10 dinners that will help you lose weight

Pears Grilled with Pecorino

Many cuisines have traditions of combining fruit with cheese. This recipe stems from the Tuscan combination of juicy pears with salty pecorino. With some cheese melted over the pears and the rest combined with grapes and salad leaves, the pears grilled with pecorino makes a very attractive dish-and is only 317 calories per serving.

Get the full recipe: Pears Grilled with Pecorino

Pears Grilled with Pecorino

Many cuisines have traditions of combining fruit with cheese. This recipe stems from the Tuscan combination of juicy pears with salty pecorino. With some cheese melted over the pears and the rest combined with grapes and salad leaves, the pears grilled with pecorino makes a very attractive dish-and is only 317 calories per serving.

Get the full recipe: Pears Grilled with Pecorino

Maple Baked Salmon with Chopped Almonds

The delectable flavour of baked salmon marinated with sweet maple dressing and topped with almonds makes this dish-at only 260 calories per serving-taste so good that it will definitely become a mealtime staple. Pair with your favourite steamed vegetables and some heart-healthy quinoa.

Get the full recipe: Maple Baked Salmon with Chopped Almonds

Grilled Pork Tenderloin

This mouth-watering pork tenderloin recipe was developed by Janet and Greta Podleski for their cookbook Eat, Shink and Be Merry. Not only will it fill you up (and at a reasonable 275 calories per serving, we might add), but you’ll also reap plenty of health benefits from the zucchini, peppers and mango in this dish.

Get the full recipe: Grilled Pork Tenderloin

Slow-Braised Beef and Barley

Craving comfort food? This tasty dish will only set you back 367 calories per serving. Here, beef is simmered until meltingly tender, while nourishing pot barley thickens the gravy to make a hearty casserole and juniper berries add a distinctive flavor. Serve slow-braised beef and barley with a green vegetable, such as green beans or spring greens.

Get the full recipe: Slow-Braised Beef and Barley

Mediterranean Meatloaf

The combination of flavours of red pepper, feta and olives in this recipe will change your view of meatloaf. Ground turkey is leaner than ground beef as well as being a good source of protein. Serve it up with a light, healthy salad or your favourite steamed veggies.

Get the full recipe: Mediterranean Meatloaf

Roast Vegetable and Bean Stew

This easy, one-pot dish of root vegetables and pinto beans makes a nourishing main course (perfect on a chilly night!) and needs no accompaniments. Parsnips are a very nutritious starchy vegetable, providing useful amounts of potassium, folate and vitamin C.

Get full recipe: Roast Vegetable and Bean Stew

Tomato-Roasted Mackerel

Tired of salmon? Mackerel is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Pair with some roasted sweet potatoes and a mix of fresh vegetables for a well-rounded, nutritious meal.

Get the full recipe: Tomato-Roasted Mackerel

Grilled Greek-Style Pizza

Can’t get over that pizza craving? Skip your usual pepperoni-and-extra-cheese order in favour of this healthier option. The arugula pesto in this recipe adds a delicious peppery taste to the pizza (make extra pesto and have it the next day with grilled fish or meat, or as a simple pasta sauce). Plus, the grilled whole-wheat pita resembles a thin oven-baked pizza crust and has a great crunch, but with less calories and fat.

Get the full recipe: Grilled Greek-Style Pizza

Black-Eyed Pea and Walnut Lettuce Wraps

Fibre-rich black-eyed peas and walnuts make this a very satisfying and nutrient-dense meal. And with some added crunchiness from crisp, fresh lettuce leaves, you may never want to go back to your traditional tortilla wraps again!

Get the full recipe: Black-Eyed Pea and Walnut Lettuce Wraps

Spiced Couscous Tomatoes

Choose ripe, well-flavoured tomatoes for this dish. Hollowed out, tomatoes make the perfect container for a spicy eggplant, dried apricot and nut couscous. Couscous is low in fat and has a moderate score on the glycemic index, which means that it is digested and absorbed relatively slowly, releasing glucose gradually into the bloodstream. This helps to keep blood sugar levels steady. Pair with a piece of grilled fish or a grilled chicken breast for a nutritious and diet-friendly meal.

Get the full recipe: Spiced Couscous Tomatoes

More diet-friendly dinner ideas

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Related:
• 10 lunches that will help you lose weight
• 10 snacks that will help you lose weight
• 8 ways to cut calories when cooking