Cooking Recipes 2021 That Can Help You Reach Your Weight-Loss Goals
If you’re trying to lose weight but you’re so overcooking, you’re in good company. While it’s true that people who eat home-prepared meals tend to eat fewer calories, it’s much easier to nuke a microwavable meal or pick up takeout, especially on busy weeknights.
There’s no shortage of healthy recipes that help support weight loss, but many require cooking, prepping, and spending way too much time in the kitchen. So, we’ve rounded up some options that require no cooking at all, from refreshing salads to tasty sandwiches to indulgent desserts. Keep reading for 15 recipes that will keep you satisfied — and on track with your goals — without having to turn on your oven or stovetop.
Mediterranean Cucumber Salad
This no-cook salad only takes 10 minutes to make and is loaded with tasty, nutrient-rich vegetables. Because veggies like cucumber contain a lot of water, it’s super-hydrating, too!
Strawberry Smoothie
If you have a blender, that’s all you need to whip up this nourishing smoothie. Strawberries are the star of this recipe — naturally sweet and low in calories, one serving of strawberries has less sugar than an apple and only half the calories of a banana, allowing this smoothie to taste sweet without added sugars.
Vegan Hummus Avocado Sandwich
Skipping the meat in this sandwich allows for a light and satisfying meal that’s packed with vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber to help you feel satisfied all day long. Pair it with a piece of fruit for a well-balanced lunch.
Turkey Egg Roll Salad
This satisfying salad is perfect for busy weeknights. Toss everything together in no time, and enjoy the combination of protein, veggies, and homemade dressing that’s just as good as takeout!
Jicama, Black Bean, and Corn Salsa
Beans are a natural source of both protein and fiber: two nutrients that can help you feel fuller longer and, in turn, lose weight. Enjoy this salsa with some whole-grain crackers for a filling snack.
Healthy Peanut Butter No-Bake Cookies
Who says you can’t have cookies when you’re trying to lose weight? These no-bake peanut butter cookies take little effort to make and use smart ingredient swaps to make them fit into a healthy diet.
Healthy, Mediterranean-Style Chicken Salad
This chicken salad recipe combines pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and a slew of nutritious ingredients to create a lightened-up version of the classic dish you know and love.
Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are the perfect solution for busy mornings when you don’t have the time, energy, or desire to cook. Just let your oats soak in the fridge overnight for a healthy breakfast that will keep you full until lunch.
Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
You don’t have to dirty up a bunch of pots and pans to make your own sauce. Puree the ingredients for this recipe in a food processor, and in a matter of minutes, you’ll have a nutrient-dense sauce to enjoy over your chickpea or lentil pasta.
Three Bean Salad
If you already have steamed green beans leftover from dinnertime, put them to good use by whipping up this salad. The combination of three beans will fuel your body with nutrients that help support weight loss, without costing you a fortune.
Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
When your sweet tooth strikes, this chocolate chia seed pudding is extra-rich to cut even the fiercest craving. And because this recipe is made in individual servings, you minimize the risk of overindulging.
Smoked Salmon Crostini
Top crostini with smoked salmon for an elegant yet simple dish that will help you get your fill of omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.
Mediterranean Tomato Salad
Fresh and simple salads like this tomato-first dish are packed with antioxidants, fiber, and other key nutrients that help support your goals.
Extra Creamy Avocado Hummus
Don’t shy away from healthy fats when you’re trying to lose weight. Fats found in foods like avocado can actually help you feel more satisfied. Opt for this no-cook dip if you need something creamy to dip your veggies in.
Greek Yogurt Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is a classic no-cook dish, and this recipe — made with protein-rich Greek yogurt — is much healthier than any version containing mayonnaise.
