With "The SparkPeople Cookbook," desserts and treats are part of the plan. Chef Meg slims down favorite sweets, ditching most of the fat and calories--but keeping the flavor. This is a "must-try" recipe!

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

Makes an interesting dessert.

An Italian favorite gets a below the border twist. Chef Meg made just a few tweaks before giving this one her seal of approval! She adds the spices early in cooking to help boost flavor and added a full pound of turkey for a more filling meal.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is a GREAT pizza dough...but keep in mind the nutrition information is for the crust only!

Submitted by AZIAS_MOMMY

Cookbook creator says: Very good. Can leave the pineapple out. Add chicken broth to replace pineapple juice.

Submitted by HONEYLEA

When looking for something stunning to serve at the next spring or summer gathering, try this quick and easy fruit pizza. It makes a delicious, refreshing dessert and a colorful centerpiece.

The point of this coleslaw is to use a small amount of dressing, which is made from low-fat/low-calorie ingredients. It's light and refreshing, and because it is low calorie, I can eat a ton of it and feel full and satisfied!

Submitted by IHEARTTRAVEL193

A low-fat, heart healthy version of this traditional comfort food.

This is a great dessert that's delicious when strawberries are in season.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

In 15 minutes, this easy recipe will take the chill off a cold evening.

Quick, easy and tasty turkey burgers with a kick.

Submitted by JIMINNYC

Chicken marinated in a ginger-soy-wine sauce tops this tasty vegetable dish.

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

If you prefer not to grill the chicken, simply broil it indoors. This has a wonderful fresh taste and appeal, and you can make it as tame or as spicy as you wish.

Submitted by TABBYKAT75

Maybe I should have called this my "Summer Farmers Market Pasta." It's full of the vegetables I brought home from the farmers market on Saturday. Like many of my recipes, it can be altered based on what you've got on hand. I almost threw in some Swiss chard (my green of choice these days) and some brilliant yellow crookneck squash, but I decided to save those for another day and another dish.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A sweet and crunchy taste for this terrific chicken dish.

Submitted by HEATHER121

Cookbook creator says: ETWBOK made her own sweet and sour sauce

Submitted by MICHELLEM79

After nearly a year, I'm still in the process of Sparking some of my standard recipes. Here is my son's favorite, and it stayed under 300 calories per serving! (Pasta is NOT figured in) I always make a huge batch and freeze in dinner-sized portions - I find it more economical that way, both in dollars and time.

Submitted by LEAKAY59

Cookbook creator says: Check comments before making.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A quick and easy dinner that is also low-fat.

Submitted by LYZ219

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

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Serve this on top of a bed of brown rice.

Ready in just 20 minutes.

Make this ahead of time and then refrigerate for a quick, protein-packed breakfast that's also portion-controlled. Top with salsa (optional) and serve with toast for a complete breakfast.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

Taken from Biggest Loser Family Cookbook

Submitted by ALICEFROMDALLAS

I started making my own granola, and I wanted a recipe with no added fat.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

This quick and healthy snack takes minutes to prepare! And as a bonus, it's an easy way to get the kids to eat their vegetables.

Submitted by MATCM81

A hearty, homecooked meal that everyone will love! Serve with steamed broccoli and sweet corn for a complete vegetarian meal.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

Warm meat, gooey cheese, and grilled vegetables--what's not to love about a Philly cheese steak? How about the more than 1,600 calories in each one! This take on the classic skimps on fat but not flavor.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Submitted by SARAK31

These cookies get a boost of nutrition from dried cherries, blueberries and cranberries.

Submitted by PHULLER

Tight on time? This quick breakfast literally takes one minute. Set your stopwatch..and GO!

Submitted by KITHKINCAID

Need to get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes? This recipe makes that happen.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

What could be better than waking up to the fresh aroma of a hearty morning meal wafting through the house? With the aid of a Crockpot, it’s easy to give the entire family a hot breakfast, regardless of when they drag themselves out of bed.

Submitted by AMYFAIN

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Sweet and tangy, this chicken takes less than five minutes to prep!

Submitted by LAUR986

At 300 calories a pop, donuts are an easy way to wreck a healthy breakfast. Not my baked ones. They're bursting with fruit and flavor--not fat!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This low-cal pizza recipe gives you the ooey-gooey taste you love -- without the fat. From Fitness Magazine

Submitted by FITNESSMAGAZINE

Cookbook creator says: This is great! It has twice the protein of chicken Rice-a-Roni, fewer calories and carbs, PLUS less than 1/10 the sodium: 65 mg vs 960 mg in the mix. The recipe is so versatile; it can be adapted to fit many tastes and situations. Love it! Thanks for sharing.

These burgers are rich and meaty, the kind of burger that vegetarians have been craving. Even meat eaters will appreciate these tasty and fiber-rich burgers.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Lemony coriander and smoky cumin pair perfectly with sharp Cheddar in this grown-up spin on scalloped potatoes.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A friend issued a challenge to cure a Nutella addiction. This recipe was just the ticket! No hydrogenated oils, fewer calories, less fat--and more fiber and protein!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

This Mexican pizza is a tasty alternative to traditional pizza. Add grilled chicken or cooked shrimp to change this up!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Ditch the toaster pastry. They're loaded with sugar and fat--and not much else. My hand tarts are full of fruit, and if you make them ahead of time your kids can grab them and go.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This spring time stew is a must have at any Derby party! Traditionally made with pork, beef, chicken, and rabbit, I've added more veggies and lightened the meat. The best part: This is a slow cooker recipe, so the burgoo will be ready when the horses are loading into the gate.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

What a treat these burgers are! I love how the tangy flavor of the sauce and the peppery notes of the greens play off the savory burger.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Cupcakes are all the rage these days, and for good reason. These diminutive desserts are automatically portion controlled, and they’re just darn cute!

Submitted by SPCOOKBOOK

Granola is incredibly affordable when you make it yourself. This recipe combines some of my favorite ingredients: maple syrup, almond butter and seeds!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A quick and hearty soup with plenty of spice!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A great twist on traditional pizza, light on calories and fat, heavy on taste.

Submitted by MARIASAURUSREX

Pizza is one of my favorite foods, and the sweet sauce at Papa John's is my all-time favorite. My viewpoint is, if you're going to make it at home, don't make it "just as good," make it better! So I'm remaking a medium Papa John's pie with pineapple, onion and bacon(BACON!!!). Fresh homemade sauce and premium ingredients make this recipe more than worth the calories, and still trimmer than the fast food original!

Submitted by KRAMTHEGRAM

An easy slow cooker recipe that the family will enjoy!

Submitted by LOSER1231

Growing up in the South, sausage gravy was a staple on our breakfast table, so I wanted to create a healthier version--with a secret ingredient.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

I combined all my favorite Greek ingredients, layered them in a dish and created a dip that's a hit at parties or family game night.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Brown rice that's ready when you are--and packed with flavor

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Turn any night into a special occasion with this 20-minute meal inspired by a Parisian bistro.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Fresh and juicy during spring and summer months, strawberries are delicious when combined with tender spinach and crunchy toasted almonds.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Roasted peppers and almonds pair with fresh parsley in this tangy Spanish-inspired sauce.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This light and flavorful dressing is big on flavor and Vitamin C for what it is, but small on dietary impact!

Submitted by STACIA14

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

This quick and easy meal is a hit with kids. If they can't tolerate spicy foods, reduce or omit the sriracha.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This soups works well with most vegetables from the garden-- experiment and use vegetables that are in season. Chef Meg was inspired to create this meal after a trip to the farmers market. Be creative and use whatever vegetables you have on hand!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

We ditched the mayo from this sandwich staple and boosted the nutrition with crunchy vegetables.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Chef Meg added flavor with parsley and capers to cut the salt, reduced the cooking time and used hearty plum tomatoes instead of canned.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

The same great taste of the Italian favorite, but this one is good for you!

Submitted by CONNIE563

Better than store-bought, these granola bars include healthy almonds, whole grain, natural sweeteners and a touch of fruit.

Submitted by BRYNWRITES4FOOD

Biting into a perfectly crispy fried shrimp is so satisfying. The 10 grams of fat per serving? Not so satisfying. This dish has all the crunch, with much less fat.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Hummus goes South of the Border!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A tropical tasty snack!

Submitted by DAISY_RECIPES

This is a really filling soup that's easy to make. Each serving is a hearty 2 cups!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Chewy, homemade flatbread makes any meal seem special. Use in place of pitas, bread, or crackers!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A family favorite that takes no time at all--except for in the slow cooker!

Submitted by BF819CJ

Instead of reaching for fried chicken or frozen chicken nuggets, turn to these spicy, crunchy ones instead.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Who can resist thick, creamy decadent cheesecake? Try this low-fat version in the single serving size.

Save money and time with this Chinese food makeover.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A slimmed-down version of sesame chicken from PF Chang's and other Chinese restaurants.

Submitted by PISCESWOMAN87

Great tasting and Healthy alternative to fries.

Submitted by LIZZS2NDCHANCE

Guiltless high-fiber, high-protein brownies.

Submitted by GENEVIVA

Love your breakfast sausage but can't handle all the sodium? Try this lower sodium version: 25% less fat, and 1/10th of the sodium.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

The perfect soup to warm your belly on a cold night or soothe you when you're sick.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

We call these "power" muffins because they're loaded with B vitamins from whole wheat flour, calcium from milk and yogurt, antioxidants from blueberries, and heart-friendly monounsaturated fat from almonds and canola oil.

Submitted by DMBROWN1200

Low cal and def low effort to create this light snack for anytime, not just for over coffee

Submitted by NADIATION

Quick 'n easy after dinner treat (or breakfast)!

Submitted by BEEHEALTHY2

Pumpkin is subbed for butter in this lowfat treat! Cranberries and almonds add flavor and nutrition!

Submitted by CMWELLS83

This is the easiest recipe I know, and it's quite tasty, too. Grill or saute chicken, cook rice and top with salsa!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Puttanesca is one of my favorite Italian sauces. This version turns ordinary dried brown lentils into real comfort food.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Not Campbell's, that's for sure. You'll love this if you like theirs though.

And it's low calorie - fat- and carbohydrates

Submitted by MINORCANLDY

Low sodium

Submitted by DONNAC228

This soup gets its creamy texture from fiber and protein-rich beans, not artery-clogging cream. woohoo!!

Submitted by BTVMADS

Taken from Biggest Loser 30-Day Jump Start book. My Husband calls this "Gravy Soup".

Submitted by SEEDSTLC

A very easy way to make pulled pork in the slow cooker. This is a tangy BBQ type sauce.

Submitted by SLCOLMAN

A hearty side or a light meatless entree, this savory dish is packed with flavor and fiber!

Submitted by SPARK_RECIPES

This Southern staple gets a dose of fiber--with half of the fat of the original. Make a double batch over the weekend and freeze for the busy weekday mornings.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

What? Canned tomatoes in a tomato sauce? Yes, that's right. Garden tomatoes are only available for a short time, but crushed canned tomatoes are on shelves year-round and packed with flavor.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Call it a parfait, call it a sundae, call it anything you want. Just call on it at snack time.

Submitted by SPARKSOLUTION

Rice and broccoli is baked into muffin tins, giving each portion crispy edges and a cheesy top.

Submitted by SPARK_RECIPES

I love this for breakfast - a gluten free alternative to oatmeal

Submitted by SHREWISH

Submitted by NOTSPEEDY

Black Bean Salsa

Submitted by JANAE55

Great low fat breakfast that your taste buds will like.

Submitted by CJFIEND

Cookbook creator says: Leave out the chili powder - way too hot.

Submitted by JASI27

This isn't an "everyday" diet recipe but it is great to make for a special occasion (and won't totally blow your calories)

Submitted by SANDY1962

from Healthy is Always Better Tmblr
http://healthyisalwaysbetter.tumblr.com/post/6583755120/lessthan300kcal-triple-chocolate-chunk-muffin

Submitted by MRSG918

Rich, flavorful honey mustard chicken with carrots and potatoes.

Submitted by LINDAELAINE3

Just to clarify for the questions below:
First, YES the cream cheese is figured into the totals...if you use FULL FAT cream cheese, the fat content will be considerably higher. But low fat cream cheese really takes the fat down.

Second, I haven't ever tried it with regular Italian dressing...let me know how it turns out!

Third, I HIGHLY recommend using the low setting for cooking...it allows the juices from the chicken to really seep into the dressing.