Fried, battered, dripping sauce--hot wings are calorie bombs! But not these.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

These tasty roasted vegetables can be cooked on the grill or roasted in the oven! The pineapple adds a wonderful sweetness to the vegetables. This recipe is easily modified to include your favorite vegetables or spices.

Submitted by HONEYLEA

These healthy breakfast bars provide a respectable level of protein and fiber without a ton of calories. Best of all, they can be eaten on the run. Reconfigure the "additions" to suit your fancy.... or replace the Splenda with another sweetener if you're trying to stay "au natural." This is a base recipe that can be tweaked to your taste!

Submitted by TUESDAYS

They are crunchy and chewy at the same time, easy and super healthy.

Submitted by STERNENFEE

Tasty and nutritious granola bars, preservative free and easy to alter to your taste!

Submitted by MEVI_MUH

Cookbook creator says: loved this. didn't process it but mashed it. added more cumin and garlic. Added salsa and used red peppers.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Quinoa is similar to brown rice, with a higher protein content. This is a delicious side dish or light meal.

Submitted by SLIMKATIE

A terrific way to start your day, much better than the frozen waffles you can find at the grocery store.

Submitted by JOGANRAY

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

A lovely egg dish that highlights all the flavors of late spring. This dish can be made ahead of time and served room temperature. Perfect for brunch or even a light lunch!

Submitted by RICKIEBETH

Those who know me well will say that I am not a snob--except for when it comes to icing. I want the real stuff! To me cakes are ruined with fake whippy icings made with shortening.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Quick and easy soup for a cold winter day.

Submitted by DAISYLADY

I am known for my pancakes, so trust me on this one!

Submitted by AMROZ123

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

A light fruity and nutty salad!

Submitted by ~GOT2MOVE2LOSE~

This makes an easy weekend brunch or quick breakfast.

Submitted by NANALINDA5355

Tasty and Nutritious

Submitted by FLYAWAYFREE

This lively low-saturated fat pasta dish contains lots of tomatoes and herbs and very little oil.

Using low-fat milk instead of cream lowers the saturated fat content in this hearty summer soup.

Serve this on top of a bed of brown rice.

Quick and nutritious, high in iron, protein and other nutrients

Submitted by RDEPASS

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

I love this recipe! It can be used as a sauce for grilled meats, a dressing for salads or steamed vegetables, or as a marinade for tofu or other lean proteins. You will always find it in my refrigerator.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Submitted by RUIZPETER

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Ready in 25 minutes.

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A much quicker version of the Italian classic; less time, but no less taste.

Submitted by VEGGIEKITTY

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.

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

These have a great flavor, the perfect amount of sweetness, and a nice, soft texture (be sure to use whole wheat PASTRY flour, not regular whole wheat!). Nutritious, too!

Submitted by FANNETASTICFOOD

A tasty way to get your veggies during BBQ season

Submitted by EMMAPALE

Bake these over the weekend, and enjoy throughout the week for breakfast or a snack.

Ready in just 20 minutes.

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A lighter take on a pub favorite! For extra veggies, top with chopped tomatoes.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Popcorn makes a great snack, but can be a little mundane. Chili, garlic, and cumin give this popcorn a kick!

This light pasta dish has 2 1/2 servings of vegetables in each portion.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

Kid friendly and easily exhanged ingredients will make this no hassle dish a sure pleaser!

Submitted by FORMERFATTY

"Vanilla extract" usually isn't made with real vanilla. The good news is that it's really easy--and affordable--to make your own.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This apple crisp is sweet and simple to prepare, but uses very little added sugar.

Submitted by JLCROMP

Garlic lovers, rejoice! This recipe contains a whopping two heads, but the flavor mellows and sweetens when baked.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Served cold or hot, these tangy yet sweet noodles are rich and tasty.

This is a great recipe when the garden is overflowing.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Chicken and a savory sauce wrapped up.

Submitted by *SPARKLEMAMA*

You will be surprised how much you come to like the unusual combination of sweet watermelon, hot jalapenos, and lime. A perfect accompaniment to grilled chicken, fish, or seafood. Or just enjoy it by itself as a refreshing and low-cal treat. Yields estimated 7- 1/2 Cup servings.

Submitted by FAIRFAUX08

Most pasta salads are heavy on the pasta and light on everything else. This version, which can be served warm or cold, includes a hefty portion of vegetables--both spinach and tomatoes.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

My family loves to eat pancakes at Perkins and IHOP, but they are so unhealthy. I wanted a pancake that would provide better nutrition, so I developed this recipe instead. This has become a family favorite--even my teenagers love them! They are easy to make and taste so good, they are my "go to" breakfast when we have company.

Submitted by CASE4GRACE

This is a great recipe for summer, when you have a surplus of zucchini in the garden. Double or triple the batch and freeze them for quick and healthy breakfasts.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Creamy pudding makes fantastic frozen treats.

Panzanella is an Italian salad that can be found on trendy bistro menus in the hot summer months. This salad was invented when times were tough, as a way to use up stale bread.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

The trick to learning to like vegetables you hate is to disguise their appearance and flavor. Think about what it is you dislike about that particular vegetable.
I asked Fred why he's anti-green beans. It turns out that he remembers the long, mushy canned beans from childhood.
Step 1: Chop the beans into 1-inch pieces.
Step 2: Change texture. Sauté them in a bit of olive oil, salt and pepper on high heat until they're crispy on the outside and still slightly firm.
Step 3: Change the flavor: Add pesto (with homemade lemony basil from the co-op) and an extra bit of parmesan cheese!
Results: "Is this pasta?" Fred asks as I hand him a plate of beans.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

a new twist on salsa, great for using cukes from the garden in the summer!

Submitted by SLINKY78

This is easy to make and is very nutrious for you! Quinoa was revered by the Incas and feed it to the Warriors.

This protein-rich vegetarian recipe is simple to make and tasty to eat!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

A terrific dish when served over a bed of brown rice.

Submitted by SERRA55

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

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

This is easy and tastes like the green beans at the chinese food restaurant. Try substituing or adding other vegetables for a change-up!

Submitted by KJH4OU

This is my take on Racheal Ray's Spanikopita Burgers. I usually double the recipe so I have extras for lunch the next day. I love these things.

Submitted by LITERB93

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

This slimmed down version of your favorite dip is easy to make--and it's light enough for you to load up on it!

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A low-fat and easy to prepare version of this favorite chicken entree.

Triathlete Brendan Brazier shared these raw energy bar recipes with us. While energy bars can be pricey, you can make them at home to control costs.

Submitted by DAILYSPARKGUEST

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

This is a recipe i put together last night with the veggies I had in the fridge and my husband and daughter LOVED it. Very yummy over ride pilaf or couscous. You can add chicken or fish to make this a non-veggie meal

Submitted by VEGGIEDOC4LIFE

Try using an English Cut Beef Roast. It is economical and flavorful. This cut of meat comes from the shoulder or neck area of the animal.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Oh, Quesadilla Explosion Salad! How I love you!
I have eaten plenty of these at Chili's and was "Oh so surprised!" to see it listed as #2 on the 10 worst restaurant salads! Number T-O-O! Too much fat, Too many calories, Too many points!

It's a salad! How can it be so bad for you?

Something had to be done! This is my response. I have also created recipes for the various ingredients used in this salad. They are named as they appear in the list of ingredients. Feel free to use them or your own. Beware the nutrition data of this salad will change if you use another version.

Submitted by LILDVA

This is a great basic to always have on hand! Instead of spending money on expensive, oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, make your own.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Black Bean Salsa

Submitted by JANAE55

These are SUPER easy, quick, and amazing – perfect for snacking on the go.

Submitted by FANNETASTICFOOD

My family loves fried chicken, so when I saw something similar done on Biggest Loser, I had to try it. It's a great alternative to "fried" chicken.

Submitted by JENNMARIE0830

This is my favorite way to eat green beans. It's incredibly simple and delicious!

Submitted by VRAKLIS

Because you can grill these vegies out on your grill or in the oven it is very versatile and tastes like summer any time of the year!

Submitted by 7777BEV

A variation on Cowboy Caviar

Submitted by LRAMORE

Beans, Rice and Chicken. Low Fat and Zesty!

Submitted by TESSFROMWA

Great for the fall holidays! Or just for a healthy snack!

Submitted by ANDREWMOM

For a snack or dessert, they're good!

Submitted by FIREFLY75

Submitted by JOASIA1

This homemade alternative to store bought drinks is intended to replace electrolytes and carbohydrates during/after endurance workouts or exercise in hot, humid weather.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Yummy, Easy Chicken Dinner the family will love!!!

Submitted by SONNY912

We've bumped up the nutrition--and kept all the flavor--of Pizza Margherita, the traditional Italian pizza with tomato, sliced mozzarella, basil, and olive oil.

Submitted by SPCOOKBOOK

Just like Chef Meg's mom (who was from Britain) used to make!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Instead of a whole pie, try making bite-size tarts. The diminutive desserts cook quicker and are automatically portion controlled. Plus, they're easier to make for a crowd, and there's no need for a fork and plate.

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

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

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. You can also add shrimp during the last 20 minutes of cooking. If the dish is a little too spicy for the kids, add 1 Tablespoon of plain yogurt to their serving. Serve with a glass of milk and a cucumber salad.

An experiment with leftovers yields a delightful, filling vegetarian meal.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

A kickin' vegetarian pizza! Extra-good, 'cause it's made on a whole wheat crust!

Submitted by CURVES_N_CURLS

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

Submitted by SP_STEPF

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

I bought a Papa Murphy Mediterrean Pizza and decided to make it myself with less fat and calories! We LOVE pizza and become very fond of the Alfredo kind, it is the BEST! It makes eating spinach a wonderful treat!

Submitted by KHDOESMK

For those who love pizza and don't love carbs

Submitted by MAMALUVSYA

More than just plain cheese, this pizza will wake up your taste buds.

Use this whole-wheat and cornmeal crust to make my delicious Mexican pizza.

Submitted by SP_STEPF

This is a great sauce for most pizzas--I use it most frequently on veggie pizza but also works for supreme, meat pizzas, or any classic combo of meat, cheese & veggies.

Submitted by VRAKLIS

Peanut sauce is one of my favorite things to eat, usually with tofu, green vegetables (like broccoli, spinach and edamame) and brown rice.

Submitted by COACH_NICOLE

There's no need to buy pumpkin pie spice. You can easily make your own at home. And it makes a great hostess gift for any fall event! Feel free to double or triple this recipe!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

I love this stew because it can be made from your pantry and freezer. I always keep red potatoes, turkey sausage, and beans on hand. It's great for those nights when you just don't want to brave the cold to go to the supermarket.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

The versatility of this salsa is limitless! Put it on grilled chicken or steak, add it to eggs, or serve with tortilla chips.

Submitted by METALFINGER2U

This one-dish meal is great for a weeknight meal or as a appetizer for a party.Serve it with steamed broccoli or a green salad.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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

I prepare in small loaves so i can freeze individual loaves for later. ...the applesauce lightens the meat load without affecting the flavor or the texture!

Submitted by SHERLE

High in fiber and low in fat-- a great way to start you day!

Submitted by KARRI25

Wonderful low-fat, no sugar added applesauce bread. Each serving is just 76 calories and has only a half a gram of fat!

Submitted by TNLORI

My mother-in-law (whom is a great cook) gave me this recipe. It is easy, but really yummy! I have made it for week night suppers and fancy occassions. We mix up the spices we use in it constantly. It can be cooked in the oven or the crockpot. I usually cook mine in the crockpot.

Submitted by JDLANDER

Submitted by RAGGEDY_ANN

A great way to make kid friendly food healthier. You can substitue any pureed fruits and vegetables you have in the house (but sweet fruits/veggies work best - try sweet potatoes and pineapple, etc.)

Submitted by LILY1207

So yummy and healthy too :)
Recipe makes about 4 dozen, so they're perfect for bringing to a party or sharing with friends!

Submitted by LOVEJB_4LIFE

This is a great kids’ meal, or cut each quesadilla into eight pieces for an appetizer.

Submitted by SPCOOKBOOK

Garlic is good for more than keeping away vampires. It's also quite good for you and full of flavor. Roasting garlic mellows its flavor and gives it a creamy texture.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This veggie stock has a stronger, richer flavor than most.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Fall fruit adds a twist and replacing mayo with low-fat yogurt makes it a little more healthy. This is great for leftover chicken.

Submitted by SHAUGHNA_S

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

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

Ditch those packets from the supermarket, and whip up a batch of this simple, tasty taco seasoning!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This is such a hearty savory soup--and it's vegan! The color alone should win you over. By roasting the vegetables you get a sweet smoky smell and taste.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This dish inspired by Costa Rican spices seems exotic, but it uses spices and ingredients you already have around the house: coffee, cocoa and cinnamon. You'll wonder why you've been relegating these flavorings to dessert!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Think outside the pie! This pumpkin smoothie is a sweet and healthy treat that kids will love.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Making homemade stock is so easy! It's a third the price of buying it in stores.

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

Try a two for one: The next time you are turning on the oven to 375 degrees, roast the squash, cool it slightly, peel and package to freeze. You'll have butternut squash on hand whenever you need it, and you can have dinner on the table in no time!

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

This healthy, hearty salad is packed full of fruit AND vegetables.

A yummy way to start the day with very little fat and lots of flavor!

Submitted by JOJOMKE

A tasty burger patty that's high in fiber and folate and easy to prepare. Serve on a whole wheat bun with your favorite toppings.

Submitted by DENIBREITENBACH

Move over, gingerbread. There's a new favorite treat on the holiday cookie tray!

Submitted by PHULLER

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

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

Submitted by CHEF_MEG

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