7 Healthy Make-Ahead Meals

We’ve said it before and we’re saying it again—meal prepping is one of the best ways to lose weight, stay on track and get ready for the week ahead. Taking a bit of time on Sunday to shop, cook and put your healthy make-ahead meals in fancy little containers you can take to the office will save you time (and sanity) on busy mornings. It will also inspire a sigh of relief when you come home from a long day and can’t even think about making dinner.

Need a little inspiration for what to cook up next? Keep scrolling for our favorite healthy make-ahead meals.

1. Breakfast Muffins

So many flavors, so little time. Recipes below!

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It's time to say goodbye to your basic typical breakfast meals ?? and start prepping these game changing egg muffins! ?? . Breakfast Egg Muffins with 9 different make ahead options for a healthy #lowcarb breakfast for the week ?? . DETAILS FOR BASE RECIPE: 10 large eggs 1 – 1 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, or to taste 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste Additional add-ins of choice . INSTRUCTIONS: . – Preheat oven to 400 F. – Line a 12 count muffin pan with silicone liners or coat with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside. – In a large 4 cup measuring cup or mixing bowl, crack in eggs and whisk together with salt and black pepper. Stir in add-ins of choice. – Divide evenly into muffin tins filling each about 2/3 full. – Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until set. . FULL PRINTABLE RECIPES FOR ALL 9 VARIATIONS ==> bit.ly/mp-eggmuffins-9ways . —————- ☑️ Save this post to make later. ☑️ Turn ON Post notifications. ☑️ Your turn! Tag #mealprepster or @mealprepster for a chance to get featured! ? via: @lifemadesweeter

A post shared by ?Meal Prep Plans & Ideas (@mealprepster) on Nov 12, 2018 at 11:01pm PST

2. Cilantro Lime Chicken

We have a serious relationship with our crockpot. Get this recipe (and 14 others!) on Happy Money Saver’s blog.

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Happy Sunday! I knew time ⏰ would get away from me today with it being Daylight Savings. So, this morning I threw this delicious Cilantro Lime Chicken ⁣into the crockpot and I can smell it cooking now ?. This recipe was part of a roundup I did called 15 actually easy freezer meals, and if you haven’t checked it out, you definitely should!! Click the link in my bio to be led to the webpage. ⠀ #daylightsavings #crockpotmeals #cilantrolimechicken #freezermeals #freezercooking #makeaheadmeals #makeahead #batchcooking #cooking #mealprep #mealprepping #mealplanning #prepday #freezer #freezerfood #freezerstash #freezerfriendly ⠀

A post shared by Karrie Truman (@happymoneysaver) on Mar 10, 2019 at 3:18pm PDT

3. Low Carb & Grain-Free Shepherd’s Pie

Switch this dish up by using beef, lamb, turkey or chicken sausage! Get the recipe here.

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One dish wonder ?⁣⠀ .⁣ Casseroles are easy make-ahead meals to get dinner on the table on busy nights! Just pop in the oven until it reaches bubbly hot deliciousness and serve! One of my favorites is a low-carb, grain-free spin on shepherd's pie!⁣⠀ .⁣ Did you know that shepherd's pie is actually made with lamb? If you use beef, you‘re enjoying "cottage pie." I use ground turkey so I don't even know what to call this recipe! ??‍♀️ We'll also be using mashed cauliflower in place of potatoes as a low-carb alternative. Not watching your carbs? Then use mashed potatoes or serve with dinner rolls!⁣⠀ .⁣ Klara and Kaitlin will be going live on Facebook and IG TV tomorrow at 11:30 am to whip up this tasty dish and chat about their favorite "one dish" meals! ⁣⠀

A post shared by Rebecca Bitzer and Associates (@rebel_dietitians) on Mar 18, 2019 at 2:16pm PDT

4. Chicken Fajita Bowls

Doesn’t get much easier (or yummier) than this. Quick recipe is in the caption below!

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#mealprepsunday ??? Here is a super easy and super delicious meal prep idea. Fajita bowls Season chicken, bell peppers and onions and put on a sheet. Cook at 375F for about 20 mins. Cook quinoa or rice to directions on the stove or in a rice cooker. Separate into containers and top with salsa and avocado ? So simple! Follow me for more meal prep ideas!! #mealprep #fajitabowls #foodie #lunchideas #makeaheadmeals #healthcoach #personaltrainer #healthyrecipes #recipes #healthiswealth

A post shared by Keanie Bedwell (@keaniebedwellfitness) on Mar 17, 2019 at 11:01am PDT

5. Mexican Chicken Stew

Something to warm you up during these last few cold weeks. Get the recipe here.

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Don't you love meals that have great leftovers too? Well, that's exactly the case with this easy, healthy and totally delicious Mexican chicken stew. It's ideal for busy weeknights. Full of veggies and with a chilli kick, it really is a recipe you won't regret making!⁣ ⁣ Recipe link in profile @Searchingforspice⁣ ⁣ #easydinnerideas #atmytable ⁣ #feedthefeed #foodhaven ⁣ #foodfiesta #eatingislife ⁣ #foodbloggersofinstagram ⁣ #yummly #foodtesting #foodposts #Britainsbesthomecook #whatscooking #weeknightdinner #quickandeasyfood #cookingfromscratch #yumyummy #simplerecipes #thecookfeed #deliciousdinner #scratchcooking #chickenrecipe #chickenrecipes #chickenlovers #chickenfordinner ⁣ #makeaheadmeals #cookonceeattwice #makeahead #leftoversfordays #leftoversforlunch #Mexicanrecipes

A post shared by Corina Blum (@searchingforspice) on Mar 15, 2019 at 7:00am PDT

6. Vegan Quinoa Salad

Vegan or not, you’ll love this light lunch. Get the recipe here.

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This Vegan Quinoa Salad is my FAVORITE make-ahead lunch! It keeps well in the fridge for days if you’re the type who can eat the same thing several days in a row. ?‍♀️ • What I love about this salad is you can chop the veggies and make the dressing while the quinoa cooks— making you ultra-efficient with your time. It’s all done in less than 30 minutes, and you can eat it for days! ?? • I use the @instantpotofficial to make the quinoa so it’s 100% hands-off, but I’ve included stove top directions for you in this recipe, since that’s how I’ve been making it for years prior to owning my pressure cooker. • And just because you may eat this several days in a row doesn’t mean you can’t change up the toppings to keep things interesting! I like to add Chickpeas sometimes for extra #plantbased protein, and other times I’ll add a sprinkle of feta for a non-vegan lunch. (Any protein can be added, really, just like any other salad!) • I hope you’ll give this recipe a shot soon, and make sure you have FRESH herbs on hand. They really take the flavor over the top! Head to my profile ? @detoxinista for a direct link to the recipe. • • https://detoxinista.com/quinoa-pasta-salad/ • #quinoarecipes #quinoasalad #quinoa #quinoabowl #makeaheadmeals #makeahead #veganmealprep #easymealprep #sundaymealprep #mealprepmonday #saladrecipe #packedlunchideas #plantbasedmeal #plantbasedrecipes #healthyrecipes #healthylunchideas #healthylunches #saladtogo #potluckfood #glutenfreerecipes #glutenfreelunch #glutenfreevegan #glutenfreemeals #detoxinista #dairyfreerecipes

A post shared by Megan Gilmore (@detoxinista) on Mar 4, 2019 at 4:48pm PST

7. Chicken & Cherry Tomatoes

Basic doesn’t necessarily mean boring. Get the recipe here.

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⁣ ?? Chicken and veg are Brava combo classics for a reason! With Brava combos, you can cook multiple things at the same time and we've created combos that fit whatever you're in the mood for. Find the full list of combos on our app or in the link in our bio. ⁣What's your go-to veg pairing with chicken? Let us know in the comments below! #bravalife⁣⁣ ⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ .⁣ #chicken #healthymeal #mealprep #healthydinner #onesheetmeal #chickendinner #protein #healthyeats #familydinner #easydinner #roastedchicken #chickenrecipe #weeknightmeals ⁣#traydinner ⁣#vegetables #veggie #veggies #paleo #countertopoven #infraredoven #smartoven #chickendinner #whole30 #marchmotivation #marchmeals #chickenrecipes #bokbok ⁣

A post shared by Brava (@bravahome) on Mar 1, 2019 at 5:01pm PST

Looking for more delicious make-ahead meals? Check out these 6 Meal Prep Recipes to Spice Up Your Week.

Featured photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

Melody Rose Rowan

Melody Rose Rowan is the CEO + hostess with the mostess at @CuteStays. When she isn’t blogging about style and interior design for her blog MustacheMelrose.com, Melody can be found renovating @MaxineTheAirstream with her husband, Scott, or playing with her two rescue dog-sons, Jake and Finn. Say hi at @mustachemelrose!