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Eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland or boring. Make a delicious dinner with one of these low-calorie, high-protein meals packed withat least 15 grams of protein per serving, thanks to ingredients like chicken, fish and tofu. And to keep these low-calorie meals filling, we pair protein with plenty of fiber-rich vegetables for staying power.Recipes like our Salmon Caesar Salad and Caprese Turkey Burgers are healthy, nutritious and bold in flavor.
Eating healthy doesn’t have to be bland or boring. Make a delicious dinner with one of these low-calorie, high-protein meals packed withat least 15 grams of protein per serving, thanks to ingredients like chicken, fish and tofu. And to keep these low-calorie meals filling, we pair protein with plenty of fiber-rich vegetables for staying power.
Recipes like our Salmon Caesar Salad and Caprese Turkey Burgers are healthy, nutritious and bold in flavor.
01of 34Feta & Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken BreastsView RecipeFeta cheese, roasted peppers, spinach and other flavors common to regions around the Mediterranean inspired this quick and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe. Browning the chicken in a skillet before baking gives it a beautiful golden color, and finishing it in the oven ensures that this healthy baked chicken recipe cooks evenly throughout.
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Feta & Roasted Red Pepper Stuffed Chicken Breasts
View Recipe
Feta cheese, roasted peppers, spinach and other flavors common to regions around the Mediterranean inspired this quick and easy stuffed chicken breast recipe. Browning the chicken in a skillet before baking gives it a beautiful golden color, and finishing it in the oven ensures that this healthy baked chicken recipe cooks evenly throughout.
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Roasted Salmon with Spicy Cranberry Relish
03of 34Air-Fryer Pork ChopsView RecipeThese crispy breaded air-fryer pork chops don’t require a lot of oil to create a deep-fried crispy crust. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside roasted veggies. Want to double the recipe? Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to cook the pork chops in batches, but that’s easy to do.
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Air-Fryer Pork Chops
These crispy breaded air-fryer pork chops don’t require a lot of oil to create a deep-fried crispy crust. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside roasted veggies. Want to double the recipe? Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to cook the pork chops in batches, but that’s easy to do.
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White Turkey Chili
05of 34Chicken Hummus BowlsView RecipeThe spiced chicken atop these bowls is ready fast with the help of the broiler. Serve with warm whole-wheat pita for scooping up extra hummus at the bottom of the bowl.
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Chicken Hummus Bowls
The spiced chicken atop these bowls is ready fast with the help of the broiler. Serve with warm whole-wheat pita for scooping up extra hummus at the bottom of the bowl.
06of 34Linguine with Creamy Mushroom SauceView RecipeThis easy pasta recipe is an excuse to buy wild mushrooms, available at many grocery stores these days. Or if you prefer white buttons, those will work well too. The creamy linguine is ready in 40 minutes, so it’s quick enough for an easy weeknight recipe but it feels fancy enough for entertaining.
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Linguine with Creamy Mushroom Sauce
This easy pasta recipe is an excuse to buy wild mushrooms, available at many grocery stores these days. Or if you prefer white buttons, those will work well too. The creamy linguine is ready in 40 minutes, so it’s quick enough for an easy weeknight recipe but it feels fancy enough for entertaining.
07of 34Pizza-Stuffed Spaghetti SquashView RecipeSkip the dough and stuff all of your favorite pizza toppings into spaghetti squash boats for a fun and healthy dinner that’ll please the whole family. We love the combination of mushrooms, bell peppers, pepperoni and mozzarella, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite pizza ingredients. You could throw in a bit of chopped cooked broccoli, for example, or add some olives or chopped artichoke hearts. And of course feel free to omit the pepperoni to make the dish vegetarian. Round out the meal with a simple salad.
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Pizza-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
Skip the dough and stuff all of your favorite pizza toppings into spaghetti squash boats for a fun and healthy dinner that’ll please the whole family. We love the combination of mushrooms, bell peppers, pepperoni and mozzarella, but feel free to mix it up with your favorite pizza ingredients. You could throw in a bit of chopped cooked broccoli, for example, or add some olives or chopped artichoke hearts. And of course feel free to omit the pepperoni to make the dish vegetarian. Round out the meal with a simple salad.
08of 34Salmon Caesar SaladView RecipeThis easy Caesar salad subs creamy Greek yogurt and buttermilk for the traditional egg yolks and olive oil and mixes in mildly bitter radicchio in addition to classic romaine. Using just a small amount of flavorful Parmigiano-Reggiano shaves calories and sodium too.
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Salmon Caesar Salad
This easy Caesar salad subs creamy Greek yogurt and buttermilk for the traditional egg yolks and olive oil and mixes in mildly bitter radicchio in addition to classic romaine. Using just a small amount of flavorful Parmigiano-Reggiano shaves calories and sodium too.
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Caprese Turkey Burgers
10of 34Grilled Flank Steak with Tomato SaladView RecipeCutting the steak immediately after cooking breaks all the rules on meat cookery, but in this recipe we do it intentionally in order to capture the juices and incorporate them into the dressing. Serve this grilled flank steak recipe with crusty bread to soak up the deliciousness.
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Grilled Flank Steak with Tomato Salad
Cutting the steak immediately after cooking breaks all the rules on meat cookery, but in this recipe we do it intentionally in order to capture the juices and incorporate them into the dressing. Serve this grilled flank steak recipe with crusty bread to soak up the deliciousness.
11of 34Shrimp Cauliflower Fried RiceView RecipePhotographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe DickeyCut down on carbs and amp up your veggie servings with this healthy cauliflower fried rice with shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers and garlic. Everything is cooked in one wok or skillet, but in stages, so each element keeps its integrity in the finished dish instead of being all mushed together. It may seem fussy, but it’s worth it and actually quite easy. Resist the urge to stir the cauliflower rice right away—letting it cook undisturbed for a few minutes allows it to brown and develop sweet, nutty flavors. This healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
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Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice
Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margret Monroe Dickey
Cut down on carbs and amp up your veggie servings with this healthy cauliflower fried rice with shrimp, broccoli, bell peppers and garlic. Everything is cooked in one wok or skillet, but in stages, so each element keeps its integrity in the finished dish instead of being all mushed together. It may seem fussy, but it’s worth it and actually quite easy. Resist the urge to stir the cauliflower rice right away—letting it cook undisturbed for a few minutes allows it to brown and develop sweet, nutty flavors. This healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
12of 34Buttermilk Fried Tofu with Smoky Collard GreensView RecipeDipping tofu in buttermilk makes the coating stick for a crispy pan-fried tofu, reminiscent of fried chicken. Spicing up the collards with paprika coats them with smoky flavor while keeping this dish vegetarian. And this quick, easy and healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it’s great for busy weeknights.
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Buttermilk Fried Tofu with Smoky Collard Greens
Dipping tofu in buttermilk makes the coating stick for a crispy pan-fried tofu, reminiscent of fried chicken. Spicing up the collards with paprika coats them with smoky flavor while keeping this dish vegetarian. And this quick, easy and healthy dinner comes together in just 25 minutes, so it’s great for busy weeknights.
13of 34Cochinita Pibil (Yucatán-Style Pulled Pork)View RecipeTraditionally, this Yucatán-style pork is cooked all day in a pit, but a pressure cooker gets it on the table much quicker. Cooking the pork wrapped in banana leaves is optional but adds an authentic grassy note.
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Cochinita Pibil (Yucatán-Style Pulled Pork)
Traditionally, this Yucatán-style pork is cooked all day in a pit, but a pressure cooker gets it on the table much quicker. Cooking the pork wrapped in banana leaves is optional but adds an authentic grassy note.
14of 34Grilled Creole-Style JambalayaView RecipeEvery one of the ingredients used in this grilled spin on a Louisiana favorite is awesome with some charred flavor. Even the rice gets some smokiness from grilled tomatoes, a signature in this creole-style dish. Also known as the Holy Trinity, the combo of bell pepper, onion and celery (which here we swapped for celery seed) is used to flavor Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo and this jambalaya. No skewers? Use a grill basket instead.
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Grilled Creole-Style Jambalaya
Every one of the ingredients used in this grilled spin on a Louisiana favorite is awesome with some charred flavor. Even the rice gets some smokiness from grilled tomatoes, a signature in this creole-style dish. Also known as the Holy Trinity, the combo of bell pepper, onion and celery (which here we swapped for celery seed) is used to flavor Cajun and Creole dishes like gumbo and this jambalaya. No skewers? Use a grill basket instead.
15of 34Baked Fish & Kale Lavash WrapsView RecipeControlling moisture is key to avoiding soggy lavash in this recipe, so be sure to squeeze as much liquid from the greens as possible. Look for lavash with large sandwich wraps at the grocery store. We prefer the flakier texture of rectangular lavash—the round ones are more like big flour tortillas and bake up a little gummy.
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Baked Fish & Kale Lavash Wraps
Controlling moisture is key to avoiding soggy lavash in this recipe, so be sure to squeeze as much liquid from the greens as possible. Look for lavash with large sandwich wraps at the grocery store. We prefer the flakier texture of rectangular lavash—the round ones are more like big flour tortillas and bake up a little gummy.
16of 34Spinach-Mushroom Frittata with Avocado SaladView RecipeFrittatas are like omelets, only easier—and they taste great hot, warm or room temp. This vegetable-packed version is spiked with Mediterranean flavor and paired with a cool salad of lemony cucumbers and tomatoes with creamy avocado. This easy recipe is perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner!
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Spinach-Mushroom Frittata with Avocado Salad
Frittatas are like omelets, only easier—and they taste great hot, warm or room temp. This vegetable-packed version is spiked with Mediterranean flavor and paired with a cool salad of lemony cucumbers and tomatoes with creamy avocado. This easy recipe is perfect for brunch, lunch or dinner!
17of 34Chili-Rubbed Chicken with Coconut Rice & Mango SalsaView RecipeThis recipe is great for meal prep. Divide the salsa, rice and chicken among 4 food-storage containers and you’ve got 4 days of ready-made meals in your fridge.
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Chili-Rubbed Chicken with Coconut Rice & Mango Salsa
This recipe is great for meal prep. Divide the salsa, rice and chicken among 4 food-storage containers and you’ve got 4 days of ready-made meals in your fridge.
18of 34Forbidden Rice & White Kimchi Steak SaladView RecipeThis steak salad doesn’t feature a typical dressing, but tangy kimchi, savory pan-fried shallots and lemon juice pack it with flavor. Forbidden rice helps add more color and nutrition to this tangy dish.
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Forbidden Rice & White Kimchi Steak Salad
This steak salad doesn’t feature a typical dressing, but tangy kimchi, savory pan-fried shallots and lemon juice pack it with flavor. Forbidden rice helps add more color and nutrition to this tangy dish.
19of 34Lentil Stew with Salsa VerdeView RecipeThis healthy vegetarian recipe is hearty and satisfying. Don’t skip the parsley relish (salsa verde)—it’s easy to make and lends a tangy accent that balances the flavors of the lentil stew. We prefer French green lentils for this stew, as they don’t fall apart while cooking; however, regular brown lentils—found in most supermarkets—will also work.
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Lentil Stew with Salsa Verde
This healthy vegetarian recipe is hearty and satisfying. Don’t skip the parsley relish (salsa verde)—it’s easy to make and lends a tangy accent that balances the flavors of the lentil stew. We prefer French green lentils for this stew, as they don’t fall apart while cooking; however, regular brown lentils—found in most supermarkets—will also work.
20of 34Chopped Salad with Chicken & Avocado-Buttermilk DressingView RecipeThis herb-loaded green goddess-inspired dressing gets a color boost from creamy avocado. Make a double batch of this healthy salad dressing to keep on hand for salads throughout the week.
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Chopped Salad with Chicken & Avocado-Buttermilk Dressing
This herb-loaded green goddess-inspired dressing gets a color boost from creamy avocado. Make a double batch of this healthy salad dressing to keep on hand for salads throughout the week.
21of 34Baked Halibut with Brussels Sprouts & QuinoaView RecipeFish plus two sides? It seems fancy but this healthy dinner comes together in just 30 minutes.
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Baked Halibut with Brussels Sprouts & Quinoa
Fish plus two sides? It seems fancy but this healthy dinner comes together in just 30 minutes.
22of 34Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with ChiliView RecipeSweet potatoes pair wonderfully with this simple chili recipe. Add one more chipotle pepper if you want to spice up this healthy sweet potato recipe.
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Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Chili
Sweet potatoes pair wonderfully with this simple chili recipe. Add one more chipotle pepper if you want to spice up this healthy sweet potato recipe.
23of 34Scallion-Ginger Beef & BroccoliView RecipeWhip up a chef-quality stir-fry recipe at home. This beef and broccoli stir-fry packs in the vegetables and takes just 30 minutes to prep. Ginger, which adds a lively kick to this stir-fry, has long been touted for its power to settle stomachs. But that’s not its only superpower. Preliminary research suggests it may improve blood sugar and inflammation too.
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Scallion-Ginger Beef & Broccoli
Whip up a chef-quality stir-fry recipe at home. This beef and broccoli stir-fry packs in the vegetables and takes just 30 minutes to prep. Ginger, which adds a lively kick to this stir-fry, has long been touted for its power to settle stomachs. But that’s not its only superpower. Preliminary research suggests it may improve blood sugar and inflammation too.
24of 34Piled-High Vegetable PitasView RecipeFresh, bright flavors come alive in these easy vegetarian pitas. Give yourself enough time to make the roasted vegetables called for in the recipe—or make them a day or two in advance for a healthy meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. These pitas would also work well with whatever leftover cooked veggies you have on hand. No need to warm the roasted veggies up; this recipe tastes great chilled or at room temperature.
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Piled-High Vegetable Pitas
Fresh, bright flavors come alive in these easy vegetarian pitas. Give yourself enough time to make the roasted vegetables called for in the recipe—or make them a day or two in advance for a healthy meal that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. These pitas would also work well with whatever leftover cooked veggies you have on hand. No need to warm the roasted veggies up; this recipe tastes great chilled or at room temperature.
25of 34Chicken Parmesan & Quinoa Stuffed PeppersView RecipeChicken Parm gets a fun low-carb and gluten-free twist with these cheesy stuffed peppers with chicken and quinoa. Serve with a salad for a healthy dinner that’s easy to prep too.
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Chicken Parmesan & Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Chicken Parm gets a fun low-carb and gluten-free twist with these cheesy stuffed peppers with chicken and quinoa. Serve with a salad for a healthy dinner that’s easy to prep too.
26of 34Easy Spicy Salmon CakesView RecipeLooking to add some interest to an easy dinner recipe? Five-spice may be your new best friend. Five-spice is a mixture of cinnamon, clove, fennel, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. (There are regional recipes in China that include more spices, including white pepper, nutmeg and orange peel.) It adds a distinct warm flavor to these healthy salmon cakes.
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Easy Spicy Salmon Cakes
Looking to add some interest to an easy dinner recipe? Five-spice may be your new best friend. Five-spice is a mixture of cinnamon, clove, fennel, star anise and Szechuan peppercorns. (There are regional recipes in China that include more spices, including white pepper, nutmeg and orange peel.) It adds a distinct warm flavor to these healthy salmon cakes.
27of 34Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & BroccoliView RecipeBrie GoldmanIn this easy and healthy dinner recipe, sweet and savory baked honey-garlic chicken thighs come with a side of veggies that cook on the same sheet pan as the chicken. The honey-soy-garlic marinade for the chicken does double duty as an irresistible sauce to drizzle over everything. Lining your baking sheet with foil will protect your pan from the sticky honey-soy-garlic sauce, so cleanup will be a breeze too. If you can’t find small carrots, cut medium carrots in half lengthwise.
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Honey-Garlic Chicken Thighs with Carrots & Broccoli
Brie Goldman
In this easy and healthy dinner recipe, sweet and savory baked honey-garlic chicken thighs come with a side of veggies that cook on the same sheet pan as the chicken. The honey-soy-garlic marinade for the chicken does double duty as an irresistible sauce to drizzle over everything. Lining your baking sheet with foil will protect your pan from the sticky honey-soy-garlic sauce, so cleanup will be a breeze too. If you can’t find small carrots, cut medium carrots in half lengthwise.
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Spicy Noodles with Pork, Scallions & Bok Choy
29of 34Salt & Vinegar Sheet-Pan Chicken & Brussels SproutsView RecipeA strong vinegar, like malt or sherry, gives this baked chicken recipe a pucker factor reminiscent of salt-and-vinegar chips. Everything cooks on one pan, making this chicken sheet-pan dinner perfect for weeknights when you want big results for little effort (so, pretty much every weeknight!).
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Salt & Vinegar Sheet-Pan Chicken & Brussels Sprouts
A strong vinegar, like malt or sherry, gives this baked chicken recipe a pucker factor reminiscent of salt-and-vinegar chips. Everything cooks on one pan, making this chicken sheet-pan dinner perfect for weeknights when you want big results for little effort (so, pretty much every weeknight!).
30of 34Polenta Bowls with Roasted Vegetables & Fried EggsView RecipeYou really can’t beat creamy polenta with a fried egg on top—unless you add some roasted veggies, as we’ve done in this hearty and healthy meal in a bowl. Serve these bowls for a satisfying brunch, lunch or dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Feel free to swap (or add) in other veggies, such as broccoli, to customize your bowls according to what’s in season or what you have on hand.
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Polenta Bowls with Roasted Vegetables & Fried Eggs
You really can’t beat creamy polenta with a fried egg on top—unless you add some roasted veggies, as we’ve done in this hearty and healthy meal in a bowl. Serve these bowls for a satisfying brunch, lunch or dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. Feel free to swap (or add) in other veggies, such as broccoli, to customize your bowls according to what’s in season or what you have on hand.
31of 34Lemon-Tahini Couscous with Chicken & VegetablesView RecipeWhen you want pasta in no time, couscous is your best friend! The tiny pasta balls cook up in minutes, and absorb all the water so you don’t have to fuss with draining. Tossed with sautéed vegetables plus leftover chicken, it’s a fast and tasty meal in a bowl that’s perfect as an easy dinner recipe.
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Lemon-Tahini Couscous with Chicken & Vegetables
When you want pasta in no time, couscous is your best friend! The tiny pasta balls cook up in minutes, and absorb all the water so you don’t have to fuss with draining. Tossed with sautéed vegetables plus leftover chicken, it’s a fast and tasty meal in a bowl that’s perfect as an easy dinner recipe.
32of 34Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green BeansView RecipeThis easy lemon-garlic chicken recipe calls for cutlets, which cook in less than 10 minutes! Can’t find them? Make your own from chicken breasts. Place each breast on a cutting board and, with your knife, slice it in half lengthwise. The side of green beans is cooked right in the same pan as the chicken, so this 20-minute easy, healthy dinner is not just a snap to prepare—the cleanup is a cinch too.
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Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Green Beans
This easy lemon-garlic chicken recipe calls for cutlets, which cook in less than 10 minutes! Can’t find them? Make your own from chicken breasts. Place each breast on a cutting board and, with your knife, slice it in half lengthwise. The side of green beans is cooked right in the same pan as the chicken, so this 20-minute easy, healthy dinner is not just a snap to prepare—the cleanup is a cinch too.
33of 34Spinach Ravioli with Artichokes & OlivesView RecipeStore-bought spinach ravioli and a handful of basic pantry items are all you need to get a healthy dinner on the table in 15 minutes. Ingredients like oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives and toasty pine nuts help to build big flavor fast. If you can’t find frozen artichokes, swap in a 15-ounce can (just be sure to drain and rinse them well).
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Spinach Ravioli with Artichokes & Olives
Store-bought spinach ravioli and a handful of basic pantry items are all you need to get a healthy dinner on the table in 15 minutes. Ingredients like oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives and toasty pine nuts help to build big flavor fast. If you can’t find frozen artichokes, swap in a 15-ounce can (just be sure to drain and rinse them well).
34of 34Creamy Lemon Pasta with ShrimpView RecipeYogurt makes a fine substitute for cream in the sauce for this easy pasta recipe. Just warm the yogurt (do not boil) and add some pasta-cooking water to thin it out. Lemon and fresh basil brighten up the whole-wheat pasta and complement the shrimp in this quick dinner recipe.
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Creamy Lemon Pasta with Shrimp
Yogurt makes a fine substitute for cream in the sauce for this easy pasta recipe. Just warm the yogurt (do not boil) and add some pasta-cooking water to thin it out. Lemon and fresh basil brighten up the whole-wheat pasta and complement the shrimp in this quick dinner recipe.
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