meal prep friendly

Everyone's favorite taco bowl is a perfect fit to be featured in my collection of volume eating recipes. This meal is high in fiber and protein, and at the same time low in calories and carbohydrates. The best part is that you can prep this recipe ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

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Next up are recipes perfect for lunches and dinners.

Lentil Quinoa Salad

Calorie per serving: 428kcal

What to love about it: protein-packed, gluten-free option, nut-free

This salad is an excellent option for a healthy and filling lunch or dinner, providing a good source of protein, fiber, vitamins from lentils and quinoa, and fresh vegetables. The recipe is also customizable, allowing for the addition of other ingredients such as avocado, feta cheese, or nuts to add extra flavor and texture.

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Lentil Soup

Calorie per serving: 366kcal

What to love about it: vegan, seasonal and basic ingredients

A soup that pairs well with crusty bread. This soup needs basic ingredients already in your pantry. The recipe calls for a bit of sauteing and blending, so make sure to have your blender ready before starting.

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Weight Loss Cabbage Soup

Calorie per serving: 57kcal

What to love about it: ready in 20 minutes,

If you are trying to lose weight, adding this recipe to your menu is essential. It's low in calories and has a high fiber content. Consuming large amounts of cabbage soup and other foods like fruits, vegetables, and lean protein can help you with your weight loss goals.

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Air-Fryer Brussels Sprouts

Calorie per serving: 118kcal

What to love about it: air-frying is convenient and efficient, mess-free

Evenly cooked sprouts that are crispy outside and tender on the inside. To remove the bitterness of the sprouts, you need to blanch them and remove the outer leaves. The best thing about this recipe is that there are several glazes, sauces, and toppings that go well with it.

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Healthy Turkey Chili

Calorie per serving: 336kcal

What to love about it: family-friendly, easy

If you love chili, then good news, there's a healthier version. This healthy chili uses lean ground turkey. The recipe is a great source of protein and fiber, making it a healthy and filling meal. You can adjust the recipe according to personal preferences, like using a different type of meat like chicken or adjusting the heat level.

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Lemon Herb Chicken Salad

Calorie per serving: 336kcal

What to love about it: full of Mediterranean flavors

Tangy and aromatic chicken in a bed of lettuce leaves, cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocadoes. The lemon dressing is a great marinade for the chicken and it adds a fresh and delightful taste to the salad.

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Low Carb Chicken Bowl

Calorie per serving: 313kcal

What to love about it: low-carb, meal prep friendly

A healthy lunch or dinner that is ready in 30 minutes, plus you can make it ahead and serve the following days. For those on a low-carb diet, this dish is a well-balanced meal with a good amount of protein, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables.

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Vegetable and Chickpea Coconut Curry

Calorie per serving: 319kcal

What to love about it: dairy-free, nut-free, vegan

One of the things that I love about this recipe is the use of coconut milk. Coconut milk is a great alternative to traditional dairy products and is healthier. It adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish, making it tasty and hearty. This recipe is best paired with rice.

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Stuffed Peppers

Calorie per serving: 201kcal

What to love about it: meal prep friendly, plenty of options

Of all the volume eating recipes, these stuffed peppers are a popular dish to any one who maintains a healthy diet. The recipe suggests not to cook the bell peppers separately. You can fill them right away and just add water to the dish container to soften the peppers while cooking.

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Keto Beef and Broccoli

Calorie per serving: 364kcal

What to love about it: low-carb, high in protein, full of beefy flavor

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Garlic Parmesan Zucchini Noodles Pasta

Calorie per serving: 127kcal

What to love about it: guilt-free, gluten-free, ready in 20 minutes

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Low-Carb Squash and Meatballs

Calorie per serving: 416kcal

What to love about it: full of Italian flavors, low-carb

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Cauliflower Tabbouleh

Calorie per serving: 199kcal

What to love about it: low-carb, gluten-free, light meal

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Roasted Veggie Brown Rice Bowl

Calorie per serving: 543kcal

What to love about it: fresh on flavors, customizable

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25 Volume Eating Recipes (High-Volume Low-Calorie Meals) (2024)

FAQs

What is the best high volume low calorie foods? ›

Some high-protein, low-calorie, high-volume foods include chicken or turkey breast, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, tofu, and legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils.

What is a high volume meal? ›

A food's volume is a function of a couple of things: its fiber content and the balance of carbohydrates, protein and fat in the food. High-fiber foods that also contain a large amount of water are considered to be high-volume foods.

Can you lose weight by volume eating? ›

You may lose some weight.

To lose weight, you need to consume fewer calories than you burn, and volume eating can help achieve this by allowing you to eat larger portions of food while simultaneously lowering your overall caloric intake, says Dr.

What foods are great to fill you up with low caloric density? ›

The healthiest lower energy-dense choices are foods that are high in protein but low in fat and calories, such as:
  • Beans, peas and lentils, which are also good sources of fiber.
  • Fish.
  • Lean meat and poultry.
  • Low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
  • Egg whites.

What are examples of high volume foods? ›

Examples of high-volume foods include a variety of fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, lettuce, and watermelon, as well as broth-based soups and water-heavy fruits. Opting for high-volume foods can help you achieve a sense of fullness and satisfaction without significantly increasing your calorie intake.

Can I eat popcorn during weight loss? ›

Popcorn can indeed be a valuable addition to a weight loss diet. Its low-calorie, high-fibre, and whole-grain characteristics make it a filling and nutritious snack option. If you are looking to lose weight, it is essential to consume popcorn healthily, without excessive butter, oil, or sugar.

What is the highest calorie food by volume? ›

Examples include butter, oils, salad dressings, sugar, nuts, seeds, dry bread, dry cereal, crackers, egg yolk, avocado, dried fruit, red meat, and yes, Egg Muffins and pizza. As you can see from the chart below, oils are the most calorie-dense foods on the planet.

Are potatoes high volume? ›

Potatoes

Research has suggested that potatoes are one of the most satiating foods, and if you boil or bake them without adding lots of fat, they're relatively low-calorie while being high in volume.

What food has the most protein by volume? ›

High Protein Foods by Nutrient Density (Most Protein per 100 Grams)
FoodServingProtein
1 Spirulina View (Source)100 grams115% DV (57.5g)
2 Dry-Roasted Soybeans View (Source)100 grams87% DV (43.3g)
3 Grated Parmesan Cheese View (Source)100 grams83% DV (41.6g)
4 Lean Veal Top Round View (Source)100 grams73% DV (36.7g)
6 more rows
Mar 26, 2024

What are the downsides of volume eating? ›

More serious consequences can arise over time when volume eating can easily turn into disordered eating without a focus on balanced nutrition and overall health. “Volume eating encourages lots of low-calorie foods, which can contribute to cravings, overeating, constant food thoughts, and bingeing,” Nadeau explained.

Is popcorn a high volume food? ›

The airiness of popcorn makes it a high-volume food, and Walsh says that keeps you feeling full. One cup of plain air-popped popcorn—without butter, salt, or other toppings—contains about 30 calories, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

What are the cons of volume eating? ›

The main disadvantages of volume eating include the risk of nutrient imbalance and potential digestive discomfort due to high fiber intake, and it may not be suitable for individuals with certain health conditions or specific dietary needs.

What foods should I cut out to lose weight? ›

Foods and drinks that can hinder your weight loss
  1. Deep-fried food.
  2. Baked sweets.
  3. Some snacks.
  4. Sugary drinks.
  5. Alcohol.
  6. Refined grains.
  7. Processed meat.
  8. Artificial sweetener.
Mar 15, 2024

What is the best fruit for weight loss? ›

Because fruits are high in fiber and water, they help you feel full, making you less likely to overeat. Grapefruit, apples, avocados, and watermelon are some of the best fruits to support weight loss plans.

What is the minimum calories to lose weight? ›

In order to lose at least a pound a week, try to do at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days, and reduce your daily calorie intake by at least 500 calories. However, calorie intake should not fall below 1,200 a day in women or 1,500 a day in men, except under the supervision of a health professional.

How can I add volume without calories? ›

  1. Eat vegetables.
  2. Eat fruit. • ...
  3. Eat broth-based soups (about 100 calories per cup)
  4. Eat beans, split peas, and lentils.
  5. Eat whole grains rather than ones that are highly refined. ...
  6. Eat small amounts of nuts.

How can I eat 500 calories a day less? ›

It is easier than you may think.
  1. Swap your snack. Many people reach for a snack or two in between meals. ...
  2. Cut one high-calorie treat. ...
  3. Do not drink your calories. ...
  4. Skip seconds. ...
  5. Make low calorie substitutions. ...
  6. Ask for a doggie bag. ...
  7. Just say "no" to fried food. ...
  8. Build a thinner pizza.
Jun 22, 2022

How can I add volume to my food without adding calories? ›

Foods that are high in water and fiber are also high-volume foods, in part because both water and fiber have little to no calories. Examples include: Leafy greens, such as spinach, arugula and salad mixes. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower.

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