Weight loss1 min read

20 high-volume, low-calorie foods that keep you full

Eat bigger portions for fewer calories. The best high-volume foods, and easy ways to add them to every meal.

Illustration for 20 high-volume, low-calorie foods that keep you full

Volume eating means choosing foods with lots of water and fibre, so you can eat satisfying portions for relatively few calories. It's one of the most effective ways to stay full while losing weight.

Vegetables

  • Leafy greens: lettuce, spinach, rocket, kale
  • Cucumber, celery and courgette
  • Broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage
  • Tomatoes, peppers and mushrooms
  • Carrots and green beans

Fruit

  • Watermelon and other melons
  • Berries
  • Apples, pears and oranges

Protein

  • Egg whites and eggs
  • White fish and prawns
  • Plain Greek yoghurt and skyr
  • Cottage cheese
  • Chicken breast

Other staples

  • Broth-based soups
  • Air-popped popcorn
  • Oats cooked with extra water or milk
  • Cauliflower rice mixed with regular rice

Easy swaps

Courgette noodles mixed into spaghetti with tomato sauce
  • Bulk out pasta and rice dishes with extra vegetables
  • Mix courgette noodles into spaghetti
  • Add spinach and mushrooms to omelettes
  • Choose whole fruit over juice or dried fruit

Balance still matters

Very low-calorie meals with no protein or fat won't keep you full for long. Combine high-volume vegetables with a good portion of protein for meals that really last. In Mealful, every recipe shows its calories per serving, so you can spot the most filling options at a glance.

This article is general information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition or specific dietary needs, talk to a doctor or registered dietitian.

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