Meal Prep Recipes for Weight Loss

by Daisy Dao

Meal prep can help you lose weight in a few different ways. First, it can help you control your portions more effectively. When you have all of your food already measured out and portioned, it's much easier to stick to a healthier diet. Second, meal prep can help you save time and money. By cooking all of your meals ahead of time, you won't have to waste time or money on unhealthy convenience foods. Finally, meal prep can help you make better food choices overall. When you have healthy meals already prepared, you're less likely to indulge in unhealthy junk food. So if you're looking to lose weight, consider starting a meal prep routine!

Meal Prep Recipes for Weight Loss
Meal Prep Recipes for Weight Loss

Expert Tips for Meal Prep for Weight Loss

One of the best ways to lose weight is to meal prep for weight loss. Meal prepping helps you control your portions, eat healthier foods, and save money. Here are some expert tips for how to meal prep for weight loss:

1. Plan ahead.

The key to successful meal prepping is planning ahead. Decide what meals you want to make and what ingredients you need, then grocery shop accordingly.

2. Cook in bulk.

When cooking for meal prep, cook in bulk to save time and effort. Make a big pot of soup or a large batch of roasted vegetables, then pack them up into individual servings for later meals.

3. Use leftovers wisely.

If you have leftovers from a previous meal, pack them into a lunch container for your next day's lunch. This will help prevent you from eating unhealthy takeout food.

4. Get creative.

When it comes to meal prep, there are no rules. Be creative and experiment with different recipes and combinations of foods.

5. Stay organized.

Meal prepping can be a lot of work if you're not organized. Make sure to have everything you need before you start cooking, and use containers and labels to keep everything sorted and easy to find later on.

With these tips in mind, you're ready to start your own successful meal prep journey for weight loss!

Top 9 Meal Prep Recipes for Weight Loss

1. Oven Roasted Chickpeas

Oven Roasted Chickpeas
Oven Roasted Chickpeas

If you're looking for a nutritious, filling and satisfying meal prep option that will help you reach your weight loss goals, look no further than this recipe for oven roasted chickpeas! Packed with protein, fiber and healthy fats, these roasted chickpeas are the perfect addition to any meal plan. Serve them over a bed of greens for a complete meal, or enjoy them as a healthy snack throughout the week. Either way, you'll be getting all the nutrients your body needs to succeed on your weight loss journey!

Ingredients:

  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
  2. In a bowl, combine chickpeas, olive oil, smoked paprika, cumin and salt and pepper, to taste.
  3. Spread chickpeas in an even layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy. Enjoy!

Meal prepping tip: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to make enough for leftovers throughout the week. Simply store roasted chickpeas in an airtight container and enjoy as needed. They're great in salads, on top of rice or quinoa dishes, or simply on their own as a satisfying snack. Enjoy!

2. Quinoa Burrito Bowls

Quinoa Burrito Bowls
Quinoa Burrito Bowls

Looking for a delicious and healthy meal prep option? These quinoa burrito bowls are perfect! They're packed with fiber and protein, making them the perfect weight loss-friendly meal. Plus, they're SO easy to make - you'll have this week's lunches all ready in no time!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/2 cup corn kernels
  • 1/4 cup salsa or diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 avocado, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine cooked quinoa, black beans, corn kernels, salsa or diced tomatoes, avocado and cilantro.
  2. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
  3. Divide mixture evenly between 4 storage containers.
  4. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Enjoy!

That's it - your delicious and healthy quinoa burrito bowls are ready to enjoy! These bowls are perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner, and they're sure to keep you feeling satisfied and on track with your weight loss goals.

3. Veggie Fried Rice

Veggie Fried Rice
Veggie Fried Rice

Fried rice is a popular dish made with rice, vegetables, and meat or seafood. It can be served as a main dish or as a side dish. This recipe for veggie fried rice is healthy and weight loss friendly. The rice is cooked in vegetable broth which add flavor and nutrients, and the vegetables are stir-fried in olive oil which provides healthy monounsaturated fats. This recipe is low in calories and carbs, and it is a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables. Give this recipe a try for a delicious and healthy meal!

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup white rice
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix

Instructions:

  1. Cook the rice according to package instructions.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened.
  3. Add the carrot, bell pepper, and frozen peas and carrots mix. Stir-fry for 5 minutes.
  4. Add the cooked rice and vegetable broth. Stir-fry for 5 minutes or until the rice is heated through. Serve immediately.

This recipe for veggie fried rice makes a great healthy and weight loss friendly meal. The rice is cooked in vegetable broth which adds flavor and nutrients, and the vegetables are stir-fried in olive oil which provides healthy monounsaturated fats. This recipe is low in calories and carbs, and it is a great way to get your daily serving of vegetables. Give this recipe a try for a delicious and healthy meal!

4. Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

These healthy turkey meatloaf muffins are perfect for meal prep and weight loss! Packed with protein and veggies, they make a delicious and satisfying lunch or dinner. And best of all, they're easy to make ahead of time and freeze for later.

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins
Turkey Meatloaf Muffins

Ingredients:

  • To make the meatloaf muffins, you'll need:
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 1 cup chopped onion
  • 1 cup chopped bell pepper
  • 1 cup grated carrot
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a muffin tin with paper liners.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together ground turkey, onion, bell pepper, carrot, egg, bread crumbs, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Divide mixture evenly among the muffin cups.
  3. Bake for 25 minutes, or until cooked through. Let cool slightly before removing from muffin tin. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy!

5. One-Pot Mediterranean Quinoa

Looking for a healthy and delicious meal prep recipe? This one-pot Mediterranean quinoa is perfect! It's packed with protein and flavour, and it's perfect for weight loss. Here's how to make it:

Ingredients:

1 cup uncooked quinoa

1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

1/2 red onion, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil leaves

3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

For the dressing:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, combine quinoa, chickpeas, red onion, red bell pepper, feta cheese, and parsley or basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and toss to coat.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Pour over quinoa mixture and toss to coat.

3. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!

6. Sheet Pan Honey Garlic Salmon

Sheet pan honey garlic salmon is a delicious and healthy way to make meal prep for weight loss easier. The recipe features a simple marinade made with honey, garlic, and soy sauce, and the salmon cooks in just 20 minutes. This is a perfect dish to add to your weekly meal plan!

Ingredients:

1 lb. salmon fillets

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp. honey

1 tbsp. soy sauce

1/4 tsp. black pepper

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together garlic, honey, soy sauce, and black pepper.

3. Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, and spread the honey garlic mixture over top.

4. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

5. Allow to cool slightly, then portion into meal prep containers. Serve with rice and vegetables of your choice. Enjoy!

Recipe Notes:

You can use any type of salmon for this recipe, including wild-caught or farm-raised.

If you want a little extra sauce on your salmon, you can easily double the honey garlic mixture.

This recipe is gluten-free and dairy-free.

7. Turkey Taco Lettuce Wraps

Making a healthy and delicious meal doesn't have to be difficult. These turkey taco lettuce wraps are perfect for a quick and easy meal prep lunch or dinner that will help you lose weight.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 packet taco seasoning
  • 1 head of lettuce, leaves separated
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheese
  • 1/2 cup salsa

Instructions:

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground turkey until browned. Drain any excess fat and stir in the taco seasoning.
  2. Spoon the turkey mixture into the lettuce leaves and top with cheese and salsa. Serve immediately or store in the fridge for later. Enjoy!

8. Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb. grilled chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup croutons
  • 1/2 cup Caesar salad dressing

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except for the dressing.
  2. Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.
  3. Divide salad evenly into 4 containers.
  4. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy!

9. Black Bean Brownies

Looking to incorporate black bean brownies into your meal prep routine for weight loss? This recipe is both healthy and delicious, and it's super simple to make! Here's what you'll need:

Ingredients:

  • 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1/4 cup sugar or honey
  • 1/4 cup oil or melted butter
  • 1 egg or 2 egg whites
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Optional toppings: nuts, chocolate chips, shredded coconut, etc.

Instructions:

  • Preheat oven to 350F degrees. Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a food processor, combine black beans, cocoa powder, sugar or honey, oil or melted butter, egg or egg whites, and vanilla extract. Blend until mixture becomes a smooth paste. Pour mixture into prepared pan, and spread evenly. Top with desired toppings, if using. Bake for 25 minutes or until brownies are firm to the touch. Allow to cool completely before cutting into squares. Enjoy!

The Benefits of Meal Prep to Lose Weight

Meal prepping has become a popular way to lose weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. When done correctly, it can provide a number of benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of meal prep:

1. You'll be less likely to make unhealthy choices.

If you have a fridge full of healthy food options, you're less likely to reach for unhealthy junk food.

2. You'll save money.

Preparing your own meals is often cheaper than eating out or buying processed foods.

3. You'll have more control over your nutrition.

When you cook your own meals, you can control exactly what goes into them and how many calories they contain. This is especially important if you're trying to lose weight or manage a specific health condition.

4. You'll have less stress in your life.

Meal prep can be a great way to take the pressure off of dinner time. You'll no longer have to worry about what you're going to make for dinner, and you'll save time by having most of your meals ready to go.

5. It can help you stick to your diet plan.

If you have a specific diet plan that you're following, meal prepping can make it much easier to stick to it. You'll know exactly what you're eating and when, so there will be no temptation to cheat.

6. It's a great way to get your family on board with healthy eating.

If you have kids, meal prepping can be a great way to get them interested in healthy eating. You can prepare exciting and healthy meals together as a family, and they'll be more likely to eat their vegetables if they helped cook them themselves!

7. It can help you lose weight or maintain your current weight.

If you're struggling to lose weight or keep it off, meal prepping can be a lifesaver. By planning out your meals ahead of time, you'll be less likely to make unhealthy choices or overeat.

8. It's convenient.

Meal prepping can be a great way to have quick and healthy meals at your fingertips. Rather than wasting time in the kitchen, you can pre-cook your meals and store them in the fridge or freezer. This way, you'll always have something healthy to eat when you need it.

9. It's a great way to get your daily dose of fruits and vegetables.

Many people don't get enough fruits and vegetables in their diet, but meal prepping can help solve that problem. By preparing healthy meals ahead of time, you'll make sure that you're getting plenty of essential nutrients each day.

10. It can help reduce stress levels.

One of the best things about meal prep is that it can help reduce stress levels. When you're not stressed out about what you're going to make for dinner, you'll have more time and energy to focus on other things.

Meal prepping is a great way to improve your health and lose weight. By preparing your own meals, you'll have more control over what you eat and how many calories you consume. You'll also save money and have less stress in your life. Meal prepping can be a great way to get your family interested in healthy eating, and it's a convenient way to have quick and healthy meals at your fingertips. If you're struggling to lose weight or keep it off, meal prepping can be a lifesaver. So, what are you waiting for? Start meal prepping today!

Conclusion for Meal Prep Weight-Loss Recipes

  1. Meal prepping is a great way to lose weight and stay on track with your diet
  2. It can help you save money by planning out your meals in advance
  3. There are many different recipes that you can try for meal prep
  4. Some of our favorites include chicken teriyaki, turkey chili, and black bean quesadillas
  5. Be sure to pack plenty of fruits and vegetables in your meals to stay healthy and energized throughout the day
  6. And don't forget about snacks! Try packing some almonds or Greek yogurt for when you get a hunger craving

One of the main benefits of meal prep is that it can help you lose weight. When you have all of your meals prepared in advance, it is easier to make healthier choices and stick to your diet. Meal prepping can also help you save money and time. Another benefit of meal prep is that it can help you stay on track with your fitness goals. If you are trying to eat healthy and workout regularly, meal prep can help you by making it easy to grab a healthy meal or snack when you are short on time. Meal prep can also help you avoid temptation by keeping unhealthy foods out of your house.

Lastly, meal prep can help reduce stress levels. Planning and preparing meals can be stressful, but if you have everything ready ahead of time, it can take a lot of the pressure off. Meal prep can also give you more time to relax and enjoy your food, instead of rushing through meals.

About Daisy Dao

Daisy grew up on the beautiful Honolulu island where she often found herself spending most of her day enjoying the ocean scent in sea waves. As such, Daisy came to appreciate the art of cooking seafood. She has experimented with baking, roasting, broiling, poaching, grilling (and every other cooking technique you can think of); and with all kinds of spices too. Now she is ready to present her experience: the art of cooking healthy food without any pre-packaged ingredients; food product recommendations for people who need a bit more guidance on what goes into their bodies; how to maintain an active lifestyle without having to give up your favorite foods!


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