These Quick and Healthy Recipes Make Losing Weight So Much Easier

When you're trying to lose weight, your meals need to be healthy, flavorful, and fast. If you've grown tired of the foods that are currently in your rotation, these quick and easy recipes will be a welcome change. Yes, you'll find staples like chicken, soup, and salad, but these low-cal meals are anything but boring. We're talking Asian stir-fry, a tzatziki-topped Greek chicken bowl, versatile turkey meatballs, and so much more.

What's (almost) as amazing as how delicious these recipes are is how quickly they can be prepared. Most can be prepped and cooked in under 30 minutes! Keep reading to find your new staples.

01
Cashew Shrimp Lettuce Wraps
Cookin' Canuck

Cashew Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Shrimp cooks in a flash, and two of these tasty wraps clock in under 170 calories. You'll love the Asian-inspired sauce and crunchy cashews on top.

Get the recipe: cashew shrimp lettuce wraps

02
Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry
Well Plated

Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry

Because stir-fries are cooked over high heat in a wok or large sauté pan, they make some of the fastest meals. Serve this blend of chicken, tender veggies, and teriyaki sauce over brown rice or cauliflower rice.

Get the recipe: teriyaki chicken stir-fry

03
Baked Turkey Meatballs
Well Plated

Baked Turkey Meatballs

These perfect meatballs are made with Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and low-fat ground turkey. While they're baking, cook up some whole-wheat pasta or veggie noodles to make it a meal.

Get the recipe: baked turkey meatballs

04
Ultimate Veggie Sandwich
M Loves M

Ultimate Veggie Sandwich

If you need some healthy new ideas for Meatless Monday, get inspired by this veggie sandwich. It's packed with cheese, colorful veggies, and a tangy honey mustard dressing for a meal that's as healthy as it is easy to make.

Get the recipe: ultimate veggie sandwich

05
Chili Lime Salmon With Mango Avocado Salsa
Averie Cooks

Chili Lime Salmon With Mango Avocado Salsa

Most of us could probably stand to eat a little more seafood (gotta get those healthy fats), so start with this spicy, mango-topped salmon. You can put together the mango avocado salsa while the salmon cooks under the broiler.

Get the recipe: chili lime salmon with mango avocado salsa

06
Greek Chicken Bowls
Show Me the Yummy

Greek Chicken Bowls

Quinoa has more protein than other whole grains, which can help you feel satisfied between meals. When it's topped with seasoned chicken, a tomato cucumber salad, and zingy tzatziki sauce, it may become your new go-to grain.

Get the recipe: Greek chicken bowls

07
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Pudding
40 Aprons

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chia Pudding

Some may call this lightly sweetened peanut butter chocolate concoction a dessert, but we call it breakfast or lunch. It does need to chill in the fridge for at least four hours, but stirring the six simple ingredients together takes minutes.

Get the recipe: peanut butter chocolate chia pudding

08
Greek Orzo Salad
Show Me the Yummy

Greek Orzo Salad

This vegetarian, grain-based salad is packed with healthy ingredients: feta and chickpeas for protein, olives and Greek dressing for a dose of healthy fats, and assorted veggies for a variety of vitamins and minerals. Oh, and it takes only 20 minutes to make.

Get the recipe Greek orzo salad

09
Green Smoothie
Cooking Classy

Green Smoothie

What better way to start the day than with a fresh green smoothie? This version includes whole-grain oats, a good source of fiber that can help keep hunger at bay.

Get the recipe: green smoothie recipe

10
Chicken Fajita Skillet
Creme de la Crumb

Chicken Fajita Skillet

There are so many things to love about this meal! It takes only 30 minutes to make, everything cooks in one pan, and you can customize the toppings to suit your taste. We suggest mashed avocado, fresh pico de gallo, and a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

Get the recipe: chicken fajitas skillet

11
Tortilla-Less Soup
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Tortilla-Less Soup

Soup is a dinnertime mainstay because it's satisfying without adding a bunch of calories. This version has all the flavor (and heat!) of a traditional tortilla soup, minus the extra carbs.

Get the recipe: tortilla-less soup

12
Chicken Wonton Stir-Fry
Cookin' Canuk

Chicken Wonton Stir-Fry

Store-bought chicken wontons are the secret to getting this flavorful meal on the table in just 30 minutes. Making your own stir-fry sauce — which can be done while the wontons and veggies heat up — means you have control over the calories and sugar content.

Get the recipe: chicken wonton stir-fry

13
Paleo Meatloaf Muffins
POPSUGAR Photography | Lizzie Fuhr

Paleo Meatloaf Muffins

This isn't your mom's meatloaf! These mini loaves are packed with protein and a few hidden veggies. Serve over wilted spinach or with roasted veggies.

Get the recipe: Paleo meatloaf muffins