Every few months, the internet reminds us of a new health concept. have It’s worth a try. In the past, trends like colostrum, powdered green tea, and prioritizing gut health have come and gone. Now, protein is rapidly climbing the ranks to become the hottest health trend. If you scroll through social media, you’ll notice protein being constantly highlighted – its health benefits, daily intake recommendations, protein hacks, and high-protein snack recipes (by the way, if you’re still wondering what protein is, check out this article). actually We’ve got you covered: what happens when you eat enough protein? The internet works its magic, and I, like any other chronic scroller, became obsessed with protein and am now trying to up my intake.
But for those quick meals you need on busy weeknights, the boxed mac and cheese in your pantry (completely devoid of protein) can make you want to give up on your protein dreams. Convenience can turn even the most well-intentioned goals into casualties of social media health trends, sending you straight to the grave after giving up coffee (we all knew that habit wouldn’t last) and jumping into the air conditioning (everyone who tried it once and never did it again, or is it just me?). Luckily, there’s a solution that allows you to enjoy quick and easy protein-packed dinners all week long: high-protein meal prep. Another trend you’ve probably seen online, meal prep is the ultimate hack for fitting health goals into your busy life. Below, we’ve rounded up the best high-protein meal prep recipes that are a lot more exciting than basic chicken and veggies.
If you’re in a hurry and want to whip up a healthy, filling meal, try chicken stir fry. All you need is some chicken, veggies, and a sweet and spicy sauce. This delicious meal can be ready in just 30 minutes.
The Mediterranean diet is all the rage these days, and with this Chicken Shawarma Wrap recipe, it’s easy to see why. In my opinion, pita bread wrapped around anything is amazingly tasty, but spiced chickpeas, hummus, spicy zoog and fresh veggies are on another level.
If you always order takeout sushi for dinner when you just don’t feel like cooking, try this meal prep crispy roll bowl recipe. With only 30 minutes of prep time, this high-protein dinner is ready in less time than delivery. If you make it in advance, wait until right before serving to add the cucumber, jalapeno, spicy mayonnaise, and fried onion so everything stays crispy.
Greek meatballs are a great protein source to have on hand because they’re so versatile: served in a bowl like in this recipe, wrapped in plastic wrap, or tossed into a Mediterranean pasta dish, they’re an easy (and gluten-free) way to add protein to your meals throughout the week.
Meat isn’t a must for a high-protein recipe: This vegetarian stuffed sweet potato recipe uses black beans instead of meat and boasts 20 grams of protein per serving. To meal prep, roast the sweet potatoes up to 5 days ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Greek Chickpea Salad is such a classic favorite that it’s got a star in the meal prep hall of fame. It couldn’t be easier to make, and the salad will continue to soak up flavors all week, making it even better in the fridge.
Stuffed peppers are the perfect warming, filling meal at the end of a long day. Plus, the Italian sausage in this recipe is packed with protein to help you meet your daily intake goals. These stuffed peppers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and easily reheated in the microwave or oven.
Sometimes there’s nothing quite like a simple yet flavorful salmon dinner, and this Sheet Pan Honey Lemon Salmon is just that. Served with broccolini and rice, it’s a healthy, delicious, high-protein meal.
Once you try these mouthwatering sweet and spicy glazed meatballs, you’ll want to make them again and again. If the spiciness of this recipe bothers you, just cut the amount of Sriracha sauce in half (or even less if you’re not a fan of spicy food like me).
Chickpea and quinoa bowls are packed with protein, perfect for meal prep, and super quick to make – topped off with a drizzle of lemony tahini dressing.
These high protein meal prep salad jars are perfect for on-the-go lunches. Whether you’re taking them to the office or a weekend picnic in the park, they’re neatly packaged and ready to eat. Pro tip: pouring the dressing in first keeps the rest of the ingredients from getting watered down.
This vegan Power Protein Salad packs in a whopping 30 grams of protein per serving. The combination of quinoa, kidney beans, chickpeas and edamame will give your body the protein it needs to get through the day.
There’s nothing more romantic on a rainy day or when you’re sick than a steaming bowl of chili, and this recipe, packed with lean ground turkey, beans, and corn, has enough protein to keep you full and satisfied for hours.
These Crispy Chicken Carnitas are a great fridge staple that can be incorporated into a variety of recipes throughout the week. Make them into tacos or burritos, add them to a bowl, or mix them into your morning scrambled eggs. Made in the pressure cooker, they only take 40 minutes to prep and will provide you with plenty of protein for the rest of the week.
Shrimp tacos are the perfect weeknight lunch or dinner, and with this bowl you won’t have to worry about leftovers being ruined by soggy tortillas. It’s a light, healthy meal with plenty of protein.
Who doesn’t love a Tex-Mex chicken and rice bowl? This flavorful twist on the classic chicken and rice meal is sure to get you hooked. Reheat ingredients on the stove or pour a tablespoon of water on top to prevent drying out before heating in the microwave.
This recipe uses chicken, sweet potato, broccoli, avocado, and seasonings to create a delicious, nutritious bowl that takes just 45 minutes to prep and will give you enough protein-packed dinners for the week.
With breakfast prepped, you don’t have to choose between getting to work on time and enjoying the most important meal of the day. Overnight oatmeal is a great way to start your morning off right with a protein boost, and you can customize the toppings to create the breakfast of your dreams.
One-pan meal prep recipes are the best because they mean you don’t have to deal with dishes piling up in your sink all week, and this sheet pan recipe makes a balanced dinner with Italian sausage, zucchini, carrots, red peppers, potatoes, and broccoli.
If you’re like me and always buy Egg Bites whenever you go to Starbucks, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to make them at home. It only takes 30 minutes to make 12 servings of Egg Bites, a delicious way to start your mornings off right all week.
