25 Best ‘Meal Prep’ Recipes That Will Set You Up For Weight Loss Success! - TrimmedandToned (2024)

There’s a reason that many people who undergo an insane weight loss transformation prepare their meals at the start of every week.

It saves time, money, allows you to control your portion sizes and means you always have a healthy meal sitting in the fridge or freezer that you can take out and enjoy. Basically, it sets you up to succeed. Failing to prepare means you are preparing to fail.

We have collected 25 amazing ‘meal prep’ recipes that are perfect for cooking in bulk. Whether it’s a big batch in one pot, or a pan full of healthy ingredients, either way, you’ll have meals that you can cook and store for the coming days. Enjoy!

25 Best ‘Meal Prep’ Recipes That Will Set You Up For Weight Loss Success!

Crispy Chilli Chicken With Broccoli & Rice

“Crunchy coated chicken in a hot, sweet and sour sauce – so so tasty!” Recipe: KitchenSanctuary.

Sheet Pan Flank Steak With Crispy Potatoes & Broccolini

“Cook an entire dinner on one tray with this easy recipe for Sheet Pan Flank Steak with Crispy Potatoes and Broccolini! It’s a simple, satisfying, and nutritious meal — with very few dishes to wash at the end!” Recipe: TheSeasonedMom.

One Pan Honey Mustard Chicken & Potatoes

“Ah, Honey Mustard Chicken & Potatoes (One Pan). Honey mustard makes this chicken one of the best recipes I have on here. You know when you’re looking at a tray of meat (in this case, chicken), and you have NO idea what to make with it” Recipe: cafedelites.com

Crispy Honey Orange Glazed Salmon

“Crispy Honey Orange Glazed Salmon Fillets are pan-fried in the most beautiful honey orange garlic sauce, with a splash of soy for flavour.” Recipe: cafedelites.com

Big Batch Chinese Beef

“Big Batch Chinese Beef – A tasty, make-ahead meal of slow-cooked saucy Chinese beef. Perfect when you’re cooking for a crowd!” Recipe: KitchenSanctuary.

Sheet Pan Crispy Teriyaki Tofu And Broccoli

“Sheet Pan Crispy Teriyaki Tofu and Broccoli is sure to change any negative opinions about tofu you once had! Crisp, flavorful and not the least bit soggy. The perfect vegan and gluten-free dinner to try when you’re craving takeout!” Recipe: RecipeRunner.

Sheet Pan Honey Apricot Chicken With Asparagus

“This Sheet Pan Honey Apricot Chicken and Asparagus is a healthy and fresh Spring dinner that cooks entirely on one tray! The easy weeknight meal requires just 10 minutes of prep for a simple, family-friendly dish that will make your tastebuds sing” Recipe: TheSeasonedMom.

One Pan Salmon, Sweet Potatoes & Asparagus

“Sometimes you need a superfood fix, and this one pan salmon dinner with asparagus and sweet potatoes provides a full meal that is easy, healthy, and quick!” Recipe: CatzInTheKitchen.

Skillet Chicken Fajitas

“These Skillet Chicken Fajitas are a quick, easy, gluten-free and paleo dinner. They’re perfect for busy nights!” Recipe: RecipeRunner.

Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon And Asparagus

“Garlic Parmesan Crusted Salmon and Asparagus – the best way to cook salmon with just a few easy ingredients! Delicious, healthy dinner that is naturally gluten free!” Recipe: juliasalbum.com

Lemon Chicken & Asparagus Foil Packs

“Simple lemon chicken & asparagus foil packs are an easy and incredibly delicious 30-minute meal you can either grill, or bake any time of the year.” Recipe: bloglovin.com

Sauteed Chicken Cutlets With Honey Mustard Pan Sauce

“You can never have too many easy chicken recipes! These Sautéed Chicken Cutlets with Honey Mustard Pan Sauce make a delicious, gluten-free, weeknight dinner that all comes together in one pan!” Recipe: RecipeRunner.

Sheet Pan Lemon Parmesan Garlic Chicken & Veggies

“Oven baked and CRISPY Sheet Pan Lemon Parmesan Garlic Chicken & Veggies is a complete dinner, with potatoes and green beans smothered in a garlic butter sauce!” Recipe: cafedelites.com

Healthy Chicken Burrito Bowl Meal Prep

“Think of this as healthier (and cheaper!) Chipotle bowls that you can have all week long. Save time and calories here!!!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.

Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken With Zucchini And Tomatoes

“This Sheet Pan Pesto Chicken with Zucchini and Tomatoes couldn’t be any easier to make! 4 ingredients and a sheet pan are all you need to make this simple and flavorful meal!” Recipe: RecipeRunner.

Healthy Meal Prep Grilled Chicken Veggie Bowls

“We used his idea of ingredients for the bowl: chicken, rice, quinoa, and vegetables all prepped one time for just about our weeks worth of meals. We chose to make 8 bowls worth of food. This equates to 4 days of meals for 2 people.” Recipe: Picky-Palate.

One Pan Baked Chicken With Butternut Squash & Parmesan Asparagus

“An easy fool-proof sheet pan dinner! And the chicken comes out so moist and tender!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.

Sheet Pan Supper: Maple Glazed Salmon With Sweet Potatoes With Broccoli

“This Sheet Pan Supper is an easy way to get to get a healthy dinner on the table FAST! By baking the Maple-Glazed Salmon with Sweet Potatoes and Broccoli all on one tray, there are very few dishes to wash at the end of this clean eating family-friendly meal!” Recipe: TheSeasonedMom.

One Pan Ranch Pork Chops With Veggies

“The easiest 5-ingredient meal EVER! And yes, you just need one pan with 5 min prep. It’s quick, easy and effortless!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.

One Pan Lemon Roast Chicken and Asparagus

“One Pan Lemon Roast Chicken and Asparagus with roasted lemon pepper potatoes. This is the one pan wonder dinner, of your busy Friday night dreams. Dinner goals, guys!” Recipe: wildeorchard.co.uk

BBQ Chicken Breasts

“The most tender, juicy chicken grilled to PERFECTION, smothered in a thick, homemade BBQ sauce. You can also make this ahead of time!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.

Big Batch Green Smoothies

“With a simple big batch system you just pour into serving-size mason jars and freeze—it’s a no-brainer for busy weeks! Transfer it out of the freezer and into the fridge the night before you want a smoothie for breakfast.” Recipe: HelloGlow.

Sheet Pan Supper: Hawaiian Chicken

“This Hawaiian Chicken with Sweet Potatoes, Peppers, and Pineapple is an easy dinner that cooks entirely on one tray! It’s a healthy Sheet Pan Supper that the whole family will love — with only a few dishes to wash at the end!” Recipe: TheSeasonedMom.

Baked Teriyaki Chicken & Broccoli

“A takeout classic baked right at home with homemade teriyaki sauce – perfect over rice! Can be made ahead of time too!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.

One Pan Lemon Chicken With Butternut Squash And Brussel Sprouts

“An easy peasy one pan meal! And the chicken breasts come out so tender and flavorful!” Recipe: DamnDelicious.

25 Best ‘Meal Prep’ Recipes That Will Set You Up For Weight Loss Success! - TrimmedandToned (2024)

FAQs

Can you lose weight just by meal prepping? ›

Meal prep can help you lose weight by setting you up for success. When you have a healthy plan in place, you're less likely to grab takeout and processed foods on the run.

How to prepare food for weight loss? ›

To promote weight loss, this plan is low-carb, high protein, and moderate fat. The macronutrient ratios of this meal plan for weight loss are 25% carbohydrates, 40% protein, and 35% dietary fat. Food swaps or replacements are fine as long as you do so with similar menu items and portion sizes.

What are 3 keys to successful meal prepping? ›

Follow these three steps and you'll be planning and prepping nutritious and delicious meals that fit your preferences and lifestyle!
  • Step 1: Make a Menu. First, think about your approach to meal planning — do you: ...
  • Step 2: Stock Your Pantry and Freezer with the Five Food Groups. ...
  • Step 3: Keep a Running Grocery List.
Jul 18, 2019

How to do meal prep for weight loss for beginners? ›

If you're new to meal prep, start by prepping just a few meals a week. Focus on nutritious options for meals when it's harder for you to eat healthy. Set aside an hour or two for meal prep day, make a grocery list from recipes found online, and shop the day or two before.

What is the 2 1 2 1 meal plan? ›

The Smart Card follows our 2-1-2-1 philosophy, with each meal being made up of two protein servings, a healthy carbohydrate, two vegetable servings, and a healthy fat. This simple way of eating ensures that you get the proper amount of food in the right balance so you lose fat, not muscle.

Is chicken and rice good for weight loss? ›

Yep, chicken and rice is a solid meal choice for weight loss. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, meaning it'll supply more protein for less calories than other cuts of meat like lean steak or salmon. Plus, the combo of carbs and protein will keep you satisfied for hours.

What are 10 tips for successful weight loss? ›

Top 10 Tips For Effective Weight Loss
  • Set a Realistic Goal. If you want to lose weight, you need to set a realistic goal. ...
  • Create a Calorie Deficit. ...
  • Avoid Sugary Drinks. ...
  • Avoid Processed Foods. ...
  • Include More Protein in your Diet. ...
  • Drink Plenty of Water. ...
  • Avoid Late-night Snacking. ...
  • Eat Breakfast.
Dec 11, 2023

Which fruit is the best for weight loss? ›

Apples take the prize for the number one fruit for weight loss for many reasons. A large apple has 5 grams of fiber, which is a mix of soluble and insoluble fiber. Both types are needed for health, but soluble fiber helps regulate your appetite by delaying gastric emptying, which keeps you fuller for longer.

What is the best breakfast food to boost metabolism? ›

To help, we've compiled a list of recipes to help jump-start your day with metabolism boosting foods.
  1. Avocado Toast with a Fried Egg. Avocado is a metabolism booster! ...
  2. Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal. ...
  3. Greek Yogurt Parfait with Berries and Nuts. ...
  4. Veggie and Egg White Omelette. ...
  5. Smoked Salmon with Whole Grain Toast and Cream Cheese.
Mar 16, 2023

What are the best carbs for meal prep? ›

Carbs from veggies: All leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, vegetables like artichokes, swiss chard, sweet potato, green banana are all healthy carbs that pack plenty of fiber, vitamins and complex starch that keeps your meal prep nutritious.

What are the top 5 food prep steps? ›

Here are five steps to turn a once dreaded task, into a doable and enjoyable one.
  1. Step 1: Know the Components of a Balanced Meal. ...
  2. Step 2: Search for Recipe Inspiration. ...
  3. Step 3: Map Your Meals for the Week. ...
  4. Step 4: Choose a Day to Shop and Meal Prep. ...
  5. Step 5: Dedicate One Hour per Week to Meal Prep. ...
  6. Key Takeaway.

Can I meal prep for 7 days? ›

One important note though: as long as you cook meals properly, food will be perfectly safe to eat within seven days. However, by day five, it might not be as tasty. If there's one number to remember from this cheat sheet, it's four. Most meals are good (safe AND tasty) in the fridge for up to four days.

Is meal prepping better than eating out? ›

You'll have more dough in your pocket. Eating healthy tends to get a bad reputation for being overly expensive. But meal prepping saves money because you can buy ingredients in bulk, freeze extra food for later, and most importantly, spend less money eating out.

What are the cons of meal prepping? ›

Possibly Time-consuming: Meal prepping may involve a time commitment, especially if prepped meals need refrigeration or freezing. Potentially Expensive: Buying the necessary ingredients in bulk can make meal prepping expensive.

What is the quickest way to lose weight? ›

Methods of weight loss that scientific research supports include the following:
  1. Trying intermittent fasting. ...
  2. Tracking your diet and exercise. ...
  3. Eating mindfully. ...
  4. Eating protein with meals. ...
  5. Cutting back on sugar and refined carbohydrates. ...
  6. Eating plenty of fiber. ...
  7. Balancing gut bacteria. ...
  8. Getting a good night's sleep.

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