Breathe Some Life Into Your Meal Prep With These Healthy, Flavorful Dishes
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Let's face it: no one feels like whipping up a big dinner on a Monday night after a very long day of juggling work and family responsibilities. That's why so many people choose to meal prep on Sunday. Whether you want to lose weight, save money, or simply clean up your diet, planning a menu and knocking out as much of it as you can before the week begins can help inch you closer to your goals. To get you started — or help you break out of a rut — we've rounded up 17 recipes that are sure to keep you inspired. They're proof that healthy food doesn't have to be boring or bland.
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Kale, Caramelized Onion, and Gouda Egg Muffins
This veggie-filled grab-and-go breakfast is much healthier than any egg muffin you'll find in a drive-through.
Get the recipe:kale, caramelized onion, and gouda egg muffins
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Satay Beef Bowls
Craving Thai food? Swap takeout for this beef marinated in a creamy peanut sauce and served with green beans and cauliflower rice.
Get the recipe:satay beef bowls
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Oven-Baked Chicken Breast
This chicken is anything but bland and dry, thanks to the cheesy spinach and sun-dried tomato topping. Even better, it's made in one pan.
Get the recipe: oven-baked chicken breast
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Italian-Style Stuffed Peppers
These stuffed peppers are ready in a pinch, and they're fewer than 300 calories per serving with a whopping 32 grams of protein.
Get the recipe:Italian-style stuffed peppers
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Crustless Quiche With Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese
It just sounds fancy, doesn't it? If you have any dietary restrictions, this recipe probably has you covered — it's gluten-free and keto, and it can be made Paleo or Whole30.
Get the recipe:crustless quiche with smoked salmon and goat cheese
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Buddha Bowl
This vegan bowl packs 19 grams of plant-based protein per serving, topped with a delicious tahini drizzle.
Get the recipe:Buddha bowl
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Beef Chili
To cut back on carbs, skip the beans in traditional chili, and instead load up on high-volume, nutrient-rich vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and green chiles.
Get the recipe:beef chili
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Slow-Cooker Mexican Quinoa Casserole
This flavorful casserole is the perfect weekday lunch. Pop the ingredients in your slow cooker while you work to prep breakfasts, dinners, and more.
Get the recipe:slow-cooker Mexican quinoa casserole
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Egg Roll in a Bowl
Imagine just the stuffing from an egg roll (ground pork, broccoli cole slaw, a tasty Asian sauce), and this is what you get. You can store individual portions in the fridge for up to four days and enjoy your lunch hot or cold.
Get the recipe:egg roll in a bowl
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Lemon Garlic Salmon
Fresh garlic, rich butter, tons of fresh herbs, bright lemon juice — this is dreamy and comes in at just three grams of carbs.
Get the recipe:lemon garlic salmon
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Asian Surf and Turf
For double the protein, try this stir-fry with both steak and shrimp and serve with cauliflower rice. It's a lot healthier than takeout, which is usually very high in sugar.
Get the recipe:Asian surf and turf
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Vegan Slow-Cooker Tikka Masala
Forget chicken masala — tofu is the star of this dish, and it's delicious when served with rice or naan.
Get the recipe:vegan slow-cooker tikka masala
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Chia Pudding
Like overnight oats, this chia pudding — made with coconut milk — is simple to prep the day before. Top with any fruit you like.
Get the recipe:chia pudding
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Spaghetti Squash Lasagna
This delicious recipe uses the spaghetti squash as its own bowl, which makes for easy portions and cleanup.
Get the recipe:spaghetti squash lasagna
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Sheet-Pan Chicken and Cauliflower "Shawarma"
This high-protein recipe is inspired by the spices found in shawarma. If you're worried about filling up on pita bread, try swapping in lettuce cups.
Get the recipesheet-pan chicken and cauliflower "shawarma"
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Meatball Burrito Bowls
Who can say no to these meatballs, with only five grams of net carbs per serving? They're served with a refreshing pico de gallo, cauliflower rice, cheese, and creamy sour cream.
Get the recipe:meatball burrito bowls
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Sheet-Pan Breakfast Fajitas
The eggs in this one-pan meal will keep you fueled with healthy fats and protein, while the peppers deliver essential vitamins. Warm up the eggs and peppers each morning, then simply add avocado.
Get the recipe:sheet-pan breakfast fajitas