I don't want healthy eating to feel boring, or for people to think that they have to eat plain chicken and broccoli for every meal. Eating enough protein doesn't mean living on dry chicken and shakes alone. DeVaux finds it easier to stick to protein goals when you actually enjoy your dinners.
While Walmart sells OMNI plant-based meats and countless other high-protein products from name brands, the grocer's many in-house labels are always worth searching for, as they provide great quality and nutrition at a much lower price tag.
Start with the obvious question: how much protein are you actually getting per scoop? Most decent powders fall somewhere around the 20-25 gram range. That's enough to make a real dent in your daily intake, especially if you're trying to push past the 100-gram mark without eating chicken six times a day.
By choosing ingredients like eggs, which are easy to use and versatile, you can make healthy living fit into your life at the breakfast table as part of a balanced diet. For example, these egg-inspired recipes are part of the American Heart Association's Healthy for Good Eat Smart initiative, nationally supported by Eggland's Best. In addition to the social and emotional benefits of dining together, shared family meals can help promote healthier choices at the table.
Late-night snacking has had a bad rap for a long time. When pop culture takes a stab at this (very) human thing, it often portrays the scene as pernicious or, at best, distasteful. Combine that with regular condemnation by diet culture and accusatory media headlines that frame after-dinner eating as a moral failing, and it's easy to see why most of us want to steer clear.
Backed by expert nutrition guidance, recipes such as Turkey Bacon and Spinach Quiche with Sweet Potato Crust are wholesome, flavorful and fast, perfect for busy weekdays or anytime you need a nutritious boost. The sweet potato crust offers a better-for-you twist on ready-made or traditional crusts made with butter, and it can be served with slices of honeydew or berries for an added touch of sweetness.
Yogurt bowls are great-both the sweet and savory kinds-but there are so many more recipes with yogurt to know and love. This versatile dairy staple can bulk up a breakfast smoothie, anchor a marinade for lamb and other meats, form the base of classic dips like tzatziki, and transform ice pops into high-protein, healthy desserts-adding tang, tenderness, and creaminess along the way. From weeknight dinners to no-bake sweets, yogurt does more heavy lifting in the kitchen than almost any other dairy product.
Rachel Swanson, a registered dietitian at LifeSpan Medicine and author of "Trying!: A Science-Backed Plan to Optimize Your Fertility," splits her time between New York City and Miami, spending about half the year in each. She also takes small-group workout classes three times a week, focusing on strength training. She says eating enough nutrients, especially protein for muscle-building, is crucial for her. She generally aims for around 0.7 grams of protein per pound of body weight, the protein intake usually recommended for physically active people.
Fresh eggs: You'll use two large eggs per ramekin. Butter or oil: This creates a rich base that prevents sticking. For a dairy-free version, substitute with olive oil. Optional toppings: I like adding a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese to each dish for best flavor. Baking dishes: Small ramekins or ceramic dishes work best. I use 5-inch ramekins that are just the right size for two eggs.
Don't over-process the mixture in your blender. 15-20 pulses does the job, resulting in a smooth batter. Yes, you need to use parchment paper. Spread the batter across your sheet pan gently, to a uniform thickness. Too thin, it is more likely to crack. Bake until the wrap is very golden on the bottom, this is right around 30 minutes in my oven. This is the color you're after, or even a bit darker!
