Save time & money with our NEW Meal Planner!

Save time & money with Meal Planner!

10 Low-Glycemic Index Meals Under 420 Calories

Published October 30, 2019
3 minute read
A bowl of cooked butternut squash and quinoa, known for their low glycemic index, is garnished with chopped pistachios and placed on a teal plate. A spoon rests in the bowl. Nearby, there's a lemon wedge, a bowl of pistachios, a glass of water, and a small plate with turmeric. MyFitnessPal Blog
Published October 30, 2019
3 minute read
In This Article

Created in the 1980s, the Glycemic Index (GI) helps people with diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. The scoring system ranks foods and drinks from 0 to 100 (with pure glucose aka simple sugar scoring 100). Foods higher on the index (like refined grains such as white bread) cause a sharper spike in blood sugar compared to low-GI foods such as non-starchy veggies and beans, which have more fiber. In addition to helping manage blood sugar levels, a low-GI foods diet could also help with weight loss by placing an emphasis on complex carbshigh-quality protein and plenty of veggies. Here are 10 low-GI meals to try that contain 420 calories or less per serving.

1. BUTTERNUT SQUASH BLACK BEAN CHILI | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES 

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 281; Total Fat: 0g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 251mg; Carbohydrate: 56g; Dietary Fiber: 20g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 15g

2. AVOCADO TUNA SALAD ON APPLE SLICES | LOVE & ZEST

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 377; Total Fat: 19g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 7g; Cholesterol: 30mg; Sodium: 285mg; Carbohydrate: 31g; Dietary Fiber: 12g; Sugar: 17g; Protein: 28g

3. GOLDEN OVERNIGHT OATS WITH BLUEBERRIES | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 212; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 91mg; Carbohydrate: 39g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 6g

4. GRILLED HONEY-LIME CHICKEN WITH COWBOY CAVIAR | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 357; Total Fat: 12g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 6g; Cholesterol: 82mg; Sodium: 334mg; Carbohydrate: 38g; Dietary Fiber: 9g; Sugar: 13g; Protein: 37g

5. RED LENTIL TAGINE WITH PISTACHIOS | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES 

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 417; Total Fat: 5g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 0mg; Sodium: 683mg; Carbohydrate: 77g; Dietary Fiber: 22g; Sugar: 17g; Protein: 19g

6. PASTA LENTIL BOLOGNESE | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 337; Total Fat: 4g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 1mg; Sodium: 484mg; Carbohydrate: 68g; Dietary Fiber: 15g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 13g

7. CHICKEN AND SOBA NOODLE SALAD WITH GINGER DRESSING | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 369; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 68mg; Sodium: 644mg; Carbohydrate: 45g; Dietary Fiber: 1g; Sugar: 8g; Protein: 30g

8. GRILLED CHICKEN WITH TOMATO AVOCADO SALAD | COOKING LIGHT

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 331; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 4g; Monounsaturated Fat: 10g; Cholesterol: 79mg; Sodium: 541mg; Total Carbohydrate: 24g; Dietary Fiber: 6g; Sugars: 7g; Protein: 39g

9. SHEET-PAN SALMON AND HERB-ROASTED VEGGIES | MY FRESH PERSPECTIVE

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 377; Total Fat: 10g; Saturated Fat: 0g; Monounsaturated Fat: 0g; Cholesterol: 65mg; Sodium: 379mg; Carbohydrate: 38g; Dietary Fiber: 13g; Sugar: 14g; Protein: 38g

10. HIGH-FIBER CHICKEN AND BLACK BEAN ENCHILADAS | MYFITNESSPAL’S RECIPES

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 309; Total Fat: 7g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Monounsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 69mg; Sodium: 337mg; Carbohydrate: 34g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Sugar: 7g; Protein: 27g

The information in this article is provided solely for informational purposes. This information is not medical advice and should not be relied upon when making medical decisions, or to diagnose or treat a health condition or illness. You should seek the advice of a physician or a medical professional before beginning any dietary programs or plans, exercise regimen or any other fitness or wellness activities.

About the Authors

Meet the people behind the post

Related articles

More inspiration for you

2 minute read
Start your day with Sarah Michelle Gellar’s overnight oats—an easy, no-cook breakfast featured in
2 minute read
Packed with 45g of protein and tons of veggies, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buddha Bowl
14 minute read
Looking for snacks to satisfy your cravings? We asked MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitians to share
9 minute read
Learn the basics of home cooking with our guide, covering essential tips, techniques, and
In This Article
Recent posts
2 minute read
Start your day with Sarah Michelle Gellar’s overnight oats—an easy, no-cook breakfast featured in
2 minute read
Packed with 45g of protein and tons of veggies, Sarah Michelle Gellar’s Buddha Bowl
14 minute read
Looking for snacks to satisfy your cravings? We asked MyFitnessPal Registered Dietitians to share