21 Easy Weight Loss Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes
21 Easy Weight Loss Dinners You Can Make in 20 Minutes
Introduction
Losing weight can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right recipes and a bit of planning, you can create delicious and healthy weight loss dinners in no time. In this article, we’ll share 21 easy weight loss dinners that can be made in just 20 minutes or less. These recipes are designed to be quick, easy, and nutritious, making them perfect for busy individuals who want to achieve their weight loss goals.
Dinner 1: Grilled Chicken with Farro & Roasted Cauliflower
Get ready to enjoy a tasty dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes or less of active time! This easy dish is perfect for busy weeknights since it comes together quickly. You can find farro in most grocery stores, near the rice. If you can’t find farro, you can use wheat berries or brown rice instead; cook according to package directions.
Dinner 2: Salmon Tacos with Pineapple Salsa
An easy-to-make slaw served on the side of these salmon tacos makes for a filling and fast weeknight dinner. If you prefer more heat in these fish tacos, simply add a pinch or two of chipotle chile powder or cayenne with the chili powder.
Dinner 3: Spaghetti & Spinach with Sun-Dried Tomato Cream Sauce
To achieve flavor quickly in this sun-dried tomato pasta recipe, we use the oil from sun-dried tomatoes to create the base of the cream sauce. Meanwhile, the residual heat of the pasta wilts the spinach in record time for a fast weeknight dinner.
Dinner 4: Pistachio-Crusted Halibut
A layer of pistachios combined with panko breadcrumbs on top of the halibut fillets provides a delicious crunch and a pop of vitamin B6, a nutrient important for blood sugar regulation. We like the firm texture and mild flavor of halibut, but cod, haddock or tilapia can be used in its place.
Dinner 5: Sloppy Joe-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes
Take sloppy Joes to a new level with tender sweet potatoes standing in for the bun. Sweet potatoes pair perfectly with the tangy, flavorful filling of ground beef, black beans and spices. Chopped dill pickle sprinkled on top adds crunch to this quick weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Dinner 6: High-Protein Greek Salad Omelet Wrap
Would you rather have a salad or a wrap for dinner? Wait, why not both! This protein-packed meal features Greek salad tucked into an egg-white wrap. It also makes for a delicious breakfast.
Dinner 7: Pan-Seared Steak with Crispy Herbs & Escarole
This easy dinner takes just 20 minutes to prepare, meaning that seared steak can be a weeknight meal. Cooking herbs in the pan with the steak releases their aroma, infusing it into the meat while creating a crispy garnish. After the steaks and herbs are pan-seared, the escarole is cooked in the same skillet, so this healthy dinner requires minimal cleanup too.
Dinner 8: Sweet & Sour Chicken with Broccoli
This easy chicken and broccoli recipe makes a delicious, healthier alternative to Chinese takeout–and it takes just 20 minutes to make, so it’s ideal for an easy weeknight dinner. When toasted, ramen noodles make a tasty, crunchy topping for a stir-fry or salad.
Dinner 9: Grilled Peach & Brie Smothered Chicken
This super-fast and healthy smothered chicken combines juicy sweet peaches with creamy brie for a delicious meal.
Dinner 10: Super Quick Low-Carb Shrimp Scampi
This low-calorie and low-carb shrimp scampi feels like a restaurant dish, but it is actually very easy to make. There is just enough buttery sauce to coat the shrimp.
Dinner 11: Creamy Spinach Pasta
This might be one of the creamiest light pasta dishes you’ve ever had! The mascarpone cheese adds a richness to the spinach pasta that’s unexpected—especially in a healthy pasta recipe.
Dinner 12: White Beans & Eggs with Pancetta & Fennel
Pancetta (cured pork belly) is similar in taste and texture to bacon (which is cured and smoked pork belly). You can find it near the bacon at many grocery stores.
Dinner 13: Sea Bass with Citrus Salsa
Dinner-party elegance in a 20-minute dish? It’s possible, when you start with great ingredients that require little embellishment. Here, we use sea bass, a tender, mild-flavored fish with a lovely buttery quality.
Conclusion
As you can see, losing weight doesn’t have to be complicated. With these 21 easy weight loss dinners that can be made in 20 minutes or less, you can create delicious and healthy meals that will help you achieve your weight loss goals. Remember to always choose whole foods and lean protein sources, and don’t be afraid to get creative with your recipes. Happy cooking!
FAQs
Q: Can I use different types of protein sources in these recipes?
A: Absolutely! Feel free to substitute chicken, beef, pork, or tofu for the protein sources listed in each recipe.
Q: How can I customize these recipes to suit my dietary needs?
A: Simply swap out ingredients that don’t fit your dietary needs. For example, if you’re gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta.
Q: Can I make these recipes ahead of time?
A: Some of these recipes can be made ahead of time, while others are best cooked fresh. Check the recipe instructions to see if it’s safe to make ahead.
Q: What are some other healthy cooking tips I can use in the kitchen?
A: Here are a few: use herbs and spices for flavor instead of salt and sugar, choose lean protein sources, and try to cook with whole foods instead of processed foods.
