This Macro Friendly Food round up contains 35 of my favorite macro-friendly recipes from a variety of protein sources! Use this list of healthy macro-friendly recipes for an easy way to do some meal planning for the week – you absolutely can’t go wrong with any of these!
WHAT MAKES SOMETHING MACRO-FRIENDLY?
“Macro-friendly” typically refers to high-volume foods with a more balanced distribution of macronutrients compared to many traditional options. More specifically, a higher emphasis on higher protein moderate fats, and low to moderate carbs. Everyone’s macro breakdown will be a little different depending on individual needs.
While one thing I do want to point out is that macros are super relative. It isn’t, “this is macro-friendly and this isn’t or “this is a healthy food and this isn’t.” This is not a black and white comparison by any means. With a little planning and experimenting you can make just about any food fit your macros. There are, however, foods that “fit” easier than others, foods and healthier meals that are more nutrient dense and will fuel your workouts and your life!
I have a few posts that go more into depth about macros if you want to dive deeper.
1. The Science of Fat Loss: How to Diet for Maximum Success
2. The Science of Fat Loss: What are “Macros” and Tracking Macros vs. Just Tracking Calories
MORE MACRO-FRIENDLY ROUND UPS
I also have this post on Macro-friendly Fast Food Options for breakfast and 50+ Macro Friendly Chicken Recipes for more inspiration! Another good resource is this post by The Books Cover on Macro-Friendly Fast Food Orders that Aren’t Salads.
But if you want more macro-friendly recipes and meal ideas, you can always join Fit Cookie Club where I send out weekly macro friendly meal plans every single week!
I have separated these macro-balanced recipes a little by category but they are in no particular order as far as favorites go. So let’s get into these macro-friendly food options that are perfect for breakfast, lunch/dinner, and dessert!
MACRO FRIENDLY BREAKFAST FOOD
Eggs/Breakfast Bakes
Healthy Cheesy Southwest Hashbrown Casserole
This Healthy Cheesy Southwest Hashbrown Casserole is filled with savory hash browns and sausage and tons of veggies. Each serving is under 300 calories and oh so delicious!
Bacon Cheddar Eggs Bites
Made with simple ingredients, these eggs bites are perfect for busy mornings. Especially with kids! Enjoy them as they are for a low carb meal or pair with your favorite toast or fruit for something more balanced.
Mediterranean Egg White Pizza
Because why not enjoy bold and fresh Mediterranean flavors for breakfast with this protein packed Mediterranean Egg White Pizza! Especially when it comes to life in just 30 minutes. I.e. the perfect meal prep recipe!
Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
Whip up my healthier take on the ultimate breakfast comfort food with just 3 ingredients! This Biscuits and Gravy Casserole will quickly become a family favorite. Also not to mention, it’s lightened-up and protein packed!
Oats/Baked Oatmeal
Strawberry Protein Overnight Oats
Certainly these Strawberry Protein Overnight Oats are the easiest breakfast prep ever. You need just 5 minutes to mix everything together and the fridge does all the magic. Because we love an easy recipe. Also not to mention, each serving has 33g of protein!
Baked Zucchini Oatmeal with Nutella Spread
So this Baked Zucchini Oatmeal is quite literally what healthy meal prep breakfast dreams are made of. It’s full of fiber and protein and topped with my healthier Nutella spread. So good you can eat it for dessert!
Pumpkin Pie Protein Overnight Oats
Sweet, creamy, pumpkin-y!! These pumpkin protein overnight oats are SO flavorful and delicious! They make for a perfect meal prep, protein-packed, vegan breakfast option. Especially on those early fall mornings when you’re starting to crave pumpkin but it’s still a little warm outside!
Waffles/Sandwiches
Protein Waffles
Low-fat SAVORY or SWEET waffles that are fluffy, delicious, and super easy to make! The good news is, these are less than 150 calories for two waffles and only 1g of fat. These waffles are about to be your new go-to!
Jammin’ Breakfast Crunchwrap
Ginormous, protein-packed breakfast crunch wrap filled with egg whites, cheese, and yes, strawberry jam! It’s a breakfast full of flavor explosions and epic proportions! This easy recipe is a delicious way to start your day!
Sausage & Cheese Breakfast Tacos
These super quick and easy High Protein Breakfast Tacos will become your new favorite way to start the day! Fluffy eggs, melty cheese, and protein-packed sausage all wrapped in a warm tortilla, it seriously makes the best breakfast!!
Other Sweet Breakfast
Blueberry Sausage Pancake Breakfast Bake
This Blueberry Sausage Pancake Breakfast Bake has a fluffy buttermilk pancake base and is stuffed with savory sausage and sweet bites of blueberry. Prep this protein packed meal to enjoy all week or serve it for brunch with family and friends. It tastes amazing with a little butter and maple syrup on top!
Double Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
Surprisingly MUCH lower in carbs, calories, and fats than your typical double chocolate muffin. These protein-packed treats are a good option to help tame your chocolate cravings in a way you can feel good about. But the best part? Just 6 ingredients!
MACRO FRIENDLY FOOD ENTREES
Chicken
Easy Chicken Cheesesteak Skillet (30 Minute, Low Carb)
Without a doubt, just as good as any cheesesteak! Enjoy this healthier version of the popular Philadelphia street food stuffed in a hoagie roll, wrap, or paired with some veggies or rice. There’s a way for everyone to enjoy it!
Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese
Looking for a fresh and flavorful low carb salad? You’ll love this Balsamic Grilled Chicken Salad with Strawberries and Goat Cheese! It’s filled with juicy, tender chicken and creamy goat cheese and is all topped with a light balsamic dressing!
Chicken Pot Pie Soup
As a matter of fact, this Healthy Chicken Pot Pie Soup is the ultimate guilt-free comfort food. Filled with hearty chicken, tender vegetables and warm broth, it’s the perfect way to get cozy on a chilly night!
Chicken Lettuce Wraps
If you love PF Chang’s, you’re going to love these copycat Healthy Chicken Lettuce Wraps! They’re packed with delicious flavor and so easy to make for meal prep, making them the perfect low carb lunch option. Or you can serve with some rice or cauliflower rice!
Honey Garlic Baked Chicken & Cauliflower
So this Honey Garlic Baked Chicken and Cauliflower recipe is one of the easiest and tastiest meal prep recipes! Honey and garlic are an absolute match made in heaven, and chicken breast and cauliflower are a close second! The whole meal only takes 35 minutes! I.e. a delicious high protein meal for a busy weeknight!
Beef
Cheeseburger Pie
A cheeseburger in pie form? Heck YES! Filled with hearty beef, grilled onions and cheese. It comes together quickly and easily on a busy weeknight!
Skillet Lasagna
Looking for a faster, easier, and healthier way to enjoy lasagna? Then you’ve got to try this Healthy Skillet Lasagna. It’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner and comes together in one pan in just 30 minutes!
Easy Healthy Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake Recipe
You and your family are going to love this easy and healthy Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake recipe. It makes weeknight meal time easy because it’s quick, balanced, and absolutely delicious!
Easy Healthy Rotini Pasta Bake
This Healthy Rotini Pasta Bake is the easiest meal prep or weeknight dinner option! Made with rotini pasta, hearty meat sauce, and lots of melty cheese, this pasta bake is seriously the best type of lightened up comfort food!
Meal Prep Cheeseburger Bowls
Meal Prep Cheeseburger Bowls are balanced and light and are so easy to make! Crunchy lettuce, seasoned ground beef, your favorite burger toppings all tossed in your favorite sauce. A great way to meal prep your lunch for the week! Top with some sliced avocado for some healthy fats.
Turkey + Fish
Pesto Zucchini Turkey Skillet
You’re going to love this one skillet, 25 minute, meal prep friendly Pesto Zucchini Turkey Skillet. Since it’s made with lean ground turkey, this is a delicious family favorite that you can keep lower carb (and calorie). But you can also make it more balanced by adding rice, pasta, or potatoes, too.
Blackened Mahi Tacos
These Blackened Mahi Mahi Tacos are PERFECT for busy weeknights because they’re ready in just 20 minutes. And they’re so fresh and flavorful, especially with some 5-minute Cilantro Lime Crema drizzled on top!
MACRO FRIENDLY FOOD DESSERTS
No-bake Desserts
Protein Fluff
This low calorie, high volume frozen treat is a staple for many dieters and it’s no wonder as to why! It’s sweet and creamy and the perfect way to curve your sweet tooth. It’s a great option if you are looking for some extra protein while it low fat and low carb. Meaning there is plenty of room left for fun and tasty toppings as well! One of the best dessert high protein recipes!
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream
So this no churn Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Ice Cream has a vanilla base and is packed with chunks of cookie dough and chocolate chips! It only requires a few ingredients, is full of protein, and tastes amazing!!
Pumpkin Protein Shake
This Pumpkin Protein Shake recipe tastes JUST like a milkshake but is way healthier and has a lot more protein! Furthermore, it’s thick, creamy, so flavorful and makes the absolute BEST fall time treat! Also a pretty tasty way to get your pumpkin fix in 😉
No Bake Oreo Protein Balls
Basically an Oreo ball made healthier! I.e. Oreo lovers, meet your new favorite dessert! These balls are a straight up TREAT. Actually, it’s pretty surprising how good these taste. Especially with them being low-fat, protein-packed, and made with good-for-you ingredients.
Dunkaroo Dip
Are you ready to feel like a kid again? Then get ready! This lighter Dunkaroo Dip is made with sweet vanilla flavor and rainbow sprinkles, just like the classic childhood snack. No one will notice it’s lower calorie and protein packed because it’s so delicious and has such a fun presentation!
S’mores Protein Cookie Dough
All your favorite campfire flavors brought to life in this healthy, high protein cookie dough! This S’mores cookie dough is a great alternative to cookie dough that taste just like the REAL thing! All things considered, it’s simple to make, has over 13g of protein per serving and is the perfect one serving dessert when you need something sweet!
Monster Protein Cookie Dough Bars
Another favorite no bake dessert! These Healthy Monster Protein Cookie Dough Bars are made with peanut butter and M&Ms and are dipped in rich chocolate! They are packed with protein and absolutely to die for!!!
Baked Desserts
Healthy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
These Healthy Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls are truly one of my favorite fall recipes I’ve every made! In fact, they have everything you love about the original version. But they’re lightened up and have the most delicious pumpkin twist!
Banana Blondies with Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting
When you have ripe bananas, turn them blondies! As a matter of fact, turn them into these incredibly delicious Banana Blondies topped with drool-worthy Cinnamon Brown Butter Frosting. You’ll never know they’re lightened up thanks to their bold and perfectly sweet flavor!
Easy S’mores Protein Blondie Bars
So rich chocolate, gooey marshmallow creme, crunchy crushed graham crackers… all in a delicious buttery baked blondie bar! These Easy S’mores Protein Blondie Bars are perfect ANY time of the year! No one will ever know they’re low calorie and packed with protein!!!
Healthy Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting
This Healthy Yellow Cake is fluffy, moist, and lathered in perfectly sweet chocolate frosting. Still it tastes so good that no one will ever know it’s lightened up! I can guarantee it will become your new go-to cake recipe.
I would like newsletter