My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (2024)

by Tiffany King 13 Comments

My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (1)

Recently, Lisa who is one of my readers emailed me to ask about low-fat recipes. She is hoping for some low-fat menus. I may put together a menu or two that focuses on low-fat foods, but until then I thought I would at least compile a list to work from. Other readers have asked for similar things, but until now I’ve put them off. Amanda asked about low-carb recipes. The thought of a low-carb diet scared me so much I had to hide in the corner with a big bowl of ice cream.

All of that leads me to a few disclaimers:

  • I do not follow any kind of special diet. I believe in “everything in moderation”, except ice cream which should be eaten at every opportunity.
  • I’m not an expert on low-fat, low-carb, whole grains, high fiber, or any other diet related subject. I know a little bit about some of them.
  • I don’t count calories for myself or in my recipes.
  • Please don’t take this list an absolute on low-fat. You may find some recipes have more fat than you like. Some contain other foods you might be avoiding, such as sugar.
  • Although I’m not afraid to use a few processed foods like Velveeta and cream of chicken soup, I do tend to shy away from artificial sweeteners, butter substitutes and the like. I have no thought out reason for this, it’s just how I like it.
  • Just putting this list out there makes me a little uncomfortable, because this is not a subject I know a lot about. Take what works for you and leave the rest. The list is just a starting place for those of you looking to lower your fat intake. I make no promises about any of the foods here, except that I cook them and eat them and they taste good.

Before I get to the list, I’ll share a few tips that I put together. Some of these come from my readers on the Eat at Home Facebook page. (Join us over there. We have some fun conversations.) In the interest of full disclosure, I only follow the first tip regularly. Some of the recipes in the list are only low-fat if you follow these tips!

  • Always drain and rinse hamburger, sausage, etc. I use very hot water to rinse the grease off the meat. I did find this interesting article on Hillbilly Housewife about the calorie savings of doing this step.
  • Buy low-fat cheese and other dairy products.
  • Substitute plain yogurt for sour cream.
  • Saute in cooking spray instead of butter or olive oil.
  • Use skinless chicken
  • Substitute applesauce for oil in baked goods.
  • Don’t use the yolks of eggs or only use the yolks of half the eggs the recipe calls for.

Main Dishes

  1. Pizza Bowties with Italian Sausage
  2. Beef and Black Bean Taco Bake
  3. Fish Tacos with Chipotle Dressing
  4. Easy Pepper Steak in the Slow Cooker
  5. Hawaiian Grilled Chicken
  6. Southwest Chicken and Brown Rice
  7. Italian Sausage and Bean Soup
  8. Slow Cooker Beef Vegetable
  9. Honey Pork Chops
  10. Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup
  11. All Veggie Vegetable Soup
  12. Black Bean and Corn Chicken Taco Bake
  13. Chicken Posole Stew in the Slow Cooker
  14. Honey Cashew Pork Stir-Fry
  15. Honey Hoisin Chicken in the Slow Cooker
  16. Chicken Tacos
  17. Zesty Crockpot Chicken
  18. Chicken Tortilla Soup – use baked chips instead of fried tortilla strips
  19. Camarones con Arroz, Shrimp with Rice
  20. Crockpot Honey Mustard Chicken
  21. Tilapia with Veggies Baked in Foil
  22. Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps
  23. Baked Chicken with Summer Vegetables in the Slow Cooker
  24. Lentil Tacos
  25. Shrimp Scampi
  26. Mexican Vegetables on Cornbread
  27. Garlic Chicken with More Garlic
  28. BBQ Chicken Fajitas
  29. Crockpot Sweet and Sour Cantonese Chicken
  30. Crockpot Chicken Soup
  31. Vietnam Fried Rice
  32. Crockpot Chicken Teriyaki
  33. Sticky Coconut Chicken
  34. Chicken Enchiladas
  35. Mexican Beans and Rice
  36. Chicken Fiesta with Black Beans in the Slow Cooker

Side Dishes

  1. Refried Beans
  2. Cucumbers and Onions
  3. Any salad, really! Use low-fat dressing or just lemon, salt and pepper to dress it.

Sweet Tooth

  1. Mixed Berry Smoothie
  2. Frozen Fruit Cups

My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (2)

Related Recipe

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (4)Trudy Garvey says

    I’ll be the first to say it – Thanks for the list!!

    Reply

  2. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (6)Beverly says

    I have tried and enjoyed several of these recipes already, and I look forward to trying some others, but honestly, I would rather have the featured s’mores pie! 🙂

    Reply

  3. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (7)Anne says

    Thanks Tiffany – I’ve been digging through your menus looking for low-fat and appreciate your list. I believe in moderation too… still trying to live my beliefs!

    Reply

  4. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (8)Tiffany says

    Love your blog, and your name! : ) I have my list ready and will be trying one of your weekly menus. I can’t wait. Thanks so much!

    Reply

  5. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (9)Lisa says

    Thank you so much! I am the Lisa who sent the email, and I really appreciate you compiling this list. Your list of “disclaimers” was funny, but describes me too. “Everything in moderation” is a phrase I live by.

    I’ll definitely be trying some of the recipes you’ve listed!

    Reply

    • My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (10)Tiffany says

      Lisa, thanks for prompting me on this. It was fun to put together.

      Reply

  6. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (11)Dee says

    Tiffany:
    I was thinking the same thing, low carb low fat. I’m watching and aware of what my family eats as well and often substitute for healthier items. Thanks for compiling the list. I’ve prepared #7 Italian sausage and bean soup and it was delicious, my husband loved it. #21 Tilapia with vegetables baked in foil was so good, and your other Tilapia recipe in the crockpot was a hit. Thanks for the hard workd. We appreciate it!

    Reply

  7. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (12)Helen says

    Hello, I am looking for recipes that are low fat and dairy free. do you have some?

    Reply

  8. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (13)Lovie says

    I came across your post as I was searching for lowfat recipes After gallbladder removal and pancreatitis. So for some of us it’s not a choice, it’s doctor recommended. Thank you.

    Reply

  9. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (14)Debra I Jasinski says

    I don’t understand why the title says 40 low fat recipes and then there is a disclaimer that some are not . But again like so may on Pinterest I am finding this to be the case. Frustrating for people who have health issues and looking for some recipes that are truly low fat. Maybe change the title so people don’t waste their time.

    Reply

  10. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (15)Theresa Turner says

    Thank you so much for this amazing list! I have chronic autoimmune pancreatitis and try really hard to stay under 20 grams of fat per day and I get so tired of the same safe foods. I do admit to having food breakdowns especially when we have family functions or dinners at church. It’s really hard to bypass all that good comfort food, but I do. I will certainly be trying most of these. Thank you so very much

    Reply

  11. My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (16)Lori Wolf says

    Looking forward to trying some of these recipes as I’ve got to start watching what I eat for health reasons. Thanks!

    Reply

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My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes (2024)

FAQs

My Big Fat List of 40 Low-Fat Recipes? ›

A standard low fat diet contains about 30% — or less — of its calories from fat ( 31 ). Here are a few examples of suggested daily fat ranges for a low fat diet, based on different calorie goals: 1,500 calories: about 50 grams of fat per day. 2,000 calories: about 67 grams of fat per day.

How much fat is considered a low-fat diet? ›

A standard low fat diet contains about 30% — or less — of its calories from fat ( 31 ). Here are a few examples of suggested daily fat ranges for a low fat diet, based on different calorie goals: 1,500 calories: about 50 grams of fat per day. 2,000 calories: about 67 grams of fat per day.

What is an example of a fat-free meal? ›

Rice noodles are another fat-free option that may be added to Asian soups and salads. Enjoy air-popped popcorn as a fat-free snack. LIQUIDS Water, coffee and tea contain no fat. Sodas and fruit drinks are also free of fat, but still provide considerable calories while offering little in the way of nutrients.

What foods should I avoid on a low-fat diet? ›

Practical tips to help you eat less fat, including saturated fat.
  • butter, ghee, suet, lard, coconut oil and palm oil.
  • cakes.
  • biscuits.
  • fatty cuts of meat.
  • sausages.
  • bacon.
  • cured meats like salami, chorizo and pancetta.
  • cheese.

What is the best low-fat diet plan? ›

Eat mostly plant foods (such as vegetables, fruits, and whole grains) and a moderate amount of lean and low-fat, animal-based food (meat and dairy products) to help control your fat, cholesterol, carbs, and calories. When you're shopping, choose fish, poultry, and lean meats. Limit these to 5-7 ounces per day.

What are the healthiest fats to eat? ›

Choose foods with “good” unsaturated fats, limit foods high in saturated fat, and avoid “bad” trans fat. “Good” unsaturated fats — Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats — lower disease risk. Foods high in good fats include vegetable oils (such as olive, canola, sunflower, soy, and corn), nuts, seeds, and fish.

What foods are low in fat but filling? ›

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.

Can you eat pasta on a low fat diet? ›

Incorporating quality carbs, such as pasta, into meals is useful in preventing large fluctuations in blood sugar levels, which helps keep food cravings under control. Pasta is also a low-fat food, just be mindful of what sauce you pair it with!

What's the best low-fat snack? ›

  • Munch on some popcorn. ...
  • Add Greek yogurt to a lite whole grain toaster waffle. ...
  • Eat two cups of diced watermelon. ...
  • Top non-fat cottage cheese with pineapple chunks. ...
  • Serve some low-fat black bean dip with baby carrots. ...
  • Snack on some frozen grapes. ...
  • Pack an apple in your lunchbox. ...
  • Make a fruit and nut combo.
Dec 11, 2018

What are the 5 foods that burn belly fat? ›

Five foods that may help burn belly fat include:
  • foods with soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
  • foods with protein like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
  • fatty fish like tuna and salmon.
  • foods with probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
  • green tea.

Which food has 0 fat? ›

Top 10 Fat-Free Foods to Add To Your Diet
  • Beans and Legumes: Excellent quantities of fiber, protein, and other necessary elements can be found in beans and other legumes. ...
  • Related Articles: How to Make Fish Farming: A Comprehensive Guide. ...
  • 2. Fruits: ...
  • Vegetables: ...
  • Whole Grains: ...
  • Fish:
  • Skim Milk: ...
  • Egg Whites:
May 15, 2023

Which fruit has no fat? ›

Suggest 10 types of low-calorie fruits, eat more without fat (Kcal per 100 grams)
  • Plum – 20Kcal.
  • Pineapple – 29 Kcal.
  • Grapefruit – 30Kcal.
  • Watermelon – 30 Kcal.
  • Melons under 34 Kcal.
  • Peach – 38 Kcal.
  • Guava – 38 Kcal.
  • Oranges – 38 Kcal.
Sep 17, 2021

Can you eat pizza on a low-fat diet? ›

Pizza is a great example of a food that can be a perfectly balanced low-fat meal or it can be quite high in fat and calories. It all depends on the ingredients. The crust is a good source of complex carbohydrates, which should be the base of a meal.

Can you eat potatoes on a low-fat diet? ›

As a bonus, potatoes are low in calories, contain no fat or cholesterol, and are sodium-free. They're high in vitamin C and potassium and are a good source of vitamin B6. A medium potato, about 5.5 ounces, contains only 145 calories.

Is 30 grams of fat a day low-fat? ›

Fat-Controlled Diet

Your diet should contain 30 Grams of fat per day at the MOST. Eating small, frequent meals is a good way to manage discomfort. If you are above your targeted weight for your height (BMI >25), it is a good idea to do a food diary for 1 week so you can see just exactly what you are eating.

How many grams of fat should you eat a day? ›

For most people, neither a high- or low-fat diet is recommended for health. Getting 20–35% of your calories from fat—45–78 grams on a 2,000-calorie diet—is considered best for health. However, this amount may vary based on your health needs.

How many grams of fat do you need to be fat free? ›

Low-fat, reduced-fat, light (or lite), and fat-free are common terms you may see on food packages. The U.S. government has strict rules about the use of these phrases: By law, fat-free foods can contain no more than 0.5 grams of fat per serving. Low-fat foods may contain 3 grams of fat or less per serving.

What are the rules for low-fat? ›

Guidelines for a Low Cholesterol, Low Saturated Fat Diet
  • Limit total intake of fats and oils.
  • Avoid butter, stick margarine, shortening, lard, palm and coconut oils.
  • Limit mayonnaise, salad dressings, gravies and sauces, unless they are homemade with low-fat ingredients.
  • Limit chocolate.

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