No summer slumps here when high protein summer meals utilizing summer's bounty are so easy!!
Summer is the perfect time to embrace fresh, vibrant produce and create meals that are not only healthy but also delicious. With the abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables, it's easy to craft dishes that are high in protein and fiber, essential nutrients for maintaining energy, balancing your blood sugar and insulin, and keeping you full! and overall health. Here are five simple, healthy meal ideas that incorporate around 20 grams of protein and plenty of fiber, perfect for enjoying during the warm summer months. (which is #myfuelingformula for balancing your hormones and lowing weight.)
7 Weight Loss Meals to Complete Your Summer:
1. Grilled Chicken Salad with Quinoa and Fresh Veggies
Ingredients:
4 oz grilled chicken breast (about 20g protein)
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (4g protein, 2.5g fiber)
1 cup mixed greens (1g fiber)
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (1g fiber)
1/2 cucumber, sliced (0.5g fiber)
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Grill the chicken breast until fully cooked, then slice it.
In a large bowl, combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Add the cooked quinoa and grilled chicken to the bowl.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper.
Toss everything together and serve cold.
2. Lentil and Avocado Stuffed Bell Peppers
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked lentils (18g protein, 15.6g fiber)
2 bell peppers, halved and seeds removed
1 avocado, diced (10g fiber)
1/2 cup corn kernels (2g protein, 2g fiber)
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 lime, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Grill the bell pepper halves for about 5 minutes, until they are slightly charred but still firm.
In a bowl, mix the cooked lentils, avocado, corn, and cilantro.
Add lime juice, salt, and pepper, and mix well.
Stuff the grilled bell peppers with the lentil mixture and serve immediately.
3. Greek Yogurt and Berry Parfait
Ingredients:
1 cup Greek yogurt (20g protein)
1/2 cup mixed berries (4g fiber)
1 tbsp chia seeds (2g protein, 5g fiber)
1/4 cup granola (2g protein, 2g fiber)
Instructions:
In a glass or bowl, layer half of the Greek yogurt.
Add a layer of mixed berries and sprinkle with chia seeds.
Add the remaining Greek yogurt.
Top with granola and more berries.
Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing treat.
4. Grilled Salmon with Asparagus and Brown Rice
Ingredients:
4 oz grilled salmon (22g protein)
1 cup cooked brown rice (5g protein, 3.5g fiber)
1 cup grilled asparagus (2g protein, 3g fiber)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the salmon fillet and asparagus with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Grill the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side, until it flakes easily with a fork.
Grill the asparagus for about 3-4 minutes, until tender.
Serve the grilled salmon and asparagus over a bed of brown rice, with lemon wedges on the side.
5. Chickpea and Veggie Wrap
Ingredients:
1 whole grain wrap (3g protein, 3g fiber)
1/2 cup cooked chickpeas (7g protein, 6g fiber)
1/4 cup hummus (4g protein, 2g fiber)
1 cup spinach (1g fiber)
1/2 cup shredded carrots (1g fiber)
1/2 cup sliced cucumber (0.5g fiber)
1/4 red bell pepper, sliced (0.5g fiber)
Instructions:
Spread the hummus evenly over the whole grain wrap.
Layer the spinach, chickpeas, carrots, cucumber, and red bell pepper on top.
Roll up the wrap tightly, cut in half, and serve cold.
6. Black Bean and Corn Salad with Grilled Shrimp
Ingredients:
1 cup cooked black beans (15g protein, 15g fiber)
1/2 cup grilled corn kernels (2g protein, 2g fiber)
10 medium grilled shrimp (about 18g protein)
1/2 red bell pepper, diced (1g fiber)
1/2 avocado, diced (10g fiber)
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Juice of 1 lime
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Grill the shrimp until fully cooked.
In a large bowl, combine black beans, grilled corn, red bell pepper, avocado, red onion, and cilantro.
Add the grilled shrimp to the bowl.
Drizzle with lime juice and olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
Toss everything together and serve cold.
7. Quinoa and Edamame Buddha Bowl
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cooked quinoa (4g protein, 2.5g fiber)
1/2 cup shelled edamame (8g protein, 4g fiber)
1/2 cup shredded red cabbage (1g fiber)
1/2 cup grated carrot (1g fiber)
1/2 avocado, sliced (10g fiber)
1/4 cup sliced radishes
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp sesame oil
Instructions:
Cook the quinoa and edamame according to package instructions.
In a bowl, layer the quinoa, edamame, shredded cabbage, grated carrot, avocado slices, and radishes.
Sprinkle with sesame seeds.
In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil.
Drizzle the dressing over the Buddha bowl and serve.
These simple, healthy meals are not only packed with protein and fiber but also showcase the best of summer produce. Enjoy these dishes to keep you track with your weight loss goals!
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