The #1 Reason Why You May Be Gaining Weight Despite Working Out & Eating Healthier

Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
Chicken is often touted as one of the best sources of protein you can eat—but it’s not the only one. These dinners are packed with at least 15 grams of protein per serving from other nutrient-rich foods like seafood, beef and pork, tofu and legumes to help you feel full and energized for longer. So step aside, chicken, because recipes like our High-Protein Spaghetti Squash Caprese and our Ground Turkey Fajita Bowls are too good not to make for dinner tonight.
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Photographer: Morgan Hunt Ward, Prop Stylist: Pheobe Hausser, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf.
Here’s a fun twist on the classic Italian salad—combining traditional caprese ingredients with tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash. The squash is tossed with juicy plum tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant fresh basil and great northern beans for a boost of plant-based protein. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties the dish together with a sweet-tangy finish.
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Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
Here, salmon is coated in a sweet and tangy maple-mustard glaze that caramelizes beautifully as it broils. Surrounding the tender fish is a mix of seasonal vegetables, including broccoli and potatoes, that roast to perfection.
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Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
This Marry Me White Bean Salad is a bright, flavor-packed dish that’s hard not to fall for. Pulling inspiration from Marry Me Chicken, the tender white beans are tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil and a creamy dressing that soaks into every bite. It’s quick to throw together and perfect for meal prep, picnics or pairing with grilled meats.
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Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
This ground turkey rice bowl is a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Lean ground turkey is cooked with savory seasonings like chili powder, cumin and oregano before being tossed with pico de gallo. The mixture pairs well with brown rice and sautéed onions and peppers to create a hearty dinner.
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Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Margaret Monroe Dickey, Prop Stylist: Hannah Greenwood.
This hearty dinner takes all the flavors of classic stuffed zucchini and turns them into an easy casserole. Instead of hollowing and stuffing each zucchini, everything is layered in one dish for a quick, no-fuss dinner. A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top melts into a bubbly, golden layer that ties it all together.
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Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Julia Bayless.
This black bean quiche with pepper jack cheese is perfect for a light dinner. The creamy egg filling is packed with fiber-rich black beans, sweet peppers and spicy pepper jack cheese for a flavorful kick. If you want to tame the heat, Monterey Jack cheese can be used in its place. Serve it with a simple green salad or fresh salsa on the side.
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Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle.
Flaky chunks of tuna combine with tangy kimchi and sit atop warm brown rice, paired with crunchy cucumbers, creamy avocado and toasty nori. A drizzle of Sriracha mayo brings everything together.
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Photographer: Brittney Cottrell, Food stylist: Marianne Williams, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This skillet dinner is perfect for scooping up with your favorite toasted whole-grain bread. Juicy cherry tomatoes burst as they roast, mingling with creamy white beans to create a flavorful base. Chunky pieces of feta cheese are nestled into the skillet and baked until warm and soft. The result is a savory, creamy mix with tangy bites of feta in every bite.
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Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.
This eggplant Parmesan is a comforting version of the classic Italian dish that’s simple to make. Slices of eggplant are layered with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. It’s perfect as a vegetarian main course and pairs well with pasta, crusty bread or a salad.
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Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
This salmon, pesto and tomato pasta is a flavorful and satisfying dish that comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The rich, flaky salmon pairs beautifully with sweet cherry tomatoes and pesto for a fresh and balanced dinner.
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Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Shannon Goforth, Prop Stylist: Breanna Ghazali.
This grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies.
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Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Emily Nabors Hall, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
Here, salmon pieces are marinated and cooked to tender, flaky perfection. Fresh green beans are cooked in the same pan, soaking up the sweet and savory pan sauce. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
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Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen.
This sheet-pan recipe is a simple, flavorful meal with easy cleanup. The cod is nestled in a foil packet, so the herbed butter and juices keep the fish tender and moist while the vegetables roast beautifully.
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Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
These satisfying bowls feature hearty black beans, veggies and zesty toppings layered over crispy cabbage and lettuce. The lime crema adds a tangy, creamy finish that brings all the flavors together.
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Leigh Beisch
This pasta-salad and tuna-salad mashup gets a boost of color and texture from broccoli. Plenty of Kalamata olives add a briny bite, which pairs perfectly with the lemony dressing.
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Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
Salmon is quickly marinated in a mixture of tamari, fresh ginger and hot pepper sauce, giving it a bold, savory kick with a touch of heat. The crisp cabbage slaw, tossed with a sesame dressing, adds a refreshing sweet and savory contrast to the salmon.
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Photographer: Jen Causey, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This caprese chickpea salad is a plant-based twist on the classic Italian favorite. It combines creamy mozzarella pearls, juicy cherry tomatoes and fragrant fresh basil with hearty chickpeas for a satisfying dish. A simple balsamic vinaigrette ties everything together with a tangy-sweet finish.
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Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.
Flaky broiled salmon is drizzled with a zesty lemon dressing that brightens the entire dish. It’s served over a bed of fluffy brown rice, which absorbs the citrusy flavors. A crisp salad of cucumber, cherry tomatoes and feta cheese brings creaminess and a refreshing crunch.
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Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
Thinly sliced zucchini offers a crisp and refreshing base, while the sauce (made with ginger, soy and lime juice) adds bold and bright flavors. Precooked shrimp make this meal fast and convenient—just toss everything together and serve! It’s a fresh, protein-packed bowl that comes together in minutes.
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Photographer Victor Protasio, food stylist Chelsea Zimmer, and prop stylist Hannah Greenwood.
Juicy turkey meatballs are seasoned with spinach and feta cheese, then roasted alongside tender chunks of zucchini and crispy golden potatoes. A creamy, cooling yogurt dip at the base ties everything together.
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Photographer: Jacob Fox, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Joseph Wanek.
Juicy tomatoes, ciabatta and thinly sliced onion form the heart of this refreshing salad. Creamy burrata adds richness, while high-quality canned tuna packed in oil brings savory depth. The oil from the tuna can is used to dress the salad, infusing it with extra flavor and tying all the ingredients together.
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Photographer: Victor Protasio, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer, Prop Stylist: Hannah Grennwood.
This veggie-packed quiche is made without a crust, so it’s much quicker to prepare than a traditional quiche. The blend of tender roasted broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy white beans creates a filling, protein-rich meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
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Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.
Tender salmon fillets roast alongside crisp-tender bok choy, soaking up the savory miso glaze as they cook. A bed of rice catches all the delicious flavors, turning into the perfect base for this five-ingredient dinner.
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Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Jennifer Wendorf, Prop Styling: Josh Hoggle.
Earthy mushrooms, spinach and garlic flavor the pasta alongside whole-milk ricotta that creates a creamy sauce. You can elevate the flavor even more by using wild mushrooms for a deeper savory flavor and finishing with a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything up.
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Photographer: Morgan Hunt Glaze, Prop Stylist: Claire Spollen, Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer
These fajita-stuffed portobello mushrooms are the mash-up you’ve been waiting for! This flavorful vegetarian dish fills roasted portobello mushroom caps with fajita-style veggies and black beans, giving them a boost of fiber and protein. Top it off with melted cheese and strained (Greek-style) yogurt for a satisfying dinner.
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Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco.
With only five ingredients, this salmon dinner comes together fast without sacrificing flavor. The salmon is seared to a golden crust and glazed with honey for a sweet and savory finish. Tender roasted potatoes and garlicky spinach round out the plate.
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Photographer: Hannah Hufham, Food Stylist: Marianne Williams , Prop Stylist: Keoshia McGhee
This cheeseburger salad is a fun twist on a classic burger. It features a crisp base of chopped iceberg lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, pickles and juicy cherry tomatoes. A melty cheeseburger patty is served warm on top, along with a tangy ketchup-mayo pickle sauce that ties all the flavors together.
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Photographer: Jake Sternquist, Food Stylist: Sammy Mila, Prop Stylist: Gabriel Greco
This ground beef and sweet potato skillet is a fast, hearty meal made with just five simple ingredients (not counting oil, salt and pepper) for a flavorful one-pan dinner. The sweet potatoes cook until tender, soaking up the savory flavors from the beef and veggies.
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Photographer: Robby Lozano; Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling; Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
This savory dish, inspired by the beloved Marry Me Chicken, features the same delicious ingredients in the form of a crustless quiche! Sun-dried tomatoes bring a deep, tangy sweetness that pairs beautifully with creamy goat cheese and spinach.
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Photographer: Robby Lozano, Food Stylist: Julian Hensarling, Prop Stylist: Josh Hoggle
Crunchy cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, roasted red peppers and red onions are all mixed together in a heart-healthy vinaigrette for a dish that is as delicious as it is eye-catching. Chickpea pasta, whole chickpeas and fresh mozzarella pearls add to the dish’s protein.
Make tonight’s dinner cozy and low-carb with one of these one-pot meals. Each dish is full of tasty seasonal produce like butternut squash, mushrooms and Brussels sprouts, with just 14 grams of carbohydrates or less per serving. From our Vegan Butternut Squash Soup to Skillet Pork Chops with Peas, Carrots & Pearl Onions, these seasonal, healthy dishes are perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Thai spices and creamy coconut milk distinguish this version from traditional butternut squash soup. Curry paste is a convenient way to add complex flavor, but if you want to make sure this soup is vegan or if you are allergic to shellfish, check the ingredient list carefully—some brands contain shellfish.
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Diana Chistruga
Shrimp and broccoli cook quickly in this easy, one-pot recipe, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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This creamless—yet creamy—mushroom soup showcases the savory flavor of fresh morel mushrooms. Dried mushrooms help add luscious flavor to this healthy soup.
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These skillet pork chops are full of classic flavor, especially when paired with tender veggies like carrots, peas and pearl onions.
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Anchovies add salty, umami flavor to this healthy skillet dinner, which is cooked in one pan and takes just 20 minutes to prep—in case you need more selling points for this recipe.
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Roasting salmon on top of Brussels sprouts and garlic, flavored with wine and fresh oregano, is simple enough for a weeknight meal yet sophisticated enough to serve to company.
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This easy slow-cooker chicken noodle soup is chock-full of vegetables yet still low in carbs.,It gets its extra creaminess from a little light cream cheese.
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Try this quick and easy one-skillet version of the Hungarian classic chicken paprikash. Serve the chicken cutlets, mushrooms and creamy sauce with a green salad on the side.
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In this healthy chicken stew, we save prep time by using pre-sliced mushrooms and pre-chopped kale (found near packaged fresh greens), making it a quick and nutritious weekly staple.
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This green shakshuka is packed with green chard and spinach, plus a little hot pepper to provide just a touch of spice.
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Even people who think they don't like beets love this vibrantly colored, vegetable-packed borscht soup. Plenty of mushrooms, cabbage and carrots, along with a judicious amount of beef make this hearty borscht special.
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Classic chicken Florentine—creamy spinach served atop sautéed chicken cutlets—is a fast and easy meal. To keep calories lower, this recipe uses cornstarch to thicken the cream instead of cheese.
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This vegetarian faux fried rice uses riced cauliflower in place of white or brown rice to pack in extra veggies and cut down on carbs. Chile-garlic sauce pumps up the heat, and fresh ginger adds a bright, warm bite. If you don't like the heat of the chile-garlic sauce, leave it out and add a bit more tamari or soy sauce for a rich, fermented tang.
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These seared pork chops are topped with a rich and creamy mushroom sauce that gets flavored with fresh herbs. It’s a savory and satisfying meal with minimal cleanup.
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A crust of fresh horseradish, parsley and capers turns delicately crispy on this air-fried salmon. It's an impressive dinner that's also super simple to make.
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Turnips lend an earthy flavor and a texture that is similar to potatoes--but with fewer carbs--to this rich and flavorful beef stew.