Meal Ideas For Your Recovery

Fuel your ACL recovery with nutritious meal and snack ideas designed to support healing and strength. Prioritizing whole foods with a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, and healthy fats throughout the day, along with proper hydration, is key! These meals emphasize some of the key nutrients like protein, vitamin C, and omega-3s to help optimize your recovery.

Overnight Oats

A quick and nutritious breakfast you can prep the night before. Perfect for busy mornings or a relaxed start to your day! Packed with protein, healthy fats, and energizing carbs to fuel your recovery.

Ingredients:

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • ½ cup water or milk
  • ¾ cup rolled oats

Toppings:

  • Omega-3 boost: Nuts, chia seeds, flaxseeds, hemp seeds
  • Other options: Fresh or dried fruit, granola

Instructions:

  1. Combine all ingredients in a jar, mix well, and cover.
  2. Refrigerate overnight.
  3. In the morning, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies

A quick and nutritious 30-minute meal—perfect for a balanced recovery dinner! Salmon provides protein, leucine, and omega-3s, while broccoli and potatoes deliver vitamin C and energizing carbohydrates.

Ingredients:

  • 1 salmon fillet
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ tbsp olive oil
  • ½ russet potato, cubed (leave the skin on for extra nutrients)
  • ½ head broccoli, cut into pieces
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with foil and drizzle with olive oil.
  2. Toss potatoes and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on the sheet.
  3. In a small bowl, mix mustard, honey, soy sauce, and olive oil.
  4. Season salmon with salt and pepper, then drizzle with sauce (save extra for dipping).
  5. Bake for 20 minutes, then enjoy!

Miso-Glazed Salmon

A quick, flavorful salmon dish packed with protein and omega-3s! Perfect for a balanced, nutrient-dense meal.

Miso Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp miso paste
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ginger, minced

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets (skin-on)
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Serving Suggestions:

  • Rice
  • Veggies: Avocado, cabbage, edamame, carrots, peppers, radishes, mushrooms
  • Garnishes: Cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly oil.
  2. Mix all sauce ingredients in a small bowl.
  3. Pat salmon dry, season with salt and pepper, and coat with miso sauce (save extra for serving).
  4. Bake for 12–15 minutes, then broil for 1–2 minutes for a crispy finish.
  5. Serve over rice with your favorite veggies and garnishes. Enjoy!

Greek Turkey Bowls

A fresh and flavorful meal prep packed with protein, vitamin C, and Mediterranean-inspired goodness!

Turkey (3-4 servings):

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb ground turkey
  • 1 tsp dried basil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup shredded cucumber
  • 1 tbsp chopped dill
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Serving Suggestions:

  • Israeli couscous
  • Chickpeas
  • Kale
  • Chopped cucumbers

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a pan and cook ground turkey with basil, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  2. Cook couscous in vegetable stock according to package instructions.
  3. Mix tzatziki ingredients in a bowl.
  4. Assemble bowls with turkey, couscous, chickpeas, kale, cucumbers, and tzatziki. Enjoy!

Chicken and Wild Rice Soup

A hearty, protein-packed meal perfect for meal prep or a comforting dinner!

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 carrots, diced
  • 2 celery stalks, diced
  • 2 leeks, thinly sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 6-8 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups wild rice
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • ¼ cup chopped dill
  • Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large pot and sauté carrots, celery, leeks, and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Add chicken, stock, wild rice, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 30 minutes or until chicken reaches 165°F.
  3. Remove chicken, shred, and return to the soup.
  4. Enjoy fresh or store for a meal-prep-friendly option throughout the week!

Beef Chili

A hearty, nutrient-dense chili loaded with protein, fiber, and vitamin C-great for muscle recovery and collagen production!

Ingredients:

  • Olive oil
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1½ red bell peppers, diced
  • 1 lb ground beef (or game meat, turkey, or chicken)
  • 2 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp oregano
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 14 oz diced tomatoes
  • 14 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 cup bone broth
  • 2 cans kidney beans
  • 1 can black beans

Toppings: Avocado, cilantro, cheese, sour cream, tortilla chips

Instructions:

  1. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onions, peppers, and garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened.
  2. Add ground meat and spices, breaking it apart as it cooks.
  3. Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, and beans. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
  4. Cover and cook for 45 minutes to an hour.
  5. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

High Protein Snacks

  • Tuna

  • Edamame 

  • Eggs (scrambled, hard boiled, etc)

  • Greek yogurt

  • Cottage cheese

  • Protein shakes

Boosting your Omega-3s

Besides fish, you can get your omega-3s from a variety of nuts and seeds! Toss them into your trail mix, granola, yogurt, oatmeal, smoothies, shakes, and more!

  • Walnuts
  • Chia seeds
  • Flax seeds
  • Hemp seeds
  • Pumpkin seeds

Vitamin C Snacks

Support your ACL recovery by ensuring your body has enough vitamin C to optimize collagen production to maintain strong ligaments, bones, and tendons!

  • Fruit smoothies
    • With citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits), strawberries
  • Cantaloupe
  • Veggie tray
    • Bell peppers and broccoli with your favorite dip

Vitamin D in the Sun

The best way to get your vitamin D is from the sun. Spend time outdoors enjoying your favorite activities, or simply take a walk around the block to soak up some sunshine!

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