Learn my top tips for healthy meal prep ideas for weight loss, with a focus on simplicity and efficiency.
As a weight loss dietitian who has worked with clients for over 20 years, there are a handful of simple tricks I’ve seen that are effective for most people when it comes to meal prep. So I’ve gathered these key things to focus on to set you up for success.
You’ll learn how to cook once and eat twice, bulk cook essential ingredients, and make the most of pre-cooked options from the store. I also highlight delicious breakfast and lunch recipes that are perfect for meal prep, ensuring you stay on track with your weight loss goals. Let’s take a look at the 5 key meal prep ideas for weight loss.
Meal Prep Done for You
Before we dive into the 5 ideas, while these tips should be everything to get you started and on track, I know some people simply want the meal prep done for them. That’s why I’m excited to provide my Concierge Caliente Kitchen services with:
- Home-cooked meals
- Customized, pre-portioned meals tailored to your macronutrients and meal preferences
- A free 1:1 dietitian consultation to determine your specific needs and preferences
Learn more about how you can save time and remove the guesswork from your weight loss and health efforts.
Meal Prep Idea #1: Scheduling is key!
Mark your calendar for when you go shopping, just like an appointment. And no, not on a Saturday when you may be tempted to change your plans.
Trust me, it makes a huge difference. You might even skip a gym session to hit the supermarket, and that’s okay – meal prepping can sometimes yield better results for your weight loss goals. Remember, 80% of it is what you eat, and 20% exercise.
Meal Prep Idea #2: Cook once, eat twice!
Don’t worry about having a bunch of different lunches, meals, and snacks every day. When you prepare more at once, you can pack it for lunch the next day. If you’re cooking for two, at least make four servings so you have some for lunch the next day.
Meal Prep Idea #3: Bulk cook.
Set aside a day or a few hours to prepare your main ingredients for the week. Roast vegetables, cook chicken, and a big batch of your grain of choice – quinoa, brown rice, black rice or farro – and use them throughout the week. Then of course, always have some roasted or steamed veggies on hand too. If you’re already cooking, make extra!
Remember, you don’t need to cook five different recipes. Just two types of meat and some roasted veggies can create a variety of meals.
Meal Prep Idea #4: Be a meal assembler!
Don’t feel like you have to cook everything from scratch. Many stores offer precooked quinoa, chicken meatballs, and pasta sauce. I ALWAYS recommend having frozen fruits and vegetables in your freezer.
You can have a healthy meal ready in less than 20 minutes. I have a whole video all on frozen meals for weight loss too, which is link below.
Meal Prep Idea #5: Measure everything out for the week.
When it comes to serving, have your Tupperware ready. Measure everything out for the week or put your meals in big containers and take what you need each day. This method keeps you organized and ensures you stick to your portions.
Now let’s dive into some meal prep ideas with recipes that you can make to stay on track with weight loss!
Meal Prep Recipes
Breakfast
For breakfast, try my air fryer mushroom frittata with roast beef and tomatoes, broccoli red bell pepper black rice egg muffins, or a refreshing mango avocado spinach smoothie. You can even proportion the smoothie ingredients and keep them in bags in the freezer to blend day of.
Lunch and Dinner
For lunch and dinner, I’ve got you covered with 4 main recipes: veggie and ground beef lettuce wraps, healthy ground beef zucchini lasagna, barbecue pulled pork, and a summer cantaloupe salad with mozzarella and mint.
Getting Started with these Meal Prep Ideas for Weight Loss
These are all balanced meals with an emphasis on protein and fiber for weight loss. Remember, cook enough for multiple servings. Happy cooking!
Looking for more guidance with your weight loss efforts? Schedule a free 20-minute call and we’ll discuss how we can work together to reach your goals.
