22 Meals to Help You Lose Weight

Good weight loss meals don’t have to be boring! We often think of diet meals as tasteless and something to be tolerated or endured, but that doesn’t have to be the case.

What are good meals for weight loss all about?

In order to be fully invested in a change of eating and lifestyle, you have to be able to enjoy your food.

After all, isn’t that the reason you are on a weight loss program, to begin with? Where many programs fail is they don’t indulge our love of flavor and tasty food.

What meal is good for weight loss?

The best weight loss meals to keep you on track are full of flavor, texture, and variety.

From Instapot Chicken to a healthy Buffalo Chicken Casserole, we’ve got 22 of the best weight loss meals gathered here for you in one place.

Delicious meals will help motivate you to enjoy cooking and will keep you on track with your program. Your weight loss journey doesn’t have to be bland ever again.

1. Cabbage Soup Diet Recipe

This is a hearty vegetable soup that features V8 or tomato juice and hearty beef broth as the base.

This recipe can be put together and simmered either in a pot or slow cooker, and will make enough to last for several days. A dry onion soup base is the secret ingredient.

This is a basic soup and you can add your favorite vegetables or substitute for others you may not enjoy.

Make this soup vegan-friendly by substituting vegetable broth for beef. Reduce the calories in this recipe by omitting the V8 or whole tomatoes, which are high in sugar.

Season this recipe to taste, and you will have a delicious Cabbage Soup that will satisfy you.

2. Weight Loss Vegetable Soup

The best ingredients in healthy weight loss meals are fresh.

This vegetable soup recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and full of the flavors you crave. It’s easy to put together and ready in 30 minutes.

This recipe makes ten servings, enough to feed the entire family with some leftovers for more healthy meals.

The base is low-sodium vegetable stock into which aromatic herbs are added and a splash of lemon juice will brighten the flavors.

For additional protein options, you can add a can of cannellini or kidney beans (low sodium are recommended) to the simmer. This one’s a winner!

3. One Pan Honey Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Asparagus

If you’re searching for healthy dinner recipes to lose weight, look no further.

This one-pan shrimp dish tastes luxuriously decadent but is really a healthy and fresh-tasting low-cal recipe.

The honey lemon glaze perfectly complements the seafood flavor of the shrimp. Add some smoked paprika and a splash of soy sauce to give your recipe even more layers of deliciousness.

Fresh asparagus is the perfect vegetable to pair with shrimp. Quick and easy to prepare, you can’t go wrong with this one-pan wonder!

4. WW Easy Hamburger Goulash w/ SmartPoints

For those of you on the WW program, here’s one of the best, easy ideas for pure comfort food.

Start with lean, seasoned ground beef and add onions, diced tomato, and bell pepper with some elbow or shell pasta to mix up a quick and simple meal that the whole family will love. Tomato soup is the secret ingredient.

You can make this dish even healthier by substituting veggie or whole-grain pasta for a low-calorie dish that feels like home.

5. Low-Calorie Turkey Chili

This hearty Turkey Chili recipe is a wonderful cold-weather meal. It’s a low-calorie, easy-to-prepare healthy meal for weight loss recipe.

This guilt-free dish features seasoned ground turkey and chili spice seasonings for a down-home chili taste without the calories. Tip: Puree your whole peeled tomatoes for best results.

The secret ingredient to this recipe is fresh salsa. This addition gives the dish another layer of a spicy kick that will keep them coming back for more.

This Turkey Chili recipe makes 12 servings and keeps well in the freezer for several months.

6. Chicken and Asparagus Lemon Stir-Fry

Stir-fry dishes are great meals for weight loss and the beauty of them is that you can turn just about any ingredients into a healthy stir-fry.

This Chicken and Asparagus Lemon Stir-fry is a perfect example. Start with skinless chicken and build your layers of flavor with ginger, garlic, and soy or shou sauce. Lemon juice brightens the flavors even further.

This is a quick and easy dish to prepare and one that you’ll want to make over and over again. We recommend low-sodium chicken broth for a healthier recipe.

7. One Pot Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

This is one of our favorite recipes to lose weight. The One Pot Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is a stir-fry to love and make often.

Change up the vegetable choices and seasoning flavor palette and you’ve got a healthy, low-carb meal you can keep in endless rotation on your menu list.

Add some chili flake or smoked paprika for added depth of flavor and a little kick of spice. The possibilities are endless.

8. WW Egg Salad

This easy egg salad works on the WW program and beyond. Low-fat or fat-free mayonnaise is the key to making this delicious Egg Salad guilt-free and low-calorie.

It’s one of our favorite healthy recipes to lose weight. Serve on low-carb bread or a bed of lettuce for a healthy meal.

Eggs are a great source of protein and are recommended on most weight loss programs.The addition of spring onions and paprika give this egg salad recipe great flavor and a little added crunch.

9. Weight Loss Turkey Vegetable Soup

This is another take on the famous Cabbage Diet Soup. This one adds ground turkey for an added layer of flavor.

The result is a hearty soup packed with healthy, low-calorie vegetables, in addition to the aforementioned cabbage.

Garnish with skim milk cheese and parsley for a colorful and beautiful presentation. Use turkey or chicken stock as your base.

We recommend low sodium broth for the healthiest option. Make this recipe by the pot and freeze in individual portions for up to three months, for access to a quick and easy meal anytime.

10. Healthy Air Fryer Mustard Salmon

This Air Fryer Mustard Salmon recipe is low cal, low carb, gluten-free, and guilt-free as well.

Make it in 10 minutes in your air fryer, and pair it with your favorite salad, fresh vegetable, or side for a delicious meal you don’t have to think too hard about.

Salmon is chock-full of protein and nutrients, and this easy mustard glaze will taste like you spent hours rather than minutes putting it all together.

Remember to put parchment paper down to prevent your fish from sticking in the air fryer, and avoid over-cooking your salmon for best results.

11. Skinny Chicken and Avocado Caesar Salad

One of the reasons that traditional Caesar salads are so delicious is that they’re full of fat!

If you’re looking for alternatives to this, we’ve got one you’re going to love.

This Skinny Chicken and Avocado Caesar Salad has all of the flavor and about half the fat of the traditional Caesar.

The dressing uses Greek yogurt, and the addition of bacon and chicken breast meat along with the avocado will make this a sure-fire family favorite.

Not a fan of anchovies? No problem! Substitute olives or omit that flavor layer altogether for a great-tasting skinny salad.

12. Spinach Stuffed Chicken Breasts

I don’t know about you, but I’m always looking for weight loss-friendly recipes that don’t taste like diet food.

This Spinach Stuffed Chicken is a perfect example. This recipe is quick and easy, low cal, and Keto-friendly.

The presentation is so lovely and pleasing to the eye and to the taste that you won’t be afraid to serve this to family or guests. This dish is ready in a mere 35 minutes. I predict it will soon be a go-to recipe once you give it a try!

13. Air Fryer Skinny Bang Bang Shrimp

This recipe for sweet and spicy grilled shrimp will have your family requesting it on the regular.

You can either grill your shrimp on wooden skewers on the BBQ or in foil packets in the oven. Use the air frying for quick results, but be sure not to add the sauce until after the shrimp is grilled in the air fryer.

The secret ingredient here is the sriracha sauce. Even if you’re not a fan, do not leave out this ingredient. It’s the basis for the great taste of the “Bang Bang” sauce.

Serve on a bed of greens for the healthiest option.

14. Healthy Buffalo Chicken Casserole

This Healthy Buffalo Chicken Casserole has everything you need for a weight loss recipe that feels like down-home comfort food.

Riced cauliflower is a healthy alternative and produces a low-carb, low-calorie, and Keto-friendly option.

Start with shredded chicken and build this casserole with a few more vegetables and add the sauce.

If you’re not a fan of Buffalo sauce, you can use any chili or hot sauce you desire or simply reduce the amount of sauce, and substitute broth. Tip: For a thicker sauce, use low-fat mayo and yogurt to thicken. Bake and enjoy!

15. Southwestern Shrimp and Black Bean Salad

This is a great weight loss recipe for those of you who like southwestern spices, and who doesn’t?

Start with cooked shrimp and brown rice. Add black beans, corn, green onion, and tomato. Cilantro and lime add the final flavor layer to complete the recipe. This is a great side salad or main course for lunch.

Substitute riced cauliflower for an extra healthy option. This recipe is so quick and easy that you’ll want to keep ingredients on hand just in case.

This dish never fails to please and can even be made ahead of time. I think it’s even better when the flavors have time to blend together before serving.

16. Healthy Mac and Cheese

Is there such a thing as a healthy Mac and Cheese recipe? Yes, there is.

This recipe is rich and cheesy just like your favorite traditional Mac and Cheese with far less fat and calories. You can use a butter substitute and vegan cheese to make this a vegan-friendly recipe.

The use of gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs will transform this dish into a gluten-free option as well. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how much this Healthy Mac & Cheese recipe will please!

17. One Pan Chicken and Veggies

The hardest thing about this recipe is waiting for it to cook. Easy and quick to prepare, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Start with skinless chicken breasts cut into small pieces, then add your chopped veggies all on one large sheet pan.

Mix up some seasoned oil and pour over, then coat it all and bake. It’s simple, Keto-friendly, and an easy and delicious low-carb option for a weight loss meal.

Tip: Cut your chicken pieces into 2-inch squares so that they won’t dry out in the oven before the vegetables finish cooking.

18. Healthy Tuna Salad

This Healthy Tuna Salad is great in a sandwich, or in a lettuce wrap for a healthier option.

You can even serve on a bed of greens as a side salad.

Low-fat mayonnaise and Greek yogurt are the keys to making this a Healthy Tuna Salad that you can enjoy as a part of your weight loss program. Add a chopped hard-boiled egg for added protein.

Chop purple onion, dill pickles or relish for added crunch or substitute mayo for mashed avocado for a fun alternative to the recipe.

19. The Ultimate Low Carb Nachos

This chip-free Nacho recipe uses mini peppers instead of tortillas for a fun and colorful healthy option.

These low-carb Nachos are a hit on game day and at parties where you need better weight loss options.

The substitution of mini-pepper halves for chips eliminates so many carbs and calories that you can pile on the other toppings without feeling guilty. Loaded Nachos are always a favorite in my home, and I’m sure they will be in yours as well.

20. Tomato Cucumber Avocado Salad

This Mediterranean- inspired salad looks colorful and beautiful and tastes absolutely amazing.

Homemade Basil Pesto substitutes for the salad dressing, giving the fresh taste of the vegetables and avocado an extra delicious layer of flavor.

Finish the salad with lemon juice and salt and pepper for a delightful dish that will brighten your table any time of the year and keep you on your path to weight loss and good health.

Tip: Use yellow and red grape tomatoes to add more color to the mix.

21. Low-Calorie Lentil Soup

This recipe is a great one for those chilly days when you just want a pot of something warm and comforting on the stovetop.

This vegan-friendly recipe will please even the omnivores at your table. It’s low-calorie and full of flavor.

Start with low-sodium vegetable stock and add Italian spices to your red lentils, along with other hearty vegetables for a nutrient-rich, protein-packed healthy soup dish that your family will love.

22. Avocado Chicken Wrap

This Avocado Chicken Wrap is a great weight loss meal. Full of protein and nutrients, it has few ingredients, and each one is a keeper.

Start with lean chicken, make your yogurt sauce, add avocado, purple onion, and romaine lettuce.

A squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness, and you’re ready to wrap! Use a low-carb wrap, or substitute lettuce or cauliflower wraps for a healthier weight loss option.

This recipe is a perfect summertime lunch choice and is easily portable for meals on the go.