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Meal prep for weight loss is one of the top reasons why people choose to meal prep and continue to do so.
That’s because it works.
Whether your goal is to lose 10-15 pounds for a wedding (because you want to look your best), to shed off some pounds and layers off so you can be more confident about yourself, or simply because you’re tired of being tired all the time!
You can achieve your weight loss goals by learning how to cook budget-friendly cheap healthy meals.
Listen, losing weight is NOT easy. However, it doesn’t have to be hard either!
Many people think that all you need to do is follow a strict diet to successfully lose weight. Sure, you can lose the weight in 1-2 months, but research shows that 80% of people can’t keep the weight off for more than 12 months!
That’s because once they reach their weight loss goals, they go back to their old habits. The same eating habits that caused them to gain weight in the first place!
To permanently keep weight off, you need to develop a healthy mindset and practice better-eating habits.
Don’t forget to save this Pin on Pinterest so you can refer back to these healthy meal prep ideas for your weight loss!
How to Eat Healthy
Eating better doesn’t mean you need to break your bank and start shopping at Whole Foods Market or filling your grocery cart with organic food and expensive brands only. There is plenty of budget-friendly whole food, like whole grain, legumes, and vegetables, that are affordable and packed with vitamins and minerals.
What it really means is preparing your own meals at home with minimally processed food (i.e. whole foods).
This isn’t the problem (you already knew that cooking your own meals is healthier), the real challenge is finding time to cook!
You’re working all day and by the time you’re done your shift, you’re exhausted! You’re tired and you don’t have the energy to cook a meal from scratch.
But what if your meals are all prepped up or even fully cooked and the only step is to heat it up?
That’s what meal prep is.
Your food is all prepared and ready for you.
Reach Your Goals with Meal Prep
Trying to eat healthy is not easy, but when you meal prep, you’re more likely to make better food decisions.
Instead of relying on takeout food every time you get hungry, you can simply warm up your food and enjoy a nutritious meal that you prepared ahead of time.
If this doesn’t convince you to give it a try, here are some additional benefits to meal prep.
- You get to control the type of ingredients you use in your food and the portion sizes. This will help you cut back on your calories intakes and avoid highly processed and fatty food. A study showed that those who cook at home regularly consumed fewer calories compared to those who cook less.
- You can incorporate a variety of food groups in your meals so you’re getting all the essential nutrients you need, such as vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Are you eating enough vegetables every day? (Hint: the recommended amount of vegetables that adults should be consuming is at least 2 ½ to 3 cups each day)
- Batch cooking can help you save time and money. Let’s be honest, no one wants to cook every day. Having your meals in the refrigerator or freezer will save you so much time from the kitchen during weekdays when you’re tired. You’ll also keep more money in your pockets when you cut back on takeout food and eating out at restaurants.
Tips on Meal Prep Ideas for Weight Loss
You don’t need to meal prep and restrict yourself to clean eating every day. In fact, you don’t even need to plan for all 5 days of the week to see results. You can still treat yourself to your favorite restaurants once a week and still reach your weight loss goals.
It’s easy for beginners to feel overwhelmed and don’t know where to start when are SO MANY healthy meal prep ideas everywhere. You can start small with 3-5 meals a week and slowly work your way to 3-5 days a week.
Are you ready to crush your goals for real this time?
Get started with these easy and healthy meal prep ideas for weight loss!
You have nothing to lose, except for those pounds!
1. Healthy Avocado Breakfast Burrito
The recipe found on Half Baked Harvest.
2. Honey Sriracha Glazed Meatballs
The recipe found on Eat Yourself Skinny.
3. Shrimp Avocado Burrito Bowls
The recipe found on The Recipe Critic.
4. Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding
The recipe found on From My Bowl.
5. Strawberry Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken
The recipe found on Joyful Healthy Eats.
6. Whole30 Coconut Paleo Chicken Curry
The recipe found on Food Faith Fitness.
7. Air Fryer Zucchini Corn Fritters
The recipe found on What Watch U Eat.
8. Teriyaki Chicken Bowl for Weight Loss
The recipe found on The Girl on Bloor.
9. Avocado Chicken Flatbread Pizza
The recipe found on Valentin’s Corner.
10. Lemon Roasted Salmon with Broccolini and Sweet Potatoes
The recipe found on Little Spice Jar.
11. Roasted Squash Lentil Quinoa (Vegan)
The recipe found on Running on Real Food.
12. Buffalo Cauliflower Tacos with Avocado Crema
The recipe found on Pinch of Yum.
13. Fresh Clean Eating Vegetable Pasta
The recipe found on Simple Veganista.
14. Jalapeno Pepper Jack Turkey Burger
The recipe found on Sally’s Baking Addiction.
15. Crockpot Chipotle Chicken Soup
The recipe found on Salt & Lavender.
16. Delicious Grilled Chicken Pita
The recipe found on Munchin Time.
17. Southwest Breakfast Frittata
The recipe found on Beauty and the Bench Press.
18. Healthy Honey Sesame Chicken
The recipe found on Fixed on Fresh.
19. Healthy Greek Cobb Salad
The recipe found on FoodieCrush.
20. Overnight Oats for Weight Loss
The recipe found on Dishing Out Health.
Final Words on Healthy Meal Prep Ideas for Weight Loss
Keep in mind that weight loss is a marathon, not a sprint. Weight loss doesn’t happen overnight.
Losing weight isn’t easy, but it’s 100% possible when you’re committed and give it your all.
We all have busy schedules, social gatherings, and family dinners, so it’s completely fine to miss several days (or even a week) of meal prep! Simply get back on track and look ahead instead of dwelling on the past.
Try new recipes every month and experiment with different flavors to keep your meals interesting.
Which healthy meal prep recipes are your favorite and you’re looking forward to trying this week? Share your ideas below!
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