Love large portions of food without large calorie counts? Us too! These magical, low-calorie food expanders will supersize your meals and snacks...
Portabellas and More Mushrooms
Why Mushrooms?
One large portabella mushroom or 2 cups of chopped mushrooms has roughly 30 calories, 1.5g fiber, and 3.5g protein. Fungus power!
What Can They Supersize? Mushrooms are especially good in meat dishes. The texture and taste work perfectly.
Recipes, Please!
Zucchini
Why Zucchini?
A medium zucchini has around 30 calories, 2g fiber, and 2.5g protein. And you can eat the skin, which is nice and convenient.
What Can It Expand? Pasta! Whether it's spiralized, thinly peeled like fettuccine, or cut into slabs similar to lasagna noodles, zucchini does a masterful job of impersonating pasta. So good, in fact, sometimes we leave out the pasta altogether...
Recipes, Please!
Cauliflower
Why Cauliflower?
A cup of chopped cauliflower has about 30 calories, 2g fiber, and 2g protein. And its expanding ability is the stuff of LEGEND.
What Can It Expand? Cauliflower is a go-to super-sizer when it comes to starchy dishes -- anything with potatoes, pasta, or rice. It blends in seamlessly... It can even replace 'em!
Recipes, Please!
Broccoli Cole Slaw
Why Broccoli Cole Slaw?
This mix of shredded broccoli stems with other veggies clocks in at 25 calories, 3g fiber, and 2g protein per cup. Plus, it couldn't be more convenient. Pre-shredded, pre-washed... some (like the kind by Mann's) can even be steamed in the bag!
What Can It Expand? Unexpected things! It even works as a straight-up noodle swap. The possibilities are endless...
Recipes, Please!
94% Fat-Free Microwave Popcorn
Why Popcorn?
You can eat about 5 cups of this popcorn for 100 calories and 1.5g fat, plus 4g fiber and 2.5g protein. That's why.
What Can It Expand? Your snacks! Mix more calorie-dense goodies with popcorn for a large-and-in-charge snack mix.
Recipes, Please!
We may receive affiliate compensation from some of these links. Prices and availability are subject to change.
We may have received free samples of food, which in no way influences whether these products are reviewed favorably, unfavorably, mentioned with indifference, or mentioned at all. Click for more about our editorial and advertising policies.
*The WW Points® values for these products and/or recipes were calculated by Hungry Girl and are not an endorsement or approval of the product, recipe or its manufacturer or developer by WW International, Inc., the owner of the Points® trademark.
Questions on the WW Points® values listed? Click here.
Hungry Girl provides general information about food and lifestyle. This information and any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. Click here for more information.
