7 Easy Recipes That Helped Me Lose 30 Pounds in 6 Months

August 23, 2023

Image credit: Well Plated by Erin

Before I started my recent weight loss journey, I’d never really looked into nutrition or paid any attention to what kinds of foods and drinks I was putting into my body. But I knew that if I wanted to live a healthier life and feel better (inside and out), I really needed to be conscious about what I was eating.

I’m a busy working mom with a three-year-old running around my house, so I needed to make sure that when I was meal planning for the week, I was working with quick, easy recipes that also tasted delicious. After much trial and error, research, and six months of actually doing the work, I’ve found some staple recipes that helped me lose 30 pounds in 6 months. They keep me full. I never get tired of them, and honestly, they taste amazing.

1. Buffalo Chicken Salad

Chicken breast, fresh vegetables, and flavorful blue cheese — this buffalo chicken salad is an ideal lunch. The best part about this recipe is that you can use the leftovers. Just poach three or four chicken breasts, and you have enough shredded chicken for the entire week. This meal is low-carb and high in protein — and if you want to make it even healthier, you can swap the mayo for Greek yogurt, or use half grapeseed oil Vegenaise and half Greek yogurt. I think this is the perfect lunch, and it really packs a protein punch after a hard workout.

Try the recipe from Skinnytaste.

2. Ground Turkey Taco Bowls

My household is a firm believer in the joy of a Taco Tuesday. But what used to be a trip through the Taco Bell drive-through is now a nice night in with these delicious ground turkey taco bowls. This time, we skip the tortillas and opt instead for a meal packed with veggies, brown rice, and beans. This dish also provides a great source of antioxidants from the peppers. If you want to add in a little crunch, try toasting some pepitas and sprinkling over top — they’re a great source of minerals like magnesium, iron, and zinc.

Try the recipe from Jar of Lemons.

3. Coconut Milk Chia Pudding

Chia seeds have been a trendy superfood for a while now — I’ve even seen a viral drink where you chug a whole glass of chia seeds. That doesn’t really sound appealing to me, but this coconut milk chia pudding is honestly a delicious treat and makes great use of chia’s super-dense nutritional value. Fiber-packed chia seeds are anti-inflammatory and have been shown in studies to have cardioprotective effects. But if you want to actually enjoy the taste of chia seeds and get some delicious fruits and granola in your diet as well, this is the superfood pudding for you. This pudding can be prepared and served throughout the whole week so you can enjoy this refreshing treat every morning (or for an afternoon snack).

Try our recipe on Clean Plates.

4. Banana Egg Pancakes

This pancake recipe has just two ingredients, which makes it about as easy as we can hope for. Mash up some bananas, add an egg, and get to the skillet. This recipe is super vegetarian-friendly, especially because it’s full of vitamin b6, which is typically found in fish and meat. On busy days, I’ve been known to top these with just a little almond butter, but these pancakes are extra delicious when they’re topped with fresh fruit, honey, and a big dollop of Greek yogurt.

Try the recipe from Hurry the Food Up.

5. Chicken-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes

This dinner is such a cozy, warm treat during the winter months. Another recipe that makes great use of shredded chicken, these chicken-stuffed sweet potatoes taste best with buffalo sauce, in my opinion, but barbecue chicken would absolutely work, too. The sweetness of the potatoes alongside the savory chicken and healthy blue cheese dressing (my favorite is a Greek yogurt blue cheese dressing) makes this one a definite winner. This is a high-protein, low-fat meal, and it will definitely fill you up. I like to round out this meal with a side of steamed or roasted broccoli, too.

Try the recipe from Well Plated.

6. No-Bake Protein Balls

Not only do these protein balls pack some serious protein, but they are the perfect treat to satisfy any sweet tooth. They really take only ten minutes to make (I promise), and they will keep in your fridge for weeks. When you’re feeling that craving for something sweet, just munch on one of these balls. Not only will you feel satisfied, but you’ll be treating your body to an energy boost. Plus, you’re saving so much money by not spending a fortune on protein bars at the grocery store.

Try the recipe from Eating Bird Food.

7. English Muffin Pizzas

If you have an air fryer, this is the best recipe because it’s just a handful of ingredients and takes no time at all. (I can also tell you that it’s totally toddler-approved). Grab some low-carb, whole wheat English muffins (I love the ones that are stocked in the freezer section because they do not contain preservatives to keep them shelf-stable), your favorite pizza sauce, and some fresh mozzarella. Go ahead and top with your favorite vegetables and let them cook in the air fryer for 4 to 5 minutes. Not only are these out-of-this-world delicious, but you’re saving money by not ordering out.

Try this recipe from Well Plated.