Fruit is often a back-up ingredient or side dish at dinnertime, but it gets a co-starring role in this meal.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a lighter take on the classic Italian preparation of Chicken Cacciatore (or Chicken Hunter Style). Our made-over version uses white meat rather than dark and less oil to cut almost 60 calories per serving and reduce the fat and sodium of the traditional recipe.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Slow cookers aren’t just for meat! This is a tasty, affordable one-pot vegetarian meal that’s filling and perfect for your slow cooker.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Turn leftovers into a tasty movie night meal.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

These sophisticated popped are stuffed with creamy Gouda cheese, a bit of bacon, and tomatoes.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Chef Meg lightened up a picnic and potluck favorite! Her secret ingredient (shh, don't tell!) is pickle juice.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

We cut the grease and used reduced-fat string cheese to re-create a pub favorite.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Serve these fruit kebabs at your next party.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

All the flavor of bruschetta, in a mushroom!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This chili is packed with flavor and fiber. Make a big batch for a crowd or freeze it in single-serving containers for up to 4 months.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Top this soup with toasted tortilla strips and serve with lime wedges and avocado slices.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a great meal for a busy night--for some added fun, leave the forks in the cabinet and bring out the chopsticks!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe is really easy; it's really more of a process than a recipe. Rice paper wrappers, which are available in the ethnic sections of most larger supermarkets these days, are a great way to wrap your veggies and protein for a quick snack or light lunch.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe is part of "The SparkPeople Cookbook." Order your copy today! This was an excellent member-submitted recipe that required very few tweaks to improve its healthy profile.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Try this inexpensive and fresh version of a chicken casserole--no need for processed soups or sauces!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Citrus and cilantro dress up grilled fish.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This recipe is part of "The SparkPeople Cookbook." Order your copy today! Cooking fish or chicken in parchment-paper packets is a technique known as en papillote.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Think you dislike beets? Not after trying this recipe! Roasting brings out the beets' natural sweetness, and the feta offers a nice, salty contrast.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Black beans, sweet potatoes and greens are spiced up and baked in egg roll wrappers to create burritos that are heavy on taste and light on calories. (Feel free to change this recipe with what you've got in the fridge. No sweet potatoes? Try zucchini or butternut squash. Swap kale for spinach, Swiss chard or your favorite green! Instead of black beans, try kidney, pinto or garbanzo beans.)

Submitted by SP_STEPF

There is room for red meat in a healthy lifestyle. The key is choosing lean cuts and healthful cooking methods.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Chef Meg Galvin turned this member-submitted recipe into a hearty entree that's bursting with flavor by reducing the amount of oil used and changing some of the cooking techniques to maximize taste.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Chef Meg lowered the fat and calories in this member-submitted recipe, which contains two servings of cooked vegetables per portion!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Strawberries are combined with tangy and sweet balsamic vinegar and creamy ricotta in this quick and simple dessert.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Chef Meg's homemade and natural ricotta cheese is easy to make and a fun project for someone who likes to cook.

In summertime, when herbs are abundant and fresh berries are in season, it's the perfect time to try this. You can even get the kids involved.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Good as a side dish or dessert, this salad made from fresh fruit is naturally low in fat, saturated fat, and sodium. Plus, it's cholesterol free.

My dip has all the flavor of the original, but it's much easier on the waistline. I prefer to eat this "dip" with a fork or raw vegetables.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Submitted by VEFAJARDO

Tostada means toasted in Spanish, and in this simple recipe, Chef Meg makes a crunchy, crispy, chewy, cheesy tostada using leftovers from her Slow Cooker Provencal Chicken and Beans dish.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This sweet and spicy soup is a staple of Thai takeout. Chef Meg recreated it for a fraction of the cost and sodium!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Serve this creamy rice dish as a side with roast chicken or pork, or increase the serving size for a vegetarian entree.

With this dish you get a serving of fruit in every portion. Dice the orange if you prefer smaller pieces and�if you�re feeling creative�use a vegetable peeler to create curls of orange zest.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

These moist pancakes are lightly spiced for the palate of my young child. If you like a bit more pizazz, you can increase the spices or add others. Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice both work nicely here.

Submitted by ANNE_SP

"This recipe was wonderful! Probably one of the best I have tested!" Chef Meg really didn't have to change this recipe very much. It certainly gets her stamp of approval though! She did increase the serving size.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

All the taste of a loaded baked potato, in a hearty soup.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Serve these holiday cookies with a cup of tea or lowfat vanilla ice cream.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Chef Meg made over a versatile member recipe by adding extra vegetables and reducing the sodium. Serve with a side salad or over whole wheat pasta or brown rice.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

My kids never complain about eating both beans and greens in one meal when they're served alongside rich, slow-cooked pork.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Make this chicken the next you have company for dinner, and they'll swear you hired caterers. It tastes like it came from a restaurant, but for much less money and effort.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This tomato soup is so rich and thick you'll swear it's laden with cream and butter. The trick is really good tomatoes.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A simple, hearty meat-free meal. Pair with a green salad, and dinner is ready.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

While Chicken Parmesan is traditionally fried, this lighter version is delightful atop a hearty green salad.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A double-hitter: Each portion has almost two servings of vegetables.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Try using whole wheat bread for a boost in fiber. You will need to increase the stock to 1 1/4 cups.

This pie crust has a crunchy addition: pepitas, or shelled pumpkin seeds. They add a nice nutty flavor.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This kid-friendly comfort food is perfect for a weeknight meal. Even better: You can use frozen veggies and leftover chicken.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Perfect for your next party--or turn any snack into a festive event!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG