New to Meal Prep? Here's How to Design a Menu and Portion Your Foods For Weight Loss

Lean protein is essential for weight loss. It helps you feel full and aids in muscle recovery and growth — and the more muscle you have, the more calories you'll burn. That doesn't mean you have to eat the same baked chicken at every meal. Try mixing things up with Amy's picks.

• Salmon: "A 4-ounce cooked portion of salmon has fewer than 200 calories, yet offers 25 grams of protein," Amy told POPSUGAR. "Salmon (and other fatty fish) also provide EPA and DHA, omega-3 fatty acids that can help lower your risk of heart disease and boost brain health."
• Tofu: Plant-based proteins aren't just for vegetarians and vegans. Amy explained that a half-cup serving of tofu — which is made from soybeans — offers 22 grams of protein, but fewer calories and less fat than meats like beef and sausage.
• Pulses: Pulses like chickpeas, lentils, black beans, and dried peas are perfect for meal prep. "They make it quick and simple to prepare nutritious meals, like this vegetarian rice bowl," Amy said. "One study found that eating pulses daily can lead to a weight loss of close to a pound over a six-week period. It may not sound like much, but it adds up over time."

If you're trying to lose weight, fibre-rich fruits and vegetables should be the star of your plate. They're filling, and fibre helps regulate blood sugar, preventing cravings. All fruits and vegetables have different health benefits, so aim for variety — the more colours, the better. Here are some of Amy's favourites.

• Blueberries: Amy keeps her freezer stocked with wild blueberries. "They're so versatile to use in healthy recipes, like smoothies or this wild blueberry lemon nice cream," she said. Blueberries get their rich colour from anthocyanins, a type of antioxidant that helps lower the risk of cognitive decline.
• Mango: A great source of fibre and hydrating water, mango makes a great topping for overnight oats.
• Grapes: Eat them as a snack (they're delicious frozen!) or as a topping in a healthy Greek yoghurt parfait.
• Spinach: Spinach is low-calorie and a good source of filling fibre, with two grams per three-cup serving. It's a tasty salad base, but you can also sauté it with scrambled eggs or blend it into a smoothie.
• Tomatoes: "Tomatoes can be used in so many dishes and they add flavour for very few calories," Amy told POPSUGAR. "The nutritional benefits are impressive, too. Tomatoes provide lycopene, which can protect your skin from UV damage."
• Squash: Courgette isn't the only option to replace traditional noodles. "Butternut squash noodles are delicious when tossed with tomato sauce or pesto, or you can use them as a base for a cold salad," Amy said. "I also love spaghetti squash because you can make low-calorie 'pasta' dishes with it."

Carbs are not the enemy, as long as you pair them with a source of protein and some healthy fats for a well-balanced meal. Whole grains like brown rice and quinoa have more fibre and nutrients than refined grains like white bread. Try these picks.

• Oats: "You can use oats to make overnight oats, a savory dinner oatmeal, and snackable protein bites," Amy said.
• Barley: This heart-healthy grain is severely underrated, she said: "The filling fibre content of barley is one of the highest of any grain and it can be used in a variety of ways, from soups to sides to breakfasts."
• Whole-wheat pasta: "Combine pasta with a lot of veggies to add bulk to your meal, and then top it with a lean protein," Amy suggested.

Healthy fats are more calorie-dense than carbs and protein, but that only serves to make your meals more satiating. Plus, fats are crucial for a healthy brain and hormone function. These are the ones Amy suggests adding to your list.

• Avocado: A little goes a long way, so Amy recommends adding only a quarter of an avocado to any given meal. They're delicious on sandwiches and salads, but you can also use them to make healthy desserts.
• Pistachios: "These are my go-to nut for meal prep because they're one of the highest in protein, not to mention their polyunsaturated fat and fibre content," she said. For snack time, keep 100-calorie packs of pistachios in your car or purse or make Amy's almond butter protein balls.
• Nut butter: Whether you prefer almond or peanut butter, there's no denying that nut butters are some of the most perfect foods around. Use them as a dip for fruit, or try them in oatmeal, yoghurt parfaits, and stir-fry sauces.

If weight loss is your goal, there are certain foods best left out of your grocery cart. "Don't buy high-calorie foods that are hard for you to resist," Amy advised. If you can't stick to a half-cup serving of ice cream (who can?), don't buy a large container that will tempt you every time you open the freezer. Instead, plan to go out for a small serving if you're craving dessert.

Amy typically advises clients to include a lean protein, healthy fat, whole grain, and veggies or fruit with each meal. While portion sizes are highly individual (you might try meeting with a dietitian, who can create a plan based on your age, activity level, and more), Amy did give this example. "If I was aiming to create a meal with about 400 calories, I might include 3/4 cup pulses (such as canned, no-salt-added chickpeas) as a protein, 10 kalamata olives as a healthy fat, 1/2 cup cooked whole-wheat pasta for a whole grain, 1/2 cup grape tomatoes, 1/4 cup onion, and 2 cups spinach sautéed in low-sodium broth, topped with 1/4 cup tomato sauce," she said. "You can also add seasoning as you like, such as black pepper."

When you need to eye ball it, many experts recommend following the 50/25/25 rule, in which you fill 50 percent of your plate with fruits and nonstarchy vegetables, 25 percent with lean protein, and 25 percent with whole grains and starchy vegetables, with a small amount of fat (such as nuts or avocado) mixed in.