Choose a nutritious protein bowl for lasting energy to avoid the afternoon energy slumps and snack attacks. I don’t know about you, but I hate that “blah” feeling in the late afternoon and how I feel after snacking on unhealthy food. That’s why I like to make protein bowls for lunch. One key benefit of incorporating protein bowls into your lunch routine is staying energized. Making protein the star of your meal stabilizes blood sugar levels and provides a steady release of energy, keeping you fueled and preventing energy crashes. You also feel more satisfied when you have higher protein meals, which means you’ll skip the afternoon snacks. Eating a protein-rich meal can also help with mental clarity and focus.

Protein Bowls are Fast, Cheap, and Easy

The way I make my protein bowls also allows me to whip up quick and healthy meals. I don’t have the luxury of being in the kitchen for hours prepping food, so I make sure to cook lean proteins using neutral spices to use them for other meals and make kid-friendly options. My rule of thumb is that it has to be something I can make in 10 minutes or less, usually when I am getting the kids ready for school. Here are some of my go-to protein bowl ingredients:

  • 2-4 Pounds of ground chicken, turkey (93%), bison, or lean grass-fed beef
  • Bag of frozen, canned, or fresh veggies (my favorite it is riced cauliflower without the sauce)
  • Healthy fats like a 1/4-1/2 avocado, 10-12 nuts, or a drizzle of olive oil
  • Healthy flavors like a drizzle of hot sauce or coconut aminos

Here’s the combo I’ve been loving that has almost 40 grams of protein and less than 350 calories. It costs less than $5 and takes a few minutes to pull together.

Cheesy Buffalo Chicken Protein Bowl Recipe

  • 5 Ounces of ground chicken
  • 1 cup of cauliflower rice
  • 1 square of Laughing Cow Cheese light
  • Shredded lettuce
  • A couple shakes of Frank’s Hot Sauce

Warm the ground chicken and cauliflower rice, then stir in the Laughing Cow Cheese. Top with a few shakes of Frank’s Hot Sauce and a handful of shredded lettuce. This also tastes awesome with ground beef or bison!

You can also prep many other lean proteins. Check out this article that includes 16 high-protein meal ideas. Interested in learning more about nutrition and health habits? I’d love to hear from you!