Taking the stress out of losing weight really can be as simple as whipping up simple meals that require oh so easy prep work
Have you ever felt like you just don’t have “time” to lose weight? Work, family, social life, and various other obligations can cause you to come up with plenty of excuses to order takeout and skip the gym. But what if it was as easy as learning a few simple make-ahead dinner ideas to get you going?
You might find that just that one simple tweak, of choosing to put your food first, will be enough to see the number on the scale begin to drop.
30 Days of Scrumptious Make-Ahead Dinner Recipes
Carving out time to create a lovely meal for one night may not seem worth it if your life is super busy, but what if it could last you multiple meals? And no, I don’t mean subjecting yourself to eating the same meal all week long in the name of weight loss. You could make several meals very quickly, freeze, and enjoy at your leisure.
Taking the stress out of cooking and losing weight really can be as simple as whipping up simple meals that require oh so easy prep work. Just take a look these make-ahead dinner ideas to get inspired.
1. Slow Cooker Carnitas
Can carnitas and weight loss really be used in the same sentence? This crockpot recipe sure proves it. Spices and flavorful pork come together to give you protein options that can be used in a variety of ways throughout the week, even for lunch the next day!
2. Chicken and Penne Parmesan Casserole
When pasta is calling your name but you know simple carbs aren’t your best friend, try this healthier version that is packed with plenty of nutrients.
3. Nacho Potato Casserole
Casseroles are a perfect choice when you’re looking for easy-prep, no-mess make-ahead dinner ideas. To create that nacho essence, this dish uses nacho spices combined with ground turkey for a guilt-free indulgence.
4. Skinny Lasagna Rolls
Made with whole-wheat pasta and low-fat cheese, these skinny lasagna rolls are a great make-ahead recipe because they’re easy to freeze in individual portions.
5. Slow Cooker Loaded Beef Stew
A guilt-free hearty meal that’s easy-to-freeze, this stew is packed with flavor, and all you have to do is throw the ingredients in the slow cooker and get on with your day!
6. Cheesy Squash Casserole
In the need for something vegetarian? Put this healthy and delicious casserole on your radar.
7. Philly Cheese & Chicken Sandwich

This recipe is great for when you just want to reheat something and get deliciously healthy food in your belly.
8. Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Before you hit the hay after a long day of work, throw chicken chili ingredients into the slow cooker, allow to cook overnight, then freeze at your leisure. Simple and delicious!
Hello. I have prepared many of your yummy recipes, and am wondering if you have a vegetarian cookbook available?
Jan, That’s a great question. Not currently, we don’t. 🙁 However, we are adding a lot more vegetarian and totally plant-based recipes to the site. I would love to write an ebook myself, and will do my best to make that happen in the near future. 🙂
Have you taken a look at our latest plant-based recipes? Just in case, here’s some of my favorites that have recently published:
https://skinnyms.com/6-plant-based-oil-free-salad-dressing-recipes/
https://skinnyms.com/homemade-roasted-tomato-soup/
https://skinnyms.com/baked-tofu-chunks-with-cajun-spice-dry-rub/
https://skinnyms.com/slow-cooker-mediterranean-lentil-soup/
https://skinnyms.com/vegetarian-sushi-bowl-recipe/
All these recipes look fantastic but when would I freeze them? I’m having surgery and I want to have the meals ready in the freezer so all my son has to do is put them in the crockpot.
Hi Rosa, Make-Ahead meals should all last about one month in the freezer as long as they are sealed well!
Like Jan, I’d be very interested in more vegetarian recipes too! We’ve been meat free for 30+ years & our repertoire could use a bit of a tweak.
Thanks, Saffron
We are creating lots of delicious vegetarian, vegan, and plant based recipes. 🙂 In the meantime, please take a look at our current vegetarian recipes https://skinnyms.com/category/recipes/vegetarian-recipes/
do you have whole 30 recipes to freeze
We have many recipes that freeze well and are Whole30 approved. Please google Whole30 in the search bar. 🙂