If you fall victim to the dreaded “what’s for dinner?” question when you’re on a weight loss journey, we hear ya. It can be overwhelming to meal prep and plan ahead, especially at the end of a long day.
Good news, though! We did the hard part for you and rounded up tons of delicious recipes—48 to be exact—that will support your weight loss efforts and keep you happy, healthy, and satisfied.
First, a few pointers. A healthy dinner should be filled with lots of nutrient-dense and nourishing foods, with a balance of non-starchy vegetables, protein, healthy fat, and complex carbs, such as starchy vegetables and fiber-filled whole grains, says Morgan Goodstadt, RD, a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian and founder of Good Nutrition.
The way you prepare your food also makes a huge difference. “Choosing baked, roasted, sautéed, steamed, and stewed foods will typically be more nutritious than battered, breaded, and fried foods,” says Goodstadt. Another tip? Consider the quality of ingredients and cooking oils you use. She recommends using oils such as avocado oil, coconut oil, extra virgin olive oil, and ghee if you can.
Hungry? Grab your apron and put on that chef’s hat because you must try these 48 healthy recipes that are delicious, filling, and can help you lose weight. Bon appétit!
Meet the expert: Morgan Goodstadt, RD, is a Los Angeles-based registered dietitian and founder of Good Nutrition.
1. Caprese Pizza
JULIA GARTLAND
Cheesy, crispy, and healthy? Check, check, and check. With protein-packed cottage cheese instead of mozzarella and whole-wheat grilled pizza dough for a satisfying bite, this caprese-inspired dish is perfect for lunch and dinner.
Per serving: 468 cal, 21 g fat (4.5 g sat), 10 mg chol, 842 mg sodium, 49 g carb, 9 g fiber, 9 g sugar (3.5 g added sugar), 19 g pro
2. Seared Steak With Cauliflower “Tabbouleh”
NICO SCHINCO
Say hello to this high-protein masterpiece with juicy steak, cauliflower florets, and a whole lot of spices. It’s light, lemony, and packed with flavor.
Per serving: About 307 cal, 19 g fat (6.5 g sat), 75 mg chol, 573 mg sodium, 10 g carb, 3 g fiber, 3.5 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 25 g pro
3. Roasted Fish And Peppers With Chickpea Pesto
LINDA XIAO
There’s something ultra-refreshing about fresh fish and seasonal veggies, and this protein-packed, low-carb meal will leave your taste buds happy.
Per serving: About 521 cal, 33.5 g fat (4.5 g sat), 65 mg chol, 646 mg sodium, 23 g carb, 6 g fiber, 5.5 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 34 g pro
4. Skillet Chicken And Chickpeas
LINDA XIAO
Got chickpeas? Good. This flavorful dish packs 41 grams of protein per serving and the one cup of chickpeas serves almost 50 percent of your daily iron needs. It’s a win-win!
Per serving: About 388 cal, 11 g fat (1.5 g sat), 99 mg chol, 485 mg sodium, 32 g carb, 9 g fiber, 7 g sugar (1.5 g added sugar), 41 g pro
5. Cottage Cheese Toast With Salsa Macha
NICO SCHINCO
Cottage cheese is having a moment and I’m here for it. This recipe is high in protein and low in carbs, and the refreshing cucumbers and fiery salsa macha adds a hint of sweetness without packing on the sugar.
6. Shrimp, Cucumber, and Tomatillo Chilled Soup
NICO SCHINCO
Step away from your stove because this chilled soup requires no cooking. The seafood is high in protein and the splash of coconut water will leave you extra hydrated.
Per serving: About 343 cal, 18.5 g fat (5.5 g sat), 239 mg chol, 1,581 mg sodium, 18 g carb, 6 g fiber, 7 g sugar (2 g added sugar), 28 g pro
7. Chocolate-Berry Protein Smoothie
JULIA GARTLAND
Sometimes we all need a little smoothie action, and this protein-packed smoothie will keep you satisfied for hours. The berries, spinach, and unsalted sunflower seeds also add a major dose of vitamins and minerals.
RECIPE FROM WOMEN’S HEALTH
8. Rosemary Citrus One Pan Baked Salmon
LINDSAY COTTER
This is a healthy one-pan meal that is gluten-free, grain-free, low-carb, paleo-friendly, and Whole30-approved.
Per serving: 345 calories, 22 g fat (3 g sat), 25 g protein, 10 g carb, 5 g sugars, 3 g fiber
RECIPE COURTESY OF LINDSAY COTTER OF COTTER CRUNCH
9. Air-Fried Spicy Chinese Eggplant
JEANETTE’S HEALTHY LIVING
This dish is a lighter version of the traditional dish where the eggplant is typically deep fried. Not only does air-frying cut down on the oil needed for this recipe, but it also cuts down on the total calories, making it a perfect healthy dinner idea.
Per serving: 209 calories, 12 g fat (2 g sat), 12 g protein, 12 g carb, 211 mg sodium, 7 g sugars, 3 g fiber
RECIPE FROM JEANETTE’S HEALTHY LIVING
10. Vegan Enchiladas With Lentils And Sweet Potato
BROWN SUGAR & VANILLA
Made with lentils and sweet potatoes, this recipe is ideal for vegans and vegetarians. It’s also a great option for larger families to enjoy together. Simply fill a tray with as many enchiladas as you need, and you have a healthy dinner for everyone.
Credit: https://www.womenshealthmag.com/
