Skip to Content

41 Meal Prep Ideas for Weight Loss

Anyone who’s ever been on a diet knows how hard it is to find a recipe that satisfies and keeps you full. Luckily for you, here are plenty of tasty meal prep ideas for weight loss!

The best part? They’re all suited for meal-prepping. Both savory and sweet, here are the tastiest slimming recipes that you can meal-prep.

meal prep ideas for weight loss

1. Honey Garlic Shrimp Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com

Shrimp in a sweet and garlicky sauce, combined with tons of veggies and fluffy rice. You can bet you’ll stay full until dinner.

It features broccoli, carrots, corn, and snap peas, and it is loaded with nutrients. A gluten-free and high-protein recipe that will keep you full throughout the day.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 436

• Fats: 6.2g

• Protein: 26g

• Carbs: 72g

• Fiber: 7.5g

• Sugar: 17g

2. Healthy Orange Chicken

Source: allnutritious.com

Orange zest and juice both give flavors to this juicy and sticky chicken. It is also paired with rice and broccoli.

This is a full meal that is super packable and simple to make.  The sesame on top makes the dish look more elegant, and it gives it a nice crunch.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 662

• Fats: 15g

• Protein: 62g

• Carbs: 71g

• Fiber: 6.1g

• Sugar: 21g

3. Teriyaki Chicken Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com

Teriyaki sauce and chicken are a combination that no one can possibly resist. And just because you’re trying to lose weight doesn’t mean you have to.

The dish is filling but light. It pairs with firm broccoli and fluffy rice. It is also quick to make, just perfect for busy weeknights.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 653

• Fats: 20g

• Protein: 51g

• Carbs: 68g

• Fiber: 2.4g

• Sugar: 23g

4. Chicken Salad Meal Prep

Source: allnutritious.com

So many veggies, So many colors. So many nutrients. This yummy chicken salad is bursting with flavor.  And it is also rich in protein and fiber.

The dill-infused dressing is to die for. It wraps the lettuce, tomatoes, avocados, cucumber, and onions nicely. And it works so well with the chicken.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 597

• Fats: 31g

• Protein: 55g

• Carbs: 26g

• Fiber: 5.9g

• Sugar: 17g

5. Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats

Source: allnutritious.com

Protein oats loaded with apples, cinnamon, and a festive apple pie spice that will warm up your cold day.

This creamy breakfast can be made ahead of time. It is dairy and gluten-free and perfect for those following a plant-based diet.

It uses vanilla almond milk, but any kind will work well.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 330

• Fats: 6.8g

• Protein: 14g

• Carbs: 57g

• Fiber: 8.9g

• Sugar: 21g

6. Sheet Pan Chicken Thighs

Source: allnutritious.com

Ready for some Mexican flavors? This chicken and pepper sheet pan dinner is made for your containers.

A quick and convenient one-pan dish that will feed your whole family. Or keep you covered for a few lunches.

Whether you have it in taco shells, tortillas, or as is, you won’t be disappointed.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 473

• Fats: 14g

• Protein: 44g

• Carbs: 44g

• Fiber: 7.1g

• Sugar: 4.7g

7. Spicy Mushroom Wrap

Source: allnutritious.com

This mushroom wrap is great for breakfast. But it can also make a lice and light lunch, too. The wrap contains 250 calories, and it is filling, delicious, and healthy.

It features spinach, sauteed mushrooms, tomatoes, and spicy yogurt. All of that is served in a wholemeal tortilla.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 251

• Fats: 10g

• Protein: 11g

• Carbs: 31g

• Fiber: 3.9g

• Sugar: 6.1g

8. Egg Muffin Cups

Source: allnutritious.com

Colorful egg cups made with peppers, onion, spinach, and broccoli. These are healthy, tasty, and are just perfect for your lunchbox.

Each cup contains about 80 calories and 6 grams of protein. So, decently filling, without adding to your waistline. Just the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or lunch on a busy day.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 81

• Fats: 3.7g

• Protein: 6g

• Carbs: 6.1g

• Fiber: 1.6g

• Sugar: 2.9g

9. Keto Breakfast Sandwich

Source: allnutritious.com

Two beef burgers without any buns. This meat-loaded dish is a low-carb, high-protein dish that will definitely keep you full without disrupting your diet.

It also features lettuce, egg, and a creamy mashed avocado spread. It can be made pretty quickly, and I’m sure that anyone following a diet will appreciate it.

Per Serving:

• Calories: 664

• Fats: 51g

• Protein: 43g

• Carbs: 7.8g

• Fiber: 4.7g

• Sugar: 1.4g

10. Berry Protein Overnight Oats

Source: allnutritious.com

Overnight oats are the definition of a make-ahead meal. They are so quick and convenient, plus, they’re usually made in a to-go container.

This oatmeal combines almond milk, yogurt, berries, protein powder, chia seeds, and maple syrup. You can add some nuts, too.

These oats are fruity and incredibly yummy!

Per Serving:

• Calories: 430

• Fats: 8.5g

• Protein: 29g

• Carbs: 63g

• Fiber: 12g

• Sugar: 24g

11. Low-Carb Mexican Meal Prep

low carb mexican meal prep

Source: allnutritious.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 406

• Fats: 17g

• Protein: 48g

• Carbs: 17g

• Fiber: 8g

• Sugar: 6.2g

First off, the blocks is a low-carb Mexican meal prep bowl. The shredded chicken and flavorful quinoa are a great midday pick-me-up.

Best of all, this meal is super high in protein and low in fat. The avocado in the dish is the source of those healthy fats, making this a well-rounded dish for your weight loss goals.

12. Teriyaki Chickpea Rice Bowl

teriyaki chickpea rice bowl

Source: runningonrealfood.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 532

• Fats: 16g

• Protein: 17g

• Carbs: 83g

• Fiber: 10g

• Sugar: 25g

Time is of the essence when you’re sacrificing part of your Sunday to meal prep healthy food! This vegan teriyaki chickpea rice bowl comes together in thirty minutes or less.

It also tastes fantastic and has plenty of healthy carbs and whole grains for a midday energy boost.

13. Chicken Burrito Bowls

chicken burrito bowl

Source: allnutritious.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 520

• Fats: 13g

• Protein: 37g

• Carbs: 64g

• Fiber: 9.5g

• Sugar: 4.2g

Next up is another one of my recipes. Do you know all those Pinterest photos with the beautifully layered burrito bowls?

These chicken burrito bowls are packed with lean protein, brown rice, and taste delicious. Best of all, they’re super easy to make in bulk, so your lunches will be sorted for the entire week.

14. Sweet Potato Casserole with Black Beans and Buckwheat

sweet potato casserole with black beans

Source: happykitchen.rocks

Per Serving:

• Calories: 328

• Fats: 6g

• Protein: 11g

• Carbs: 58g

• Fiber: 9g

• Sugar: 9g

In the race to prepare all your healthy lunches for a week, nothing takes the pressure off weekly meal prep quite like a casserole.

Not to mention, it tastes fantastic! With all the kale and sweet potato you can manage, this will be a great treat at lunchtime your taste buds will love.

15. Lemon Chicken with Veggies Meal Prep

lemon chicken with veggies

Source: allnutritious.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 500

• Fats: 23g

• Protein: 40g

• Carbs: 35g

• Fiber: 7.3g

• Sugar: 11g

Are you missing some sweetness in your life? Enjoy the natural sweetness of my lemon chicken with vegetables.

This meal planning recipe is super simple yet so tasty for healthy eating, relying on the natural tastiness of the baked vegetables.

Because there’s no added sugar, these meal prep lunches delivers high-quality carbs and protein to keep you going.

16. Fish Meal Prep

fish meal prep

Source: ihatemealprep.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 380

• Fats: 11.8g

• Protein: 30.4g

• Carbs: 35.5g

• Fiber: 4.4g

• Sugar: 3g

Fish is a fantastic protein to reach for on your weight loss journey. It’s packed with healthy vitamins and minerals and low in fat.

That’s why this fish meal prep recipe is so great! Each lunch contains a fillet of tasty fish. Pair that with a side of vegetables and some tasty quinoa.

Enjoy more fresh fish dishes with these pescatarian meal prep recipes!

17. Salmon Meal Prep with Veggies

salmon meal prep with veggies

Source: allnutritious.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 806

• Fats: 45g

• Protein: 54g

• Carbs: 53g

• Fiber: 13g

• Sugar: 16g

The rich fillets of salmon are easy to prepare and taste delicious.

With plenty of roast vegetables and a tasty dressing to match, you’ll love the salad as much as (if not more than) the fish at meal times.

You’ll also love this salmon sheet pan dinner!

18. Shrimp Egg Roll in a Bowl

shrimp egg roll in a bowl

Source: dinner-mom.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 261

• Fats: 12g

• Protein: 26g

• Carbs: 12g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 6g

Living a low-carb lifestyle can be tricky. Especially when takeout cravings strike! Don’t give in to them, and enjoy this delicious low carb shrimp egg roll in a bowl instead.

This style will work for whatever egg roll filling tickles your fancy. From chicken to vegetarian, customize the bowl with food items to suit your tastes.

19. Chickpea Salad

chickpea salad

Source: allnutritious.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 790

• Fats: 35g

• Protein: 29g

• Carbs: 97g

• Fiber: 20g

• Sugar: 23g

Chickpeas are every vegan’s dream food. They’re full of protein and taste great. They’re cheap and easy to cook and keep you full for ages.

That’s why this chickpea salad is great. If you’re after a meal that feels light in the moment but will keep you going for the whole day, you’ve found it.

20. Healthy Overnight Oats

healthy overnight oats

Source: summeryule.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 318

• Fats: 4.2g

• Protein: 24.8g

• Carbs: 47.5g

• Fiber: 6.1g

• Sugar:

Start your day on a good note with these super easy overnight oats. You won’t have to think about the healthy choice before you’ve had a cup of coffee because your past self would already have done it!

These oats are packed with healthy blueberries to add flavor and antioxidants. What’s not to love?

21. Salsa Shredded Chicken Meal Prep

salsa shredded chicken meal prep

Source: allnutritious.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 554

• Fats: 16g

• Protein: 62g

• Carbs: 46g

• Fiber: 14g

• Sugar: 21g

Salsa is a great element when you want to flavor a healthy dish. In this case, it keeps the chicken moist and tender. Pair that with roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a well-rounded lunch.

You can serve these on their own, but I recommend including a high-GI carb alongside them to keep you going for the day.

22. Roasted Chickpea Snack Mix

roasted chickpea snack mix

Source: plantbasedwithamy.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 45

• Fats: 1g

• Protein: 2g

• Carbs: 8g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

Meal prepping can also look like sorting out your snacks for the week. This roasted chickpea snack mix is great to keep on hand to beat your snack cravings.

It’s full of protein to fill you up. Plus, the mix tastes delicious. Whip up a big batch and store it in an airtight container for an easy snack.

23. Quinoa and Black Bean Salad

quinoa and black bean salad

Source: ifoodreal.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 401

• Fats: 16g

• Protein: 9g

• Carbs: 40g

• Fiber: 7g

• Sugar: 3g

Quinoa and black beans are the perfect pair. The high-fiber grain and high-protein bean combine to create a balanced dish full of texture and flavor. In this case, they’re the ideal anchors for a salad.

Little gems of tomato and cilantro help to brighten the flavor. Whip this up in advance and enjoy it for days afterward.

24. Hawaiian Pizza Chicken Meal Prep

hawaiian pizza chicken meal prep

Source: mealpreponfleek.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 428

• Fats: 15g

• Protein: 62g

• Carbs: 10g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 5g

Hawaiian pizza may be controversial, but this dish sure isn’t. No matter where you come down on pineapple on pizza, you’ll find this chicken dish delicious.

The pineapple helps tenderize the chicken, keeping it moist and delicious. The generous sprinkle of cheese is a welcome treat!

25. Chicken Burrito Bowls

chicken burrito bowls

Source: bellyfull.net

Per Serving:

• Calories: 499

• Fats: 17g

• Protein: 40g

• Carbs: 46g

• Fiber: 6g

• Sugar: 4g

Next up is a vibrant burrito bowl packed with as much color as there is flavor. This is a high-protein lunch with so many vegetables, but you’ll forget all that in the face of this bold taste.

This is what weight loss meals should be like. Delicious, and balanced, they happen to be good for you.

Check out more delicious chicken and rice meal prep recipes!

26. Vegan Rice Bowl with Smoky Tempeh

vegan rice bowl with smokey tempeh

Source: happykitchen.rocks

Per Serving:

• Calories: 388

• Fats: 21g

• Protein: 13g

• Carbs: 41g

• Fiber: 10g

• Sugar: 4g

For our vegan and vegetarian friends on their weight loss journey, this amazing tempeh bowl is to die for! The key is to marinate your tempeh, allowing it to soak up some delicious flavor.

You can customize this bowl however you like. While these flavors are Asian-inspired, feel free to change the toppings to suit other cuisines.

27. Quinoa Hummus Bowl

quinoa hummus bowl

Source: thesaltandsweet.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 495

• Fats: 16g

• Protein: 20g

• Carbs: 72g

• Fiber: 16g

• Sugar: 9g

Grazing throughout the day is a great way to keep your metabolism humming. This quinoa and hummus bowl is the ideal weight-loss companion.

Each element will offer a new taste or texture. You can pick it up as you go or enjoy it as a full meal come lunchtime.

28. Vegan Buddha Bowl

vegan buddha bowl

Source: happykitchen.rocks

Per Serving:

• Calories: 611

• Fats: 36g

• Protein: 15g

• Carbs: 66g

• Fiber: 15g

• Sugar: 10g

A Buddha bowl celebrates fresh vegetables prepared deliciously, and this one is no different. If you want the bowl to have even more staying power, change out the white rice for some quinoa.

The sauce is the hero of this bowl, helping pull all the different ingredients together.

29. Butternut Squash Buddha Bowls

butternut squash buddha bowl

Source: veggiessavetheday.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 416

• Fats: 16g

• Protein: 15g

• Carbs: 59g

• Fiber: 13g

• Sugar: 11g

Unique meals are a great way to keep your tastebuds interested as you go on your weight loss journey! This dish is one of a kind, with crisp apples and arugula forming the foundation.

The butternut and quinoa give the bowl staying power, helping keep you fuller for longer.

30. Mexican Rice Bowl

mexican rice bowl

Source: hildaskitchenblog.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 755

• Fats: 39g

• Protein: 63g

• Carbs: 50g

• Fiber: 11g

• Sugar: 5g

Enjoy a bowl that tastes as good as it looks with this delicious recipe. All the different elements offer something new and exciting to this dish.

Black beans, salsa, avocado, and spiced rice tell a tasty story. This is a bit like a deconstructed burrito. So, if you’re craving a hit of your favorite Mexican takeout, reach for this instead!

31. Chicken Quinoa Bowls

chicken quinoa bowl

Source: ifoodreal.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 669

• Fats: 34g

• Protein: 36g

• Carbs: 55g

• Fiber: 16g

• Sugar: 9g

With this chicken and quinoa bowl recipe, protein and fiber are the order of the day. The bright green cilantro dressing makes this bowl sing.

This fantastic meal prep recipe will make you super excited to eat lunch.

32. Buffalo Chicken Rice Bowl

buffalo chicken rice bowl

Source: hellofrozenbananas.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 375

• Fats: 13g

• Protein: 32g

• Carbs: 31g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 0.3g

Enjoy a classic “cheat day” flavor in a healthy bowl with this tasty buffalo chicken recipe. The vibrant buffalo sauce lets your eyes feast before you even dig in.

If you want to enjoy game day without eating anything unhealthy, this is a great lunch to prepare in advance.

33. Korean Ground Beef and Rice Bowls

korean ground beef and rice bowl

Source: ifoodreal.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 211

• Fats: 7g

• Protein: 19g

• Carbs: 20g

• Fiber: 4g

• Sugar: 15g

Korean-inspired ground beef and tasty vegetables are delightful in this tasty dish. The combo puts this lunch in a league of its own.

Enjoy these bright flavors any time you like. The recipe takes only thirty minutes to create. And the longer it sits in the fridge, the more the flavors mingle.

34. Greek Chicken Meal Prep Bowls

greek chicken meal prep

Source: budgetdelicious.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 307

• Fats: 17g

• Protein: 28g

• Carbs: 12g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 6g

Chicken breast is the stereotypical weight loss protein. It’s lean and packed with protein, but it can also be bland if not treated right. That’s where this dish comes in.

Cover your chicken breast with a delicious herb mixture to keep your protein as tasty as it is healthy.

Love greek flavors? Make this greek sheet pan chicken dinner!

35. Vegetarian Rice Bowl with Chickpeas

vegetarian rice bowl with chickpeas

Source: plantbasedwithamy.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 245

• Fats: 11g

• Protein: 7g

• Carbs: 31g

• Fiber: 5g

• Sugar: 3g

Mediterranean flavors are the order of the day in this fantastic rice bowl. Enjoy fresh vegetables that burst across your tongue and protein-filled chickpeas that keep you going all day long.

If you want this bowl to be even healthier, try using quinoa instead of rice.

36. Pulled Pork Bowls

pulled pork bowl

Source: summeryule.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 559

• Fats: 34.1g

• Protein: 41.1g

• Carbs: 15.5g

• Fiber:

• Sugar:

Who doesn’t love a bowl of delicious pulled pork? Your crockpot will be your best friend with this recipe. It allows you to make perfect pulled pork without needing to hover over the stove for a whole day.

Just set and forget it in the morning, returning to perfect pork later that evening. It’s great on salads, in tacos, or as part of this tasty summer bowl.

37. Vegan Sorghum Grain Bowl

vegan sorghum grain bowl

Source: pipingpotcurry.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 555

• Fats: 39g

• Protein: 16g

• Carbs: 44g

• Fiber: 16g

• Sugar: 6g

Sorghum grain is underrated, and this bowl is here to change that. It’s full of protein and absorbs flavor like a sponge, so sorghum grain is the perfect base for a grain bowl.

Pair this grain with all your favorite fresh or roasted vegetables for a tasty, easy lunch.

38. Mexican Cauliflower Burrito Bowl

mexican cauliflower rice bowl

Source: cookeatlivelove.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 274

• Fats: 12g

• Protein: 12g

• Carbs: 33g

• Fiber: 12g

• Sugar: 12g

There are many burrito bowls worldwide, but this one might take the cake. It’s so bright and delicious, with homemade salsa to crown the dish.

This is the bowl to reach for if you’re craving some Mexican flavors this summer. It’s so simple to make all the elements, and they taste amazing!

39. Noodle Bowl with Veggies

noodle bowl with veggies

Source: fantabulosity.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 450

• Fats: 27g

• Protein: 15g

• Carbs: 44g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 9g

Noodle bowls are one of my favorite meal prep choices. You can easily make a big serving and provide yourself with lunch for days!

There’s no downside to this simple, delicious, and nutritious bowl. If you loved this noodle bowl you must try these pasta meal prep ideas!

40. Green Veggie Bowl

green veggie bowl

Source: plantbasedonabudget.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 500

• Fats: 21g

• Protein: 20g

• Carbs: 65g

• Fiber: 16g

• Sugar: 8g

This fantastic green bowl takes ‘eating green’ to a new level. With a delicious nut butter sauce to pull everything together, this bowl will make you feel like a new human. That’s how healthy it is!

All the fresh vegetables are easy to assemble and taste delicious. I call that a win-win!

41. Sweet Potato Quinoa Buddha Bowl

sweet potato quinoa bowl

Source: pipingpotcurry.com

Per Serving:

• Calories: 814

• Fats: 40g

• Protein: 25g

• Carbs: 98g

• Fiber: 25g

• Sugar: 11g

Finally, we have a personal favorite:  the sweet potato quinoa Buddha bowl. Sweet potato is the perfect anchor for a tasty Buddha bowl. It’s easy to prepare, with an earthy flavor and plenty of protein.

Top that with a healthy serving of roasted chickpeas and some kale for a healthy, hearty, delicious lunch on the go.

Thanks for reading! Tell me in the comments what your go-to tasty, healthy, filling weight-loss recipes are.