Do you struggle to find the time to cook nutritious dishes that keep you fueled throughout the day? If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.
Many people find it challenging to maintain a balanced diet while juggling work, family, and other commitments.
But what if there was a solution that could save you time and stress while still providing delicious, protein-packed meals?
That’s where high-protein meal prepping comes in. By preparing your meals in advance, you can ensure that you always have healthy options on hand, even on your busiest days.
And with the right recipes, meal prepping can be easy, affordable, and even fun.
Get ready to simplify your meal planning and boost your protein intake with these 25 high-protein meal prep recipes.
Table of Contents
- What Proteins Are Good for Meal Prep?
- Benefits of High Protein Meal Prep
- How much protein Do You Need In A Day?
- 25 High Protein Meal Prep Recipes
- 1. Chicken Burrito Bowls
- 2. Salmon Patties with Coleslaw Meal-Prep Bowls
- 3. Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga Bowls
- 4. Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce
- 5. Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box
- 6. Greek Lamb Meatballs Bowls (Gluten-Free)
- 7. Protein Salad
- 8. Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice
- 9. Japanese Bento Box
- 10. Instant Pot Carnitas Meal Prep Bowls
- 11. Vegetarian Bento Box
- 12. Greek Chicken Salad Bowls
- 13. Salmon Poke Bowl
- 14. Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry
- 15. Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
- 16. Easy Hummus Bowl
- 17. Spicy Chipotle Turkey Burritos
- 18. Healthy Turkey Chili
- 19. Honey Garlic Salmon Lo Mein
- 20. Meal Prep Chicken and Rice (20 Minutes)
- 21. Sheet Pan Sesame Chicken and Veggies
- 22. Lentil Greek Salad With Dill Sauce
- 23. Easy Sweet Potato Hash
- 24. Healthy Turkey Taco Skillet with Rice
- 25. Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
- Conclusion
What Proteins Are Good for Meal Prep?
When selecting proteins for your meal prep, opt for lean and versatile options that can be easily incorporated into various recipes.
Some excellent protein sources include chicken, turkey, lean beef, seafood, tofu, tempeh, lentils, quinoa, beans, edamame, Greek yogurt, and cottage cheese.
These protein-packed ingredients not only provide essential nutrients but also offer a range of flavors and textures to keep your meals interesting and satisfying.
To ensure your meal prep remains fresh and safe to consume, it’s crucial to consider the storage and longevity of your chosen proteins.
Most meal prep recipes can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, while freezing is recommended for longer storage, lasting up to 6 months.
By choosing the right proteins and following proper storage guidelines, you can create delicious, high-protein meals that support your health and fitness goals.
Benefits of High Protein Meal Prep
Meal prepping with high-protein foods gives you more energy throughout the day.
Proteins help rebuild muscles and keep your body strong. This is great if you work out often or need to stay active.
Muscle recovery diets with protein-rich meal preparation can also reduce soreness after exercise. Eating these meals keeps you full longer, so you’re less likely to snack on unhealthy food.
Prepping your meals saves time during busy weeks. It helps cut down food waste since you use only what you need.
You control ingredients in every dish, which means fewer added sugars and unhealthy fats.
Portion size management becomes easier too, keeping calories balanced. With energy-boosting meal prep, you’ll feel ready for anything!
How much protein Do You Need In A Day?
After learning about the benefits of high-protein meal prep, you might be wondering how much protein you actually need each day.
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight or 0.36 grams per pound.
This means that a sedentary 50-year-old woman weighing 140 pounds needs approximately 53 grams of protein daily.
However, your protein requirements may vary depending on factors such as age, activity level, and pregnancy. Pregnant women require 75 to 100 grams of protein daily to support fetal development.
If you lead an active lifestyle or engage in regular exercise, you may need 1.2 to 2.0 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to support muscle recovery and growth.
To determine your specific protein needs, consider consulting with a registered dietitian or healthcare professional.
25 High Protein Meal Prep Recipes
1. Chicken Burrito Bowls
Source: chelseasmessyapron.com
2. Salmon Patties with Coleslaw Meal-Prep Bowls
Source: primaverakitchen.com
3. Sheet Pan Chicken Tinga Bowls
Source: pinchofyum.com
4. Chopped Rainbow Salad Bowls with Peanut Sauce
Source: eatingwell.com
5. Chicken Teriyaki Bento Box
Source: gatheringdreams.com
6. Greek Lamb Meatballs Bowls (Gluten-Free)
Source: eatthegains.com
7. Protein Salad
Source: gatheringdreams.com
8. Buffalo Chicken Bowls with Cauliflower Garlic Rice
Source: pinchofyum.com
9. Japanese Bento Box
Source: gatheringdreams.com
10. Instant Pot Carnitas Meal Prep Bowls
Source: primaverakitchen.com
11. Vegetarian Bento Box
Source: gatheringdreams.com
12. Greek Chicken Salad Bowls
Source: primaverakitchen.com
13. Salmon Poke Bowl
Source: gatheringdreams.com
14. Easy Vegan Chickpea Curry
Source: gatheringdreams.com
15. Ground Beef Zucchini Sweet Potato Skillet
Source: primaverakitchen.com
16. Easy Hummus Bowl
Source: gatheringdreams.com
17. Spicy Chipotle Turkey Burritos
Source: pinchofyum.com
18. Healthy Turkey Chili
Source: ambitiouskitchen.com
19. Honey Garlic Salmon Lo Mein
Source: iamafoodblog.com
20. Meal Prep Chicken and Rice (20 Minutes)
Source: budgetdelicious.com
21. Sheet Pan Sesame Chicken and Veggies
Source: eatyourselfskinny.com
22. Lentil Greek Salad With Dill Sauce
Source: pinchofyum.com
23. Easy Sweet Potato Hash
Source: thegirlonbloor.com
24. Healthy Turkey Taco Skillet with Rice
Source: eatthegains.com
25. Healthy Chicken and Broccoli Stir Fry
Source: eatthegains.com
Conclusion
Meal prepping is an excellent way to ensure you’re eating healthy, high-protein meals throughout the week.
With these easy and delicious recipes, you can take the guesswork out of meal planning and enjoy nutritious dishes that support your health goals.
Give these high-protein meal prep ideas a try, and experience the benefits of having ready-to-eat, wholesome meals at your fingertips.