24 Healthy Lunch Recipes For Weight Loss (2024)

Make choosing a healthy lunch a snap with these 24 healthy lunch recipes for weight loss!

24 Healthy Lunch Recipes For Weight Loss (1)

I don’t know about you, but I think that one of the hardest things about weight loss is coming up with delicious, healthy lunches for the entire week. However, we all know how important meal planning is, especially when we want to stay on the straight and narrow and come up with healthy lunch recipes for weight loss.

Without a plan, it’s too easy to give in to temptation. Before you settle for that fast-food drive-thru, check out these 24 healthy lunch recipes for weight loss that will do more than just satisfy your hunger. Be sure to jot down your top favorites that you can try ASAP!

1. Clean Eating Chicken Salad

Chicken salad is a classic that so many of us love! If you’re looking for a protein-packed lunch (that holds the unnecessary fats), then this is definitely the right choice for you.

The hearty mixture of chicken, yogurt, and grapes, packed into a whole-wheat pita is just what you need to curb your hunger and cut back on those carbs.

Try the recipe: Chicken Salad

2. Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

If you’re looking for one of the richest and most filling healthy lunch recipes for weight loss, then you have to try this vegetarian tortilla soup! It’s loaded with bold flavors and has a creamy texture that hits all the right spots.

Even if you don’t follow a strict vegetarian diet, eating meatless meals a few times a week can increase your energy. Plus, packing your meal full of veggies is a great way to get those valuable nutrients that your body needs to thrive.

Try the recipe: Vegetarian Tortilla Soup

3. Lite Tuna Melt Wrap

This lite tuna melt wrap is easy to throw together, but yields delicious results! Go for yogurt instead of mayo to avoid some of those unnecessary calories. Toss in some cheese, and of course the tuna, and put it all in a whole-wheat wrap. It’s a tasty meal with absolutely zero guilt!

It also happens to be packed with a ton of protein (30 grams, to be exact!), and you can even customize it a bit with your favorite peppers or pickles for a little crunch and burst of flavor.

Try the recipe: Lite Tuna Melt Wrap

4. Tomato, Hummus, and Spinach Sandwich

Some of the healthiest lunches are the ones that have simple ingredients. Tomato, hummus, and spinach are all you need to create one of the most delicious sandwiches you’ll ever eat! It’s quick to put together so you can even whip it together when you’re strapped for time.

Choose your favorite hummus and make sure you pick the juiciest tomato that your local grocer has to offer. Pile it all on a couple of slices of multigrain bread, and you have yourself a healthy and satisfying lunch.

Try the recipe: Tomato, Hummus, and Spinach Sandwich

5. Zucchini-Bell Pepper Pizza

Never settle for delivery again! This zucchini-bell pepper pizza is loaded with nutritious veggies and has a ton of nutrients that will give your body the fuel it needs to give it your all during your next workout. It may taste like a cheat day, but this pizza recipe is actually healthy!

Try the recipe: Zucchini-Bell Pepper Pizza

6. Skinny Cheeseburger Boats

Do you ever find yourself craving the deliciousness of a cheeseburger? Don’t feel like you have to cheat on your diet to get all that ooey-gooey cheese and fantastic flavor.

Rely on this healthy recipe to put the kibosh on those cravings. Load a hollow pepper with this incredible beef concoction and top it with condiments of your choice. Can you say YUM?

Try the recipe: Skinny Cheeseburger Boats

7. Slow Cooker Minestrone

Slow Cooker Minestrone is the perfect lunch when you want something that’s more of a comfort food. You’ll adore all the delicious flavor and the ease of whipping up this soup in your very own kitchen. It is a healthy lunch recipe for weight loss that can be enjoyed throughout the week.

Try the recipe: Slow Cooker Minestrone

8. Clean-Eating Cobb Salad

Cobb salads just don’t seem to get the recognition they deserve! Fresh, crisp veggies, chicken, and eggs make this meal the ultimate healthy choice. Plus, you can throw it together in a snap!

This is the type of lunch that you feel better almost immediately after eating because it’s not too heavy, but it is loaded with many nutrients. This is also a great option if you prefer to meal prep for the entire week.

Try the recipe: Clean-Eating Cobb Salad

9. Fusion Lunch Burrito

If you can’t decide between a burrito or a delicious Asian salad, then you will absolutely love the combination of flavors found in this fusion lunch burrito recipe.

This incredible burrito has everything you love about a spring roll, but this recipe transforms the traditional appetizer into a flavorful main course. You will LOVE the dipping sauce.

Try the recipe: Fusion Lunch Burrito

10. Barbecue Chicken and Avocado Quesadilla

24 Healthy Lunch Recipes For Weight Loss (11)

Quesadilla, anyone? Barbecue chicken and avocado come together to create the perfect lunch! While you may have assumed this dish wasn’t an option anymore since you decided to take back your health, you’ll be excited to learn that this meal meets the criteria to be classified as a lunch for weight loss. Check out that zingy flavor!

Try the recipe: Barbecue Chicken and Avocado Quesadilla

11. Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteaks

Toss out the bread to enjoy this low-carb option that includes juicy steak and melted cheese. You won’t believe just how tasty this basic concoction is! Even if you don’t follow a low-carb diet, you’ll appreciate the goodness that this healthy lunch recipe has to offer.

Try the recipe: Low-Carb Philly Cheesesteaks

12. Asian Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli

24 Healthy Lunch Recipes For Weight Loss (13)

Tempted to go for takeout? Don’t give in to those unhealthy food cravings! Instead, take a bite out of this delicious recipe that is better than anything you’ll find on a menu. This recipe proves that healthy lunch recipes for weight loss can be economical and scrumptious.

Try the recipe: Asian Quick and Easy Beef and Broccoli

13. 5-Ingredient Spinach and Pasta Alfredo

Don’t assume that you have to have a ton of complex ingredients to make a killer Alfredo! This yummy dish only requires five ingredients that you likely already have on hand. You can make a big batch to eat throughout the week to save even more time.

Try the recipe: 5-Ingredient Spinach and Pasta Alfredo

14. Crispy Mediterranean Vegetable Cakes

24 Healthy Lunch Recipes For Weight Loss (15)

This vibrantly colorful dish is exactly what you need to make sure you get enough veggies in your diet. Check out all of this deliciousness! It’s a hearty dish that deserves a place on your go-to list of favorite lunch recipes for weight loss.

Try the recipe: Crispy Mediterranean Vegetable Cakes

15. Skinny Burrito in a Jar

I LOVE lunches in a jar! They’re not only convenient, but they’re also a great way to pack in your favorite ingredients and practice built-in portion control. This skinny burrito in a jar recipe is somewhat customizable, and there’s no cooking required!

Try the recipe: Skinny Burrito in a Jar

16. Pasta Salad with Pesto, Mozzarella and Tomatoes

Sometimes the healthiest lunch recipes for weight loss are also the most basic. This no-fuss recipe includes exactly what you need to satisfy your hunger without all the unnecessary calories. You’ll enjoy the pesto coupled with the mozzarella and fresh tomatoes.

Try the recipe: Pasta Salad with Pesto, Mozzarella and Tomatoes

17. Pizza Lasagna Rolls

When’s the last time you saw pizza or lasagna on a list of healthy lunch recipes for weight loss? This tasty yet healthy, recipe deserves a spot on this list! It’s the best of both worlds as you enjoy whole-grain lasagna noodles covered in pizza-flavored sauce.

Try the recipe: Pizza Lasagna Rolls

18. Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Poppyseed Yogurt Dressing

Breathe some life back into your lunch menu with this totally refreshing salad. It’s loaded with fresh strawberries and a delicious dressing that you will enjoy right down to the very last bite. Plus, quinoa is an excellent source of protein to help fuel your body.

Try the recipe: Strawberry Quinoa Salad with Poppyseed Yogurt Dressing

19. Grilled Turkey Veggie Burgers

One of the most popular lunches for weight loss is the grilled turkey veggie burger! It’s loaded with amazing flavor and is filled with valuable nutrients that can help you thrive. It’s also made with clean, whole ingredients, so you know you’re feeding your body well.

Try the recipe: Grilled Turkey Veggie Burgers

20. Moroccan Chicken Salad with Chimichurri Dressing

Nothing will get you excited for lunch quite like this incredible Moroccan chicken salad recipe! It plates up beautifully and has complex flavors. Who knew your weight loss journey could have so many delicious lunch options?

Try the recipe: Moroccan Chicken Salad with Chimichurri Dressing

21. Flush the Fat Away Vegetable Soup

Keep it old school with this tasty, yet healthy, vegetable soup. You’ll love all the fresh veggies brimming in a delicious broth. No matter the season, this is the type of meal that will make you feel cozy inside!

Try the recipe: Flush the Fat Away Vegetable Soup

22. Spicy Black Bean and Shrimp Salad

This colorful dish is full of so many ingredients that are good for you body! It’s got a kick of spice for those of you who appreciate a little heat in your meal. This is the type of salad you can really sink your teeth into without worrying about how it impacts your diet!

Try the recipe: Spicy Black Bean and Shrimp Salad

23. Grilled Zucchini Caprese

You’ll never look at zucchini the same after you indulge in this little dish. It’s so delicious, but only requires a little bit of effort in the kitchen. All the fresh veggies and mozzarella cheese will keep you satisfied right down to the very last bite.

Try the recipe: Grilled Zucchini Caprese

24. Crunchy Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Creamy Dijon Mustard

Whew! The title of this recipe may be a mouthful, but that’s nothing compared to how much flavor is packed into each and every bite. Just when you thought all salad were the same, this healthy option blows the rest of them out of the water. Absolutely delicious!

Try the recipe: Crunchy Kale and Brussels Sprouts Salad with Creamy Dijon Mustard

These healthy lunch recipes for weight loss will take away the stress of meal planning and help keep you on track. They’re all delicious, nutritious, and a breeze to whip up—what more could you ask for?

Have you tried any of these healthy lunch recipes for weight loss? We’d love to hear what you think! Drop us a line in the comments section below!

Enjoyed this post? Check out more:

  • Skinny Burrito Bowls
  • Zucchini and Egg Breakfast Burritos
  • Cheesy Chicken Avocado Burrito Wrap

There’s so much YUM on this list that you may not know where to start. Check out some of our other healthy meal options on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! Be sure to subscribe to our eNewsletter for more SkinnyMs content!

24 Healthy Lunch Recipes For Weight Loss (2024)

FAQs

What is the healthiest thing to eat for lunch to lose weight? ›

Plant-based lunches for weight loss. Plant foods, such as fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, nuts, and seeds, are full of fiber and beneficial nutrients. They tend to be filling, and many of them are lower in calories than certain animal products and highly processed foods.

What should I eat for lunch to lose belly fat? ›

Incorporate belly-fat-burning foods

There are a number of foods that have been shown to help reduce belly fat, including eggs, artichokes, avocado, peanuts and chickpeas. Try to include at least one or a combination of these foods at lunchtime.

What is the healthiest lunch to eat everyday? ›

Healthy People Usually Eat These 7 Things for Lunch
  1. Avocado and egg sandwich. ...
  2. Summer rolls with peanut sauce. ...
  3. Quinoa pear salad with spinach, cranberries and pecans. ...
  4. Protein Salad. ...
  5. Loaded Vegetable Sandwich. ...
  6. Lentil vegetable soup. ...
  7. Chicken burrito bowl with rice and beans.
Aug 30, 2023

What is the 2 meals a day meal plan for weight loss? ›

The premise of 2 Meal Day is that by eating just two meals in a day — either breakfast and lunch or lunch and dinner, thus introducing a daily 16-hour fasting period — you can retrain your body to become "fat adapted," meaning you burn stored body fat for energy, rather than being dependent on sugars from food.

What foods to avoid when losing weight? ›

Foods to limit when trying to lose weight
  • Sugary beverages. Many beverages, such as sodas, sports drinks, and fruit juices, are very high in added sugars but often low in other nutrients. ...
  • Baked foods. ...
  • Fried foods. ...
  • Processed fast food. ...
  • Crackers and chips. ...
  • Refined breads and pastas. ...
  • White rice. ...
  • Processed energy and granola bars.

What 4 foods fight belly fat? ›

What are 5 foods that burn belly fat?
  • foods with soluble fiber like fruits, vegetables, and legumes.
  • foods with protein like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.
  • fatty fish like tuna and salmon.
  • foods with probiotics like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi.
  • green tea.

What are 12 foods that burn belly fat? ›

12 Metabolism-Boosting Foods to Aid Weight Loss
  • Fish & Shellfish. Metabolism-Boosting Powers: Fish (salmon, tuna, sardines and mackerel) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and protein. ...
  • Legumes (Also known as beans) ...
  • Chili Peppers. ...
  • Lean Meats. ...
  • Low-Fat Milk. ...
  • Broccoli. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Oatmeal.

What are 7 healthy lunches? ›

The 10 Best Healthy Lunch Foods to Eat
  • Canned Tuna. "Seafood is packed with protein, helping you feel full and satisfied. ...
  • Mini Sweet Peppers. ...
  • Farro. ...
  • Veggie Burgers. ...
  • Ricotta Cheese. ...
  • Black Beans. ...
  • Avocado. ...
  • Hummus.
Aug 9, 2022

What is the simplest diet you can live on? ›

The Simple Diet
  • Eat three meals each day. ...
  • Eat your heavier meals for breakfast and lunch with a lighter meal for dinner.
  • Eat two healthy protein choices at each meal or 6-8 choices per day. ...
  • Choose lots of color for each meal. ...
  • Fill in with 100% whole grain choices, 1-3 servings daily. ...
  • Drink water, tea or fat free milk.

How much weight will I lose if I eat one meal a day for 2 weeks? ›

In general, if you are a healthy adult and are eating a nutrient-rich meal for your OMAD, you can expect to lose anywhere from 4-8 pounds in two weeks. Of course, this number can vary from person to person, and those who are overweight may lose more weight compared to those with a healthy weight.

How to lose 10 pounds in a month? ›

We explain how specific changes might help you meet these goals.
  1. Try cardio for weight loss. ...
  2. Eat fewer refined carbs. ...
  3. Counting calories. ...
  4. Choose better beverages. ...
  5. Eat slowly. ...
  6. Add fiber to your diet. ...
  7. Eat a high protein breakfast. ...
  8. Get enough sleep every night.
Jun 30, 2023

Will I lose weight if I eat once a day? ›

The one-meal-a-day diet (OMAD) — also known as 23:1 intermittent fasting — may help people lose weight and body fat. However, eating one meal a day can lead to hunger and cravings and may not be suitable for everyone. When following this diet, a person will eat only one meal a day. This is usually dinner.

Will I lose weight if I just eat lunch? ›

The truth is that studies have shown that skipping meals can slow down your metabolism and cause you to gain weight, not lose it. Thankfully, there are healthier and more effective ways to meet your weight loss goals—one of which is eating breakfast.

Will I lose weight if I only eat lunch? ›

However, there is little evidence to support the notion that the one-meal-a-day can aid weight loss. One study in a review suggests that intermittent fasting may help people lose weight, though the authors also warn of multiple risks, such as rebound body fat increases.

Should I skip lunch to lose belly fat? ›

Bottom line: skipping meals rarely results in weight loss for the long term and it can negatively impact your metabolism. So, consider waking a few minutes earlier to fit in a quick breakfast before your busy day gets away from you. Confused about what to eat, how much or when?

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Greg Kuvalis

Last Updated:

Views: 6251

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (55 voted)

Reviews: 94% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Greg Kuvalis

Birthday: 1996-12-20

Address: 53157 Trantow Inlet, Townemouth, FL 92564-0267

Phone: +68218650356656

Job: IT Representative

Hobby: Knitting, Amateur radio, Skiing, Running, Mountain biking, Slacklining, Electronics

Introduction: My name is Greg Kuvalis, I am a witty, spotless, beautiful, charming, delightful, thankful, beautiful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.