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A complete meal‑prep guide from Chris Heria showing five fast, low‑calorie, protein‑packed dishes – chicken with veggies & sweet potato, ground turkey burritos, chicken & mixed veg, salmon salad, and a chicken wrap. Each meal is under 500 calories, takes about 10 minutes to cook, and is perfect for a shredded, lean‑muscle diet.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
In the United States, the rise of bodybuilding and fitness culture in the late 20th century popularized meals that are low in calories but high in protein to support muscle growth while staying lean. Chris Heria’s approach reflects this tradition by focusing on whole foods, minimal added fats, and nutrient density.
While the basic concept—lean protein with mixed vegetables—is universal, regional twists include adding Cajun spices in the South, teriyaki glaze in the West, or Mediterranean herbs in the Northeast. Chris Heria keeps it simple with a zero‑calorie seasoning to keep macros predictable.
It is usually plated as a balanced plate: protein on one side, starchy carb (sweet potato) in the center, and non‑starchy veg (broccoli, spinach) on the other side. This visual separation helps dieters track portions easily.
These meals are common for pre‑ or post‑workout nutrition, competition prep, or daily meal‑prep routines. Athletes often share them on social media during “clean‑eating” challenges or before bodybuilding contests.
The salad combines omega‑rich salmon with a simple lemon dressing, avocado, and mixed greens, delivering healthy fats, protein, and micronutrients without added sauces. This mirrors the fitness community’s emphasis on whole‑food, nutrient‑dense meals.
Common errors include overcooking the turkey, which makes it dry, and under‑seasoning the meat. Keep the heat medium, stir frequently, and add the onions early for extra moisture and flavor.
Avocado oil spray provides a thin, even coating with virtually zero calories, allowing the dishes to stay low‑calorie while still preventing sticking and adding a mild buttery flavor.
Yes, you can prep the chicken, veggies, and wraps separately, store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, and assemble the wrap just before eating to keep the tortilla crisp.
The spinach should wilt quickly, turning a deep green and reducing in volume by about 75%. It should remain glossy and not turn soggy; this indicates it’s properly sautéed and not over‑cooked.
The salmon is done when the sides change from translucent to a light pink/peach color and the flesh flakes easily with a fork while still being moist in the center.
The YouTube channel CHRIS HERIA specializes in calisthenics, bodyweight training, and fitness‑focused lifestyle content, including nutrition advice and quick, high‑protein meal tutorials like the one described.
Chris Heria emphasizes ultra‑quick, low‑calorie meals that can be prepared in under 10 minutes with minimal equipment, focusing on zero‑calorie seasonings and avocado oil spray, whereas many other channels use more elaborate sauces or longer cooking methods.