Fall is here, and the excitement is palpable! Not only does it bring a cool, comfortable climate, but it also ushers in a variety of nutritious and flavorful ingredients that are perfect for your weight loss journey. I’m thrilled to guide you through a comprehensive meal prep using these in-season ingredients, ensuring you can effortlessly assemble numerous meals throughout the week!
For a printable guide for this video (has a link to recipes & more), go here:
Fall Meal Prep for Healthy Weight Loss
Introduction
“I’m excited to show you how to meal prep with some in-season ingredients and quickly put together many meals throughout the week! I even have 3 days of breakfast, lunch, and dinner suggestions for your fall meal prep, so you don’t have to worry about meal planning. These meals are excellent for weight loss and general health!”
From Brussels sprouts to sweet potatoes, fall provides a bounty of vegetables that can be seamlessly integrated into your fall meal prep weight loss plan. The key is in the preparation, ensuring these ingredients can be mixed and matched to create a variety of meals to keep your diet both exciting and nutritious.
Step 1: Roasting Vegetables
Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower
- Preparation: Trim, halve, and rinse Brussels sprouts; separate cauliflower into florets and rinse.
- Roasting: Lightly spray with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast until golden and crisp.
Sweet Potatoes and Beets
- Preparation: Peel, rinse, and dice sweet potatoes; peel and slice beets.
- Roasting: Lightly coat with olive oil, season, and roast until tender.
Step 2: Preparing Proteins
Turkey or Chicken
- Seasoning: Create a rub using salt, black pepper, thyme, rosemary, sage, and garlic powder.
- Cooking: Brush with olive oil, apply the rub, and roast, ensuring the internal temperature reaches at least 165 degrees.
Beans and Quinoa
- Preparation: Cook according to package instructions or use a pressure cooker.
- Note: For vegans or vegetarians, consider increasing the quantity of beans and quinoa, or explore tofu and tempeh options.
Step 3: Preparing Breakfast Options
Overnight Chia Oats Parfait
- Ingredients: Old fashioned oats, chia seeds, milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder, apple cinnamon, and pumpkin spice.
- Preparation: Combine oats and chia seeds with milk, layer with a mixture of Greek yogurt and protein powder, and top with apple cinnamon or pumpkin spice.
Step 4: Preparing Soups and Salads
Pumpkin Lentil Soup
- Ingredients: Olive oil, garlic, onion, carrot, vegetable broth, pumpkin puree, red lentils, ginger, and curry powder.
- Cooking: Sauté vegetables, add broth and other ingredients, and simmer.
Roasted Sweet Potato and Beetroot Salad
- Ingredients: Kale, spinach, sweet potato, beets, quinoa, apple, crushed pecans, dried cranberries, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, spicy mustard, honey, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
- Preparation: Combine all ingredients and dress with a mixture of the remaining items.
Step 5: Preparing Additional Dishes
Beet Hummus
- Ingredients: Tahini, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, salt, chickpeas, and beets.
- Preparation: Blend all ingredients until smooth, adjusting consistency with water as needed.
Apple Slaw
- Ingredients: Coleslaw mix, shredded apples, Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, spicy mustard, honey, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Preparation: Combine all ingredients and adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 6: Creating Meals
With all these prepped ingredients, you can create a variety of meals:
- Breakfast: Scrambles, parfaits, and toast toppings.
- Lunch: Salads, wraps, and soups.
- Dinner: Bowls combining various roasted vegetables, proteins, and grains.
Cozy Weeknight Dinners and Diverse Options
“I have included some cozy weeknight dinners, that are perfect for eating after a work shift and cooking for the family. In addition, I have included some vegan and vegetarian meals that are suitable for all dietary preferences!”
From hearty soups to vibrant salads, these meals are not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying, providing the comfort that is often sought in fall meals. Whether you’re dining solo or feeding a family, these dishes are sure to be a hit.
Conclusion
Investing a few hours in meal prep can pave the way for a week of nutritious, flavorful meals that align with your weight loss goals. By roasting vegetables, preparing proteins, and creating versatile dishes like soups and salads, you ensure that every meal is not only a step toward your goal but also a delightful dining experience.
“I have created a video on my YouTube channel to show you how to cook each meal, so you can follow along!”
So, immerse yourself in the rich flavors of fall and enjoy the journey to a healthier you!”
Additional Tips and Tricks for Meal Prep
- Vegan Fall Recipes: Explore the plethora of fall vegan recipes available, such as roasted vegetable dishes, hearty soups, and stews, ensuring you have a variety of options to keep your meals exciting.
- Fall Breakfast Recipes: Consider fall breakfast recipes like pumpkin spice overnight oats or apple cinnamon pancakes to start your day with the delightful flavors of the season.
- Instant Pot Fall Recipes: Utilize your Instant Pot for efficient meal prep. Instant pot fall recipes, such as soups and stews, can be prepared in bulk and stored for convenient meals throughout the week.
- Quinoa Meal Prep: Quinoa can be a versatile base for many dishes. Use it in salads, as a side, or even in breakfast bowls.
- Indian Meal Prep: Integrate Indian meal prep into your routine by exploring dishes like chickpea curry or lentil dahl, which can be made in bulk and offer a flavorful alternative to your regular meals.
- Meal Prep on a Budget: Learn how to meal prep on a budget by choosing cost-effective ingredients like lentils, rice, and seasonal vegetables, and by utilizing leftovers creatively.
- Meal Prep for Weight Loss: Focus on how to meal prep for weight loss by prioritizing lean proteins, ample vegetables, and complex carbohydrates to keep you satiated and nourished.
- Meal Prep Tofu: Tofu is a fantastic protein source for vegan and vegetarian diets. Learn to meal prep tofu by marinating and baking or sautéing it for use in various dishes.
- Fit Meals Prep: Ensure your meals are balanced and nutritious to align with your fitness goals. Fit meals prep might include balanced portions of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to fuel your workouts and recovery.
Remember, the key to successful meal prep is planning and variety. Ensure you have a range of options available to keep your diet interesting and enjoyable, making it sustainable in the long term. Happy meal prepping!
For a printable guide for this video (has a link to recipes & more), go here:
Fall Meal Prep for Healthy Weight Loss
For a printable guide for Fall Meal Prep (has a link to recipes & more), go here:
Fall Meal Prep for Healthy Weight Loss
