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This Macro Friendly Food Recipe round up contains 50+ reader and personal favorite macro-friendly recipes including breakfast, lunch/dinner and dessert options! All of these recipes are family-friendly and easy to make, plus perfect for meal prep!
“Macro-friendly” refers to foods, meals and recipes that are typically higher volume with a more balanced distribution of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, protein) compared to many traditional food options.
More specifically, a higher emphasis on higher protein, moderate fats, and lower to moderate carbs when compared to their traditional counterpart.
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 and this isn’t.” This is not a black and white comparison by any means.
There are, however, foods and recipes that “fit your macros” easier than other; which can be super helpful if you are following a macro-friendly diet.
I have a few posts that go more into depth about macros if you want to dive deeper and learn more:
I also have this post on Macro-friendly Fast Food Options for Breakfast and 50+ Macro Friendly Chicken Recipes to check out!
Another good resource is this post by The Books Cover on Macro-Friendly Fast Food Orders that Aren’t Salads.
I have separated these macro-balanced recipes by breakfast, lunch/dinner and dessert depending on what you are looking for.
These are the most popular macro-friendly recipes among readers (and myself!) but if you are looking for macro-friendly recipes, check out ALL my macro-friendly recipes here.
The macro-friendly chicken recipes are by far everyones favorites and definitely the ones I would recommend the most!
Breakfast Casseroles
1. Holiday Crescent Roll Breakfast Bake
2. Healthy Southwest Hashbrown Casserole
3. Mediterranean Egg White Pizza
4. Biscuits and Gravy Casserole
5. Blueberry Sausage Pancake Breakfast Bake
Oats and Baked Oatmeal
6. The Best Gooey Chunky Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bars
7. Pumpkin Pie Protein Overnight Oats
Muffins & Breads
8. Mini Chocolate Chip Pancake Bites
9. Double Chocolate Chip Protein Muffins
Breakfast Sandwiches and Handhelds
10. Healthy Breakfast Burritos (Easy Meal Prep)
11. Copycat Starbucks Spinach Feta Wrap Recipe (Double the Protein!)
Chicken
12. Pulled Buffalo Chicken (30-Minute Stovetop or Crockpot)
14. Tuscan Chicken Mac and Cheese (30 Minutes)
16. Crockpot Cream Cheese Salsa Chicken (Tacos)
17. Healthy Buffalo Chicken Spaghetti Squash Casserole
18. The Most Yummy Healthy Chicken Curry (Slow Cooker Recipe)
19. Quick and Easy Healthy Chicken Gyros
20. Healthy Chicken Alfredo (Low Fat + High Protein)
21. Crockpot White Chicken Chili
22. Easy Homemade Low Carb Chicken Broccoli Casserole
23. Creamy Lightened-up Chicken Gnocchi Soup (One Pot)
24. Pecan Crusted Chicken Tenders
25. Healthy Chicken Caesar Wrap (High Protein)
26. Easy Air Fryer Chicken Taquitos (20 Minute)
Beef
28. Cheeseburger Pie
29. Lightened Up Hamburger Helper
30. Pizza Casserole
31. Skillet Lasagna
32. Easy Healthy Sloppy Joe Biscuit Bake
33. Zucchini Mushroom Beef Pasta
34. 12-Minute Easy Garlic Steak Bites (Air Fryer or Skillet)
35. Easy Healthy Rotini Pasta Bake
36. Meal Prep Cheeseburger Bowls
Turkey
37. Healthy Mexican Mac and Cheese
38. Pesto Zucchini Turkey Skillet
39. 30-Minute Greek Style Air Fryer Turkey Burgers
40. The Most Delicious Healthy Turkey Ricotta Meatballs
41. Easy Healthy Butternut Squash Turkey Chili
42. Minute Mexican Ground Turkey Taco Meat (Healthy & Easy)
Pork
44. Healthy Ham and Cheese Sliders (High Protein)
Seafood
48. Healthy Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookie Bars
49. High Protein Lava Cake in a Mug (Single Serve)
50. The Best Reese’s Peanut Butter Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream!
51. The BEST Healthy Cake Batter Oreo Protein Blondies
52. Healthy Pumpkin Brownies (Flourless)
53. Easy Churro Protein Cheesecake Bars
54. Healthy Monster Protein Cookie Dough
55. No Bake Oreo Pie with Cool Whip
56. Healthy Yellow Cake with Chocolate Frosting
57. Low Calorie Monster Cookie Protein Balls
What are macros?
Macros, or macronutrients, are what make up the caloric content of food. Macros are what your body needs in large amount to survive and function properly. The three macronutrients are carbohydrates, fats, and protein.
What makes something “macro-friendly?”
“Macro-friendly” refers to foods, meals and recipes that are typically higher volume with a more balanced distribution of macronutrients (carbohydrates, fats, protein) compared to many traditional food options.
More specifically, a higher emphasis on higher protein, moderate fats, and lower to moderate carbs when compared to their traditional counterpart.
Do you have to track macros to make macro-friendly recipes?
Absolutely not! While I do think it’s helpful to track for a short period of time to gain a better understanding of the different macronutrients and their breakdown in various foods, you most definitely do not need to track macros to enjoy macro-friendly recipes or approach a macro-friendly diet.
Even without tracking macros, these macro-friendly recipes offer a huge benefit in ensuring you are getting appropriate amounts of each nutrient for health, to feel good, and whether you are chasing any fat loss or muscle building goals.
How do I know what my macros should be?
This is a bit of weighted question because it very much depends on the individual and their age, height, weight, activity, dieting history, etc; and also what their goals are (fat loss, muscle building, maintenance, etc.)
For the most accurate macro calculation I would recommend reaching out to a professional who can help you identify what your macros should be. I can help you with doing a custom macro assessment or some wonderful macro coaches I would recommend for a custom macro count would be Grace Terbrock, Kelsey Kitzman and Shannon Collins (tell them Lauren Fit Foodie sent you!)
While online calculators don’t take into account individual variances and dieting history, they can be a good starting point to get an idea of what your macros should be.
I also have this post here that will help you determine your calories and macros for a fat loss phase.
What tools can I use to count macros?
There are many apps out there that will keep track of all your macros for you. My favorites are MyFitnessPal and MacrosFirst. PS- ALL of my recipes are in both of these apps to help make tracking macros easier for you!
This is just a round up of reader and personal favorites and some of the most popular macro-friendly recipes on the blog. If you are looking for more, be sure to check out all my macro-friendly recipes and also these 50+ Macro Friendly Chicken Recipes!
