EatingWell's 500-Calorie Dinners

Satisfying 500-calorie dinners that make every calorie count

Do you love food but hate diets? Then EatingWell’s delicious 500-calorie-dinner diet is for you. Science shows that when it comes to losing weight, what’s most important is how much you’re eating. You can lose weight eating whatever you like so long as you limit calories. Having a 500-calorie dinner is one way. Of course, the rest of the day matters too. Most people can lose weight on 1,500 calories a day.

Jump start your weight-loss with our 500-Calorie Dinner Challenge: for five weeks, cook a healthy 500-calorie dinner five times a week. Or try one of our 500-calorie dinner menus below—you’ll be amazed at how well you can eat for just 500 calories.

Pictured: Mozzarella-Stuffed Turkey Burgers 500-Calorie Menu

Download a Free Low-Calorie Dinner Recipe Cookbook!

Delicious Recipes

Lose Weight Eating 1,500 Calories a Day

Most people can lose weight on 1,500 calories a day, including a delicious 500-calorie dinner. Find out what a 1,500 calorie day looks like and get delicious recipes to eat within your calorie goals.

500-Calorie Dinner Menus

Browse through these 500-Calorie dinner menus, organized by main course, then pick from our suggested side dishes, desserts or drinks to round out your meal.