The #1 Best Dinner for Weight Loss

We've all heard the importance of breakfast for weight loss, but what about dinner? Many people struggle with dinner, giving in to cravings or consuming excess calories after a long day. However, dinner can actually aid in weight loss, and it doesn't have to be just salad and boiled chicken. We interviewed Destini Moody, RDN, CSSD, LD, a registered dietitian and sports dietitian with Garage Gym Reviews, who shares her top dinner choice for weight loss and achieving a slimmer midsection.

Weight loss isn't just about what you eat; meal timing also plays a significant role. A 2022 study in Nutrition Research and Practice suggests that eating three proper meals a day—breakfast, lunch, and dinner—at specific times can boost weight-loss success. Studies have also shown that those who have a larger breakfast and a smaller dinner tend to lose more weight. Eating your last meal within two hours of bedtime and avoiding late-night snacks can further support weight loss.

If you're eager to try out the recipe, keep reading for Moody's top dinner choice for weight loss.

In This Article:

This Simple Shrimp, Kale, and Lentil Salad Is the Best Weight-Loss Dinner

A simple shrimp, kale, and lentil salad is the ideal dinner for weight loss. Comprised of three basic, whole-food ingredients—shrimp, kale, and lentils—this dish provides a healthy balance of carbs and protein, along with a low-calorie vegetable. It offers satiety, essential nutrients, and a wholesome option for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.

The Ingredients:

Total calories: approximately 497

How To Make It:

1. Wash and tear 2 cups of kale into bite-sized pieces, removing tough stems.


2. Cook ½ cup of green lentils in water or broth until tender but firm. Drain excess liquid.


3. If the shrimp isn't pre-cooked, sauté six ounces of shrimp in a pan with a touch of olive oil until pink and opaque.


4. In a large bowl, combine the kale, shrimp, and lentils, tossing until mixed.


5. For added nutrients and bulk, consider adding more vegetables of your choice to the salad.


6. Season with salt, pepper, and optional olive oil or fresh lemon juice for flavor.

Recipe Benefits

1. It's full of fiber.

The salad's fiber content from kale and lentils aids in digestion and prolongs the feeling of fullness. This nutrient-dense choice supports weight loss goals while keeping you satisfied.

2. It's high in protein.

The shrimp, kale, and lentils offer a lean source of protein crucial for muscle repair and satiety. This protein-packed salad promotes fullness and a balanced approach to weight loss.

3. You can add more bulk to it.

Customize the salad by adding extra vegetables or whole foods to increase satiety without excess calories, allowing for a personalized meal that suits your needs.