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

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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

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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? ›

1. Drop 10 salad. Mixed greens topped with 5 ounces of protein (chicken, turkey, salmon, shrimp or tofu), ½ cup beans and unlimited non-starchy veggies. Dress with 1 teaspoon olive oil + unlimited vinegar or fresh lemon juice (alternatively, you can use 2 tablespoons low-calorie vinaigrette).

What to 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 are 3 healthy lunch foods? ›

Lunch
  • Italian pasta salad. Pasta salad can be a balanced, nutritious meal. ...
  • Slow cooker lentil soup. “Dump and go” slow cooker meals are an easy option for lunches. ...
  • Peanut butter and banana roll-ups. ...
  • Sweet potato black bean meal prep bowls. ...
  • Healthy tuna salad with cranberries. ...
  • Veggie quesadillas.
Jan 6, 2021

Should I skip lunch to lose belly fat? ›

Whether you're doing it on accident because of a busy schedule or on purpose because of a bulging waistline, skipping meals is not the best way to lose weight and stay healthy.

What 4 foods fight belly fat? ›

Leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, and beans are all good for keeping away the fat that stays deep in your belly. That's called visceral fat, and it's the most dangerous kind because it can wrap around major organs, including your liver, pancreas, and kidneys.

What are the 5 foods that burn belly fat? ›

Five foods that may help burn belly fat include:
  • 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.

How to flatten your stomach in a week? ›

How To Get A Flat Tummy In 7 Days
  1. Eat a Balanced Diet. Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and excessive salt intake, as they can contribute to bloating and water retention. ...
  2. Portion Control. ...
  3. Stay Hydrated. ...
  4. Incorporate Cardio Exercises. ...
  5. Include Strength Training. ...
  6. Reduce Stress. ...
  7. Get Sufficient Sleep.
May 23, 2023

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.

What time should I stop eating? ›

So when exactly should you stop eating at night? Scientists can't agree on a single set time, but the consensus seems to be within three hours before bedtime. So if you go to bed at 11 p.m., don't eat after 8 p.m. Banishing late night snacks after that time could help alleviate the symptoms of acid reflux disease, too.

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

Study participants who tried eating one meal a day ended up with less total body fat. This particular group of people didn't experience significant weight loss. That said, intermittent fasting in general has proven to be an effective weight-loss method. The typical weight loss is 7 to 11 pounds over 10 weeks.

What is the best number of meals to eat in a day for weight loss? ›

While dietary guidelines typically recommend that you eat at least three meals and one snack a day, some people are more successful with weight loss if they eat smaller, more frequent meals. A six-meal-a-day plan may help you to better manage hunger and maintain energy levels.

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.

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