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The worst thing about cutting is the part where I have to eat chicken and rice over and over again. Not this time though! I have done some research and compiled a list of 36 macro-friendly recipes that look good and taste incredible.
If you want to get inspired then read through the list and plan your meals for the whole week in advance. Some of these recipes require only a few ingredients, and the prep time is also kept to a minimum.
I have categorized them into breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert + snacks so you can simply scroll to the appropriate section.
Keep on reading!
Macro Friendly Recipes for Breakfast
1. Egg White Jalapeno Casserole
Macros per serving:
Calories: 97 kcal; Fat: 2g; Carbs: 2g; Protein: 15g
This recipe calls for liquid egg whites, but if you are worried about additives then you can simply use fresh eggs and toss the yolk. I really love Jalapeños so I have cooked dishes like this fairly often. Make sure to adjust the amount of peppers to your own heat tolerance!
2. Five Minute Breakfast Burrito
Macros per serving:
Calories: 362 kcal; Fat: 13.5g; Carbs: 31g; Protein: 27g
You can prepare this macro-friendly meal in only 5 minutes from scratch. I sometimes make 6 of them on Sunday mornings. After eating the first one fresh, I freeze the remaining 5 for the workweek to come. Defrost in the fridge overnight, and sprinkle some water on the tortilla before microwaving to boost taste and texture!
3. Egg Stuffed Tomatoes
Macros per serving:
Calories: 288 kcal; Fat: 19g; Carbs: 12g; Protein: 18g
If you are bored by the usual omelet for breakfast, then make a batch of these. I tend to like foods that are contained in a vegetable (like stuffed peppers or cabbage wraps) because they are so good for portion control and perfect for meal prep of macro recipes. Try to keep the yolk runny for a bonus challenge!
4. Broccoli Cheese Egg Muffins
Macros per serving:
Calories: 316 kcal; Fat: 23g; Carbs: 7g; Protein: 21g
Who can say no to mini egg omelets baked in a muffin pan? This way you can make your breakfast for the whole week in one go. The added broccoli is an excellent source of fiber and the crunchy texture adds that extra “bite”.
5. Sheet Pan Breakfast Hash
Macros per serving:
Calories: 262 kcal; Fat: 19g; Carbs: 10g; Protein: 13g
If you are looking for paleo breakfast macro recipes then this has you covered. I am personally not a big fan of brussels sprouts, but I do acknowledge that it has a really unique taste and texture. The added bacon adds the required depth to this dish, while eggs cover your needs for protein.
6. High-Protein Breakfast Taco Scramble
Macros per serving:
Calories: 450 kcal; Fat: 19g; Carbs: 24.5g; Protein: 46g
While somewhat heavier on the calories, a serving of the taco scramble contains a whopping 46 grams of protein. Call that breakfast for champions! While perfect to make ahead for the whole week I would eat this mostly on heavy lifting days or when I do loads of physical stuff (like moving furniture or hiking). Keep your daily macros in mind and you can’t mess up.
7. Overnight Peanut Butter Protein Oats
Macros per serving:
Calories: 322 kcal; Fat: 6g; Carbs: 37g; Protein: 30g
Do you like peanut butter, but worried about the fat? This recipe features PB powder, cutting out 85% of the unnecessary calories from fat while keeping the protein content high. As a meal prepper myself I also like the fact that the shelf life of powdered peanut butter is really long. That plus this being an overnight oats recipe make things (almost) way too convenient!
8. Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding
Macros per serving:
Calories: 235 kcal; Fat: 14g; Carbs: 15.5g; Protein: 15.5g
I am a big fan of sweet macro meals that include protein powder. It tends to keep calories low, and the protein content high. Unfortunately, whey protein is not a staple in most households. If you want to try this recipe, then you can buy single-serving packets of most chocolate-flavored protein powders.
9. Choccy Protein Oat Bake
Macros per serving:
Calories: 487 kcal; Fat: 27g; Carbs: 42g; Protein: 33g
If you like sweet breakfasts then this might be heaven for you. Honestly, this chocolate bake looks like some cake from a high-end bakery. According to the author, you can enjoy this dish hot or cold, ticking the box for meal preppers. The extra protein powder and the high fiber content keep this dish macro-friendly.
10. Turkey, Egg, and Cheese Sandwich
Macros per serving:
Calories: 331 kcal; Fat: 12.5g; Carbs: 25.5g; Protein: 29g
English muffins are my guilty breakfast pleasure! A nice spin on breakfast burritos, but very similar. You can make several of these in advance as they keep up to 3 months in the freezer. The fluffy muffins are child-friendly as well.
Macro Friendly Recipes for Lunch
11. Slow Cooker Chipotle Bean Chili
Macros per serving:
Calories: 347 kcal; Fat: 2g; Carbs: 48g; Protein: 23g
This slow cooked bean chilli is probably the best chilli I have ever cooked in my slow cooker, and its vegan! It uses delicious smokey, Mexican flavors that infuse over a long period of cooking time! But don’t worry about spending too much time making it, it only requires 5 minutes of prep!
12. Fish Tacos
Macros per serving:
Calories: 348 kcal; Fat: 13g; Carbs: 32g; Protein: 30g
While not the best alternative for meal preppers, fish tacos are one of the better-known macro-friendly meals. You only need a few ingredients to prepare them and depending on the fish it can be fairly cheap as well.
13. One-Pan Pesto Chicken Veggie
Macros per serving:
Calories: 423 kcal; Fat: 32g; Carbs: 12g; Protein: 23g
10 minutes to prep, 20 minutes to cook. Done. I love these kinds of macro recipes because I am usually very busy. Keep in mind that asparagus is the most expensive vegetable so you might want to cook this when it is in season to keep costs down.
14. Chicken Patties with Veggies
Macros per serving:
Calories: 157 kcal; Fat: 7g; Carbs: 11g; Protein: 14.5g
I will be honest: I do not have a meat grinder at home. To get ground chicken I have to ask my butcher. Nonetheless, if you like fritters then this easy chicken dish might be for you. The macros are like a regular chicken breast and veggie combo, but the texture is way better.
15. Vegan Sweet Potato and Black Bean Bowl
Macros per serving:
Calories: 440 kcal; Fat: 21g; Carbs: 54g; Protein: 13.5g
A nice alternative if you are vegan. While I would prefer a bit more protein, the vitamins and minerals in the veggies more than make up for it. It is also a good choice for meal prepping as you can batch cook the ingredients and mix them right before eating.
16. Lemon Chicken with Veggies
Macros per serving:
Calories: 500 kcal; Fat: 23g; Carbs: 35g; Protein: 40g
Chicken with veggies. I would wager that this is the most common food for people trying to lose weight as well as those looking for macro meals. If you cook the chicken in the marinade it will stay moist longer! Try to eat it within 3 days, unless you like dried-out chicken that tastes like cardboard.
17. Crispy Tofu with Zucchini Noodles and Sesame Seeds
Macros per serving:
Calories: 397 kcal; Fat: 31g; Carbs: 16g; Protein: 18g
You can eat this cold, like a salad, or hot. Make sure to microwave the tofu only. Zucchini noodles are a great way to avoid the post-lunch slump as they are low in carbs. According to the author, this recipe features an amazing sauce, make sure to try it!
18. Zucchini Boats
Macros per serving:
Calories: 332 kcal; Fat: 18g; Carbs: 13g; Protein: 38g
If you like zucchinis then try out this cute little idea for lunch. Chicken parm is usually served with pasta, but in the spirit of macro-friendly meals, I have included a recipe that drops the carbs and adds more veggies!
19. Turkey Taco Wraps
Macros per serving:
Calories: 385 kcal; Fat: 17g; Carbs: 23g; Protein: 33g
This recipe is interesting because it swaps the tortilla for lettuce wraps. If you like tacos but want to cut your carb intake then this could be perfect for you. Make sure to pick sturdier leaves, or use two instead of one!
20. Copycat Bobbie
Macros per serving:
Calories: 273 kcal; Fat: 6g; Carbs: 32g; Protein: 19g
Like a Sandwich and a Burger had a child. I have to admit that I have never heard of a Bobbie before, but after finding this recipe I will definitely try it. Cranberry sauce? Count me in. The macros look fairly good, depending on the bun you can go lower or higher in carbs.
Macro Friendly Recipes for Dinner
21. Slow Cooker Bolognese
Macros per serving:
Calories: 283 kcal; Fat: 14g; Carbs: 7g; Protein: 26g
This Slow Cooker Bolognese is hands down so delicious and easy to make! It uses just one pot and takes just 5 minutes of preparation. Its perfect to chuck on in the morning and eat after work!
22. Low-Carb Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Macros per serving:
Calories: 327 kcal; Fat: 16g; Carbs: 15g; Protein: 31g
If you crave pizza in the evening but want to ditch carbs, then this is for you. The crust is made of cauliflower, but if you don’t mind then you can use a tortilla, or even naan bread instead! Eat these fresh as they don’t store well.
23. One Pan Parm Caesar Chicken
Macros per serving:
Calories: 578 kcal; Fat: 42g; Carbs: 6g; Protein: 44g
This dish is keto-friendly since it has only 6 grams of Carbs. What I love about this recipe is that it has only 5 ingredients and zero prep work. All you have to do is to mix the ingredients and add them to a casserole or an oven-safe pan.
24. Instant Pot Lemon Chicken
Macros per serving:
Calories: 366 kcal; Fat: 31g; Carbs: 2g; Protein: 18g
Another keto meal. Boneless chicken thighs have a higher fat content compared to chicken breast, but you’ll get juicier meat in return. If you are not on a keto diet, but it fits your macros, then go for it!
25. Lemon and Sriracha Stir Fry
Macros per serving:
Calories: 283 kcal; Fat: 10g; Carbs: 8g; Protein: 21g
If you are sick and tired of bland chicken breasts then try this stir-fry. Lemons give a wonderful fresh taste to food, and adding Sriracha makes sure your food has the right amount of spicy. This dish is best served while still hot.
26. Slow Cooked Lean Beef Stew
Macros per serving:
Calories: 304 kcal; Fat: 9g; Carbs: 22g; Protein: 34g
If you have a crockpot then you really have no excuse for ordering takeout on weeknights. Slow-cooked macro meals are really awesome because you can just set it and forget it. Imagine coming home to a fresh stew like this after 8 hours of work!
27. Turkey Burgers with Warm Relish
Macros per serving:
Calories: 258 kcal; Fat: 13g; Carbs: 10g; Protein: 23g
Did you know that an average home-made quarter pounder has 500 calories? This recipe helps you to cut down on calories and sugar while yielding juicy results. You can skip the condiments by making fresh, warm relish.
28. Healthy Fish Sticks and Tartar
Macros per serving:
Calories: 174 kcal; Fat: 1g; Carbs: 15g; Protein: 24g
There are several options in this recipe, and the lowest one calls for panko. If you cook your fish sticks according to their instructions then you will end up with only 174 calories and 24 grams of protein for a single serving!
29. Buffalo Chicken Skewers
Macros per serving:
Calories: 170 kcal; Fat: 9g; Carbs: 1g; Protein: 19g
Skewers are best made on the grill, preferably during the summer. But if you have an indoor grill or a panini press then you can get similar results year-round. Add liquid smoke to boost its smoky flavor when grilling indoors.
30. Jalapeño Popper Chicken
Macros per serving:
Calories: 367 kcal; Fat: 15g; Carbs: 26g; Protein: 36g
I have to admit that this is probably not the food you are looking for if you are 2 weeks out from a bodybuilding contest. But I feel foods like this incorporate the spirit of macro-friendly meals perfectly. Dishes that you usually like, but prepared in a smart way to boost protein and cut calories. Give it a shot!
Macro Friendly Desserts and Snacks
31. Pina Colada Popsicles
Macros per serving:
Calories: 132 kcal; Fat: 10g; Carbs: 10g; Protein: 1g
Spring and summer are just around the corner! This popsicle is perfect after working out, just make sure to add some other source of protein. Compared to regular ice cream the calories are much lower, so you can enjoy one of these guilt-free.
32. Chickpea Blondies
Macros per serving:
Calories: 177 kcal; Fat: 5g; Carbs: 17g; Protein: 5g
If you are looking for a dessert without chocolate then this is a good choice. This recipe is very simple with only a couple of minutes of prep work. Perfect for meal prep as well since you can cut them into smaller pieces and consume them individually.
33. Peanut Butter and Jelly Chia Pudding
Macros per serving:
Calories: 211 kcal; Fat: 13g; Carbs: 19g; Protein: 6g
I have included a Choccy Chia recipe in the breakfast section, but I thought that this would also fit well as a snack. The prep time is only 30 minutes, but keep in mind that you need to let it rest for at least an hour in the fridge.
34. Chocolate Banana Mug Cake
Macros per serving:
Calories: 210 kcal; Fat: 0.5g; Carbs: 33g; Protein: 23g
I love this dessert idea because it takes only 5 minutes to prepare. Do you want to make it look fancier? Remove the cake from the mug, turn it upside down on a plate, and top it off with strawberries or other fruits.
35. Cashew Chocolate Truffles
Macros per serving:
Calories: 148 kcal; Fat: 9g; Carbs: 11g; Protein: 7g
If you like cashews and dark chocolate then try these truffles. Prep time is fairly short, and you can make a large batch of these as they keep well in the fridge. Perfect for meal prepping or as a macro-friendly snack!
36. Homemade Beef Tenderloin Jerky
Macros per serving:
Calories: 100 kcal; Fat: 4g; Carbs: 2g; Protein: 16g
I had some leftover beef tenderloin so I decided to use it for amazing beef jerky. Full of protein, barely any fats or carbs. It is the perfect snack for me because I prefer salty treats. No additives, and also way cheaper than store-bought. If you are unsure about the meat, then here is an article comparing the best meat for jerky.
(Side note: I’m loving this site I found that made this last awesome recipe, Steakbuff.com, for all things — you guessed it — steak! I’m a big steak fan (who isn’t?) and they’ve got a ton of great ways to take it from just “toss on the grill and flip” to “woah, did this come from an expensive steakhouse?!” Check it out!)
What is the best macro ratio for weight loss?
Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this. I lift heavy 3 times a week. To get a six-pack by July I will have to reduce my total caloric and fat intake and moderate my carbs to appropriate levels. I have had success in the past with 40/40/20: 40% of daily calories from carbs, 40% from protein, and only 20% from fat. The last time this led to washboard abs in around 4 months. But that’s me.
According to McMaster University, research participants had great results with a 50c/35p/15f split. Notice how similar that is to my personal experience! If I were new to this, I would probably start somewhere around here, and then adjust as necessary.
What do you eat on a macro diet?
Anything, but not everything. If it fits your macros then you can work most foods into your diet, just keep the “bad” stuff to a minimum. Body composition is a direct result of your training and dietary habits. If you stuff yourself with pizza every day (because it fits your macros) then don’t expect to look like Schwarzenegger in his prime.
For the best results, you should eat lean meats, as many veggies as possible, healthy fats, and whole grains for carbs.
Try to find macro-friendly recipes for the foods you usually enjoy eating. This will help you to keep cheat meals in check.
Final Thoughts: Does the macro diet work?
Yes, the macro diet does absolutely work. Most diets are macro diets in disguise.
Take keto for example. A keto diet looks something like this: 10c/30p/60f. Macro dieting is just a fancy way of saying that you eat in a way that helps your body break down fat. Apart from this, make sure that you are in a caloric deficit if you want to lose weight.
Find the ratio that works for you and you can take intuitive eating to a whole new level!