Feeling Weighed Down By Heavy Winter Meals? Try These 7 Light And Healthy Dinner Recipes For Spring

Even when the big “food holidays” – Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve –  are in the rearview mirror, it tends to be our natural inclination to eat heavy foods during the winter. So it’s no wonder many of us tend to feel weighed down (both physically and mentally) by the time the calendar turns to spring. It’s normal to have put on a little extra weight over the cold weather months, and now that spring is officially here, it’s just as normal to want to lose those excess pounds in a healthy, sustainable way.  

That said, it’s important to note that reaching a certain weight shouldn’t necessarily be included in your health goals. In fact, sometimes being super cut and lean isn’t healthy. We've been taught that a toned body with six-pack abs is the peak of health, but growing research shows that isn't necessarily the case, since women actually need significantly more body fat than men in order to balance our hormones and set our bodies up to thrive. Instead of reaching a target weight, the goal should be to treat your body with love and respect by properly nourishing yourself and getting some form of movement every day. (Bonus points if you’re using the 28 app to help sync your habits to your menstrual cycle.) That way, your body can fire on all cylinders and you’ll naturally reach an optimal healthy weight.

With nourishment on the mind – meaning prioritizing protein (aim for 30 grams per meal), avoiding seed oils, loading up on fruits and veggies, and enjoying healthy fats – here are seven dinner ideas to keep you feeling light and healthy as we step into sunnier days:

1. Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner 

It doesn’t get any easier than a sheet pan dinner. This one is super flavorful and packed with protein, healthy fat, and tons of colorful veggies. Best of all, it can be prepped ahead of time so you can just toss it in the oven and enjoy it in 30 minutes flat. 

2. Low-Carb, Protein-Packed Green Goddess Pasta Salad 

I’m a sucker for anything with “green goddess” in the name. The garlic, basil, and chives make it burst with flavor, and using a low-carb, high-protein pasta makes it the perfect way to level up your protein intake. 

3. Whole Roasted Chicken 

Make this on Sunday for a healthy and satisfying dinner, and then eat the leftovers for lunches during the week (chicken salad, anyone?). This will keep you on track when tempted to reach for something not-so-healthy when those midday munchies arrive. 

4. Reverse Sear Ribeye 

There’s no better way to prioritize protein than with a juicy, grass-fed ribeye. This reverse sear method is foolproof and turns out a beautiful medium-rare every time. Want to lighten it up? Skip the butter, and let the natural flavor of the meat be the star.

5. Detox Soup 

This filling and satisfying soup is absolutely packed with veggies, making it the perfect way to let go of some excess water weight. The recipe makes a generous portion, so you can eat it all week – or freeze it and reheat for a quick weeknight meal. 

6. Turkey Taco Salad

Lighten up your taco night. Swapping in turkey for ground beef is an easy way to reduce fat. Add in all your favorite taco toppings and mix salsa with a little bit of sour cream for a quick dressing. So flavorful, you won’t even miss the tortilla! 

7. Easy (Luteal Phase) Paleo Chili 

Every season is chili season, in my opinion. This one uses chipotle bone broth to give it incredible flavor, and the sweet potatoes give it some extra satiating bulk.

8. Bonus Dessert: Chocolate Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bites 

We all need a little treat every now and then (or, if you’re like me, every day of the week). These frozen yogurt bites are the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth without weighing you down.  

Closing Thoughts 

With spring here and summer quickly approaching, it’s natural to want to slim down as we shed a few layers of clothing. Fueling your body by eating a balanced, protein-forward diet will help you reach your health goals, while keeping your body nourished and happy.

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