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3 High-Protein Recipes Jillian Michaels Actually Makes

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Andrew Macpherson

She may be known as the "tough love" trainer from NBC's reality weight loss competition The Biggest Loser, but Jillian Michaels is more than a fitness guru; she also knows a lot about healthy eating. And not only that, she also has a knack for making healthy staples like quinoa and chicken into dishes that her clients actually want to eat.

Luckily, you don't need to train with Michaels to score her meal ideas. Her new app has an entire library of recipes specifically developed with weight loss in mind. These aren't things that will leave you hungry, either; satiating nutrients like fiber and protein play a starring role in each one—which is good news for your waistline. Fiber-packed foods digest at a slower pace, which helps ward off hunger, while protein stabilizes blood sugar, kicking cravings for high-carb, sugary foods to the curb. (Find out how to stop the craving cycle before it starts and burn fat around the clock with the naturally sweet, salty, and satisfying meals in Eat Clean, Lose Weight & Love Every Bite.)

Here you'll find three of her go-to recipes—all of which have at least 12 g of protein and a solid hit of fiber.

Mexican Quinoa Chop Salad with Avocado Cilantro Dressing*

Jillian Michaels recipes, Mexican quinoa chop salad with avocado cilantro dressing
Jillian Michaels App

Think going meatless means you'll go hungry? Think again! Black beans, quinoa, and crunchy pepitas add staying power to this light lunchtime dish, and onion, scallions, and spicy jalapeños add some serious flavor—while keeping calories to a minimum.

PRO TIP: If you're trying to make this salad last through the work week, split the dish into five servings instead of four, and beef it up by serving it over a bed of spinach or baby kale. Alternatively, you can enjoy the salad as-is with a side of grilled chicken. (Looking for more creative salad ideas? Try some of these 20 low-calorie salads that won't leave you hungry.)

SERVES: 4

SALAD

1 red bell pepper, diced
1 carrot, grated or shredded
1 cup jicama, diced
1/2 sm red onion, diced
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 c cherry tomatoes, halved
1 scallion, end removed and sliced into rounds
1 jalapeño, diced (optional)
2 c romaine lettuce, chopped
1/4 c cooked quinoa
1/4 c pepitas, for serving

DRESSING

1 avocado
1/2 c cilantro
1/2 lime, zested
1 lime, juiced
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 clove garlic
1/4 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp apple cider vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil

1. COMBINE all salad ingredients except pepitas in large bowl.
2. BLEND all dressing ingredients with 1/2 cup water in blender or food processor.
3. TOSS salad with dressing. Top with pepitas. 

NUTRITION (per serving) 372 calories, 16 g protein, 45 g carbs, 17 g fiber, 16 g fat

BBQ Chicken Burrito

Jillian Michaels recipes, BBQ chicken burrito
Jillian Michaels App

While it's not often considered a "diet food," when made right, even burritos can be flat-belly friendly. To keep her recipe low-cal, Michaels uses fresh beans instead of the refried variety (which often contains lard or sour cream) and whole grain tortillas instead of traditional ones made with refined white flour.

PRO TIP: If you don't love the taste of whole wheat, reach for corn tortillas instead. They're primarily made up of corn and water, so they're filled with fiber. (Looking for more ways to add more of the filling nutrient to your diet? Don’t miss these 6 tasty ways to get more fiber.)

SERVES 2

1 tsp olive oil
1/2 lb skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into small cubes
1/4 c chopped onion
1½ cloves garlic, minced
2 Tbsp store-bought organic barbecue sauce (we like Organic Annie's Original BBQ Sauce ($3, walmart.com))
7 oz organic low-sodium black beans, rinsed and drained
2 whole grain tortillas (6" diameter)
2 Tbsp lowfat sour cream

1. HEAT oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add chicken, onion, and garlic; cook 8 minutes or until chicken is done, stirring constantly.
2. STIR in barbecue sauce and beans. Cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated.
3. WARM tortillas according to package directions.
4. SPOON about ½ cup chicken mixture down center of each tortilla; top each with 1 Tbsp of the sour cream, and roll up.

NUTRITION (per serving) 392 calories, 36 g protein, 39 g carb, 11 g fiber, 10 g fat 

MORE: 7 Ways To Cut Major Calories From Those Delicious Chain Burritos

Feta Frittata

Jillian Michaels recipes, Feta frittata
Jillian Michaels App

This fancy frittata is overflowing with nutrients. While the eggs bring protein and fat-fighting choline to the pan, tomatoes lend cancer-fighting lycopene as well as a beautiful pop of color. Paired with a side of delicious fiber-rich raspberries, this is one morning meal worth waking up for. (Shake up your morning routine with these four new alternative toothpastes from Prevention Premium.) 

SERVES 1

2 eggs, beaten
1 tsp olive oil
1/4 c diced cherry tomatoes
1 tsp chopped leeks
3 Tbsp crumbled feta
1 c cantaloupe and assorted berries, for serving

1. HEAT oil in small skillet over medium heat.
2. COOK tomatoes and leeks 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low and add eggs. Cover and cook 3 minutes until eggs are firm.
4. TOP with cheese, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and serve alongside fruit.

NUTRITION (per serving) 256 calories 12 g protein, 18 g carb, 6 g fiber, 16 g fat

MORE: 10 Smoothies With More Protein Than Two Eggs

*Recipe developed by Megan Marlow

Headshot of Dana Leigh Smith
Dana Leigh Smith
Dana Leigh Smith is currently the Health Director for HearstMade, overseeing all branded health, fitness, and wellness content across the Hearst portfolio, including Women's Health, Prevention, Cosmopolitan, and Good Housekeeping. She specializes in producing nutrition and health content and loves spending time outside with her dog and husband.
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