The number one complaint we get from patients when they begin their weight loss journey is, ” I don’t have the time to cook!”. No one has time anymore. We pack our calendars full to the point where we feel overwhelmed.
We’re convinced there is not another minute left in the day to dedicate to this new habit called meal prep. However, when we evaluate our schedules, is there really not enough time, or is it we simply need to re-prioritize? What’s more important than your health? In order to take care of others you need to have energy and feel your best, right? And in order to feel your best, you have to FUEL your bodies properly with the right foods!
This can be hard to achieve without meal prep.
Meal prep WILL help you have successful weight loss and we do understand if you don’t have a ton of time to spend in the kitchen prepping. SO, we have put together 5 super quick meal ideas that take little to no prep time. To use these healthy meal prep ideas for weight loss, all you have to do is go buy the items from the grocery store!
Chicken Delight
For a no-prep meal, it can’t get much easier than buying a Rotisserie chicken and some steamer bags of vegetables. Discard the skin and fat from the chicken for fewer calories, pop the veggies in the microwave and voila!
Foil Packets
Foil packets are an awesome way to be creative in little to no time! Chicken Sausages are already cooked and there are many different flavors to add variety (a couple of brands we recommend are Al Fresco or Bilinski’s)! Next, go to the produce section and pick up some pre-chopped and washed veggies. Many stores are now offering raw veggie packs that already have a good mixture for your packets such as onions, peppers, squash, zucchini, etc!
Slice up those chicken sausages, throw everything in a foil packet with some spices and herbs and healthy dinner is done in about 20-minutes!
Something’s Fishy
Fish (and most seafood in general) is a lean protein and a fantastic way to make a quick and healthy meal. There are so many different types to choose from: salmon, tilapia, tuna, cod, shrimp…the list goes on!
At most stores, you can buy pre-marinated fish filets from the meat counter and they can take no more than 15 minutes to bake or grill. Or, you can head to the freezer section and buy either raw or pre-cooked individual frozen filets. Either way, little to no prep is needed for these healthy meal prep ideas for weight loss.
Throw it on a bed of quinoa or rice, or on some salad greens with light dressing (we love OPA and Bolthouse Farms) for a delightful meal!
Pork, the Other White Meat
Pork tenderloin is a yummy lean meat and you can buy them pre-marinated. This might take a little longer than 20 minutes to bake, but it will be loaded with flavor and will add some variety to your meal plan! Pair your pork with some of Green Giant ’s mashed cauliflower or veggie tots!
Healthy Italian?
We automatically think we have to cut out Italian night when we start our weight loss journey but don’t be drastic! You can make some healthy swaps and come out with a low calorie/low carb QUICK Italian meal for the win!
Try some frozen pre-cooked meatballs (we like Al Fresco or Butterball). Throw them in the crockpot on low for a few hours with some marinara sauce and the big part of your meal is done! Add in some prepped zucchini noodles (you can get these from the produce section) and you have reinvented Italian night while staying on track with your weight loss!
All of these healthy meal prep ideas for weight loss can make multiple meals, so pick 2 for the week and you have most of your meal prep done!
If you’re still unsure on how to get started with meal prep or which weight loss meals to make, check out how to meal prep with success and/or contact us and we can help!
