22 Gut-Healthy Winter Dinners That Help You Lose Weight

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Embrace the season with dishes that warm you up and contribute to a healthier you. These recipes include ingredients that help support your gut-health and healthy digestion like garlic, mushrooms and beans. Plus, each dish has at least 6 grams of fiber and/or 15 grams of protein and less than 575 calories per serving, so they’re light yet satisfying choices that can help support weight loss if that is your goal. Recipes like our Creamy Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts and our White Bean Skillet are delicious and nourishing options you’ll want to make on repeat all winter long.

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Creamy Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Here, pasta simmers directly in broth for a starchy, full-bodied base that gets coated in a creamy Asiago sauce with a subtle kick of red pepper. Brussels sprouts and shallots add caramelized sweetness and earthy depth, while fresh basil brightens the final dish. It’s a one-pan dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight meal when the cozy vibes are calling.

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02 of 22

White Bean Skillet

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hausser.

Sweet onion, tomatoes and garlic form a rich, savory base for creamy white beans. A handful of spinach adds freshness and color, and a sprinkle of Parmesan ties everything together with salty richness. Served alongside toasted whole-wheat baguette slices for dipping, it’s a fast, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a simple weekend supper.

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03 of 22

Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup

Photographer: Ali Redmond.

This cozy soup combines tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans with aromatic spices. A splash of lemon juice brightens every spoonful. It’s light yet satisfying and easy enough for a weeknight.

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Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

This cozy casserole combines tender spinach, chickpeas and brown rice with a touch of cream cheese and tangy feta. Fresh dill, nutmeg and lemon juice brighten the flavors, while a hint of red pepper adds gentle heat. Baked until bubbling and topped with lemon zest, it’s a comforting and vibrant dish.

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05 of 22

Marry Me White Bean Soup

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Phoebe Hauser, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall.

Here, the flavors of Marry Me Chicken (sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream and Parmesan) are transformed into a hearty, soul-warming vegetarian soup. Finished with basil and extra cheese, it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing and sure to win hearts at the table.

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06 of 22

Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This cozy dish will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup—in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor.

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07 of 22

Butternut Squash & Black Bean Enchilada Skillet

Photographer Victor Protasio, Food Stylist Margaret Dickey, Prop Stylist Josh Hoggle.

Tender cubes of butternut squash and hearty black beans are simmered in green enchilada sauce, with tortilla strips stirred in. A layer of melted cheese ties everything together for a satisfying, vegetarian-friendly dish.

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08 of 22

Creamy Chickpea Soup

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Craig Huff, Prop Stylist: Abby Armstrong.

This creamy chickpea soup comes together in just 20 minutes. Cream cheese adds a velvety texture that feels cozy and comforting. Garnished with cilantro and crunchy tortilla strips, it’s a one-pot meal that’s weeknight-friendly and crowd-pleasing.

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09 of 22

Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet Beans

Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Isabelle Easter, Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee

Creamy, herbaceous and comforting, these skillet beans draw inspiration from spanakopita, the Greek spinach pie. Cannellini beans add protein and fiber to make this dinner filling while fresh dill, parsley and a squeeze of lemon provide brightness.

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10 of 22

High-Fiber Vegetable Stew

Food: Sammy Mila, Photos: Jason Donnelly, Props: Breanna Ghazali.

This vegetable stew is a cozy dish for two that highlights the best of late-summer, early-fall produce. Simmered with warm spices and a savory broth, it’s delicious served with warm naan on the side for dipping.

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11 of 22

High-Protein Chicken & Sweet Potato Enchilada Skillet

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood

This skillet is a hearty, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Tender chunks of sweet potato and shredded chicken combine with store-bought enchilada sauce for a flavorful shortcut.

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12 of 22

High-Protein Spaghetti Squash Caprese

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.

Here’s a fun twist on the classic Italian salad—combining traditional caprese ingredients with tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash. The squash is tossed with juicy plum tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant fresh basil and great northern beans for a boost of plant-based protein. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties the dish together with a sweet-tangy finish.

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13 of 22

Chicken Guacamole Bowls

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.

Juicy chicken thighs and colorful veggies are served over a fresh and creamy guacamole with a sprinkle of tangy cotija cheese. A squeeze of lime at the end brightens up the dish and ties all the bold, fresh flavors together.

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14 of 22

Marry Me White Bean Salad

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.

This salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for. Pulling inspiration from Marry Me Chicken, the tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.

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15 of 22

Sheet-Pan Salmon and Shaved Brussels Sprouts with Lemon-Garlic Drizzle

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Heart-healthy salmon is nestled among shaved Brussels sprouts, both of which soak up amazing flavor from the double drizzle of lemon-garlic sauce.

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16 of 22

5-Ingredient Taco Stuffed Peppers

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.

These five-ingredient stuffed peppers are a simple, satisfying twist on taco night with all the flavors you love. Sweet bell peppers act as the perfect vessel for a filling of lean ground beef, black beans, salsa and melty cheese. Serve them with a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado and/or fresh cilantro for a little extra flair.

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17 of 22

Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Spinach & Ricotta

Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.

Earthy mushrooms, spinach and garlic flavor the pasta alongside whole-milk ricotta that creates a creamy sauce. You can elevate the flavor even more by using wild mushrooms for a deeper savory flavor and finishing with a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything up.

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Roasted Veggies with Halloumi & Chickpeas

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This sheet-pan recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner with easy cleanup. Chickpeas and halloumi provide protein to make this dish filling and satisfying. Roasting everything on the same sheet pan creates crispy, caramelized bites that meld beautifully with the creamy yogurt spread underneath.

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Sheet-Pan Chicken Thighs with Red Cabbage & Sweet Potatoes

photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—everything cooks together on one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. As the ingredients roast together, the chicken juices meld with the vegetables, creating a savory dinner.

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20 of 22

Spinach & Artichoke–Stuffed Butternut Squash

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Priscilla Montiel

Tender roasted butternut squash halves are filled with a cheesy spinach-and-artichoke mixture. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds heat, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a tangy-sweet flavor contrast that ties it all together.

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21 of 22

Saag Aloo Matar

photographer: Jen Causey, food stylist: Julian Hensarling, prop stylist: Josh Hoggle

This cozy one-skillet dinner draws inspiration from two Indian dishes: saag aloo and aloo matar. It’s packed with plenty of vegetables, including leafy greens, potatoes and peas, all simmered in an aromatic tomato-based sauce.

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Fajita-Stuffed Mushrooms

Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer

This flavorful vegetarian dish fills roasted portobello mushroom caps with fajita-style veggies and black beans, giving them a boost of fiber and protein. Top it off with melted cheese and strained (Greek-style) yogurt for a satisfying dinner.

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Read the original article on EatingWell