Hope you had a great week! It’s a busy season for so many of you, so I thought it might be helpful to focus ready-to-eat proteins- no heavy meal prep. These ideas are built for those days when time isn’t on your side but you still want a healthy, protein-packed meal. What are yours? I’d love to add to this list. Comment below. Let’s dive in!

What’s Cooking this Week?

Sliced Grass-Fed Beef Sirloin

Costco’s sliced grass-fed beef sirloin is a convenient, ready-to-eat protein. Serve with au jus, mashed potatoes, and veggies for a comforting dinner, or make a salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. Need a healthy appetizer? Try using this beef and make an arugula crostini with an olive and red pepper relish

PHOTO CREDIT: ©paleorunningmomma.com

Rotisserie Chicken- The Ultimate Go-To

A rotisserie chicken in the fridge is like a blank canvas for healthy meals. Here are a few quick ways to enjoy it:

  • Toss into salads with mixed greens and your favorite dressing.
  • Make chicken tacos with salsa and guacamole.
  • Add to wraps with veggies and hummus.
  • Shred over a bowl of soup for extra protein.
  • Layer into a grain bowl with rice, avocado, and black beans.
  • Stir into pasta with marinara for a comforting twist.
  • Make BBQ chicken sandwiches with a light slaw.
  • Add to quesadillas with cheese and veggies.
  • Mix with Greek yogurt and spices for a healthy chicken salad.

Egglife Wraps

If you haven’t tried Egglife wraps, you’re in for a treat. They’re packed with protein and super versatile (they don’t have a heavy egg flavor). Use them to make a quick vodka pasta (seriously, recipe is a game changer) or turn them into pizza pockets by filling them with marinara, cheese, and veggies. Fast, and delicious!

PHOTO CREDIT: ©fittyfoodlicious.com

Easy High-Protein Spaghetti

For a pantry staple, grab high-protein pasta and a quality marinara sauce (no/low added sugar- this sauce is one of our favorites). Pair with a sprinkle of Parmesan, and in minutes, you have a meal with almost 50 grams of protein- all from ingredients you likely have in your pantry. Add a quick side salad or steamed veggies to round it out. This Only Bean Pasta has 44 grams of protein! Banza products are great options too.

PHOTO CREDIT: ©greenhealthycooking.com

Argentinian Red Shrimp

Frozen Argentinian shrimp is a lifesaver for quick meals. Defrost in room temperature water for about 20 minutes, then toss in a pan with Trader Joe’s Tikka Masala sauce. Add any wilting greens from the fridge, and serve with naan bread. This sweet, lobster-like shrimp is fast to cook and full of flavor. Trader Joe’s shrimp is a great option too. Here are more creative ideas for shrimp:

  • Garlic Lemon Shrimp & Zoodles:
    Defrost the shrimp, then sauté in olive oil with minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Toss in spiralized zucchini for a low-carb, high-protein meal ready in under 15 minutes. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan to finish!
  • Shrimp Fried Cauliflower Rice:
    For a quick stir-fry, defrost the shrimp and toss in a hot pan with sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Add a bag of cauliflower rice, some frozen peas, and carrots, and a dash of soy sauce or coconut aminos.
  • Shrimp Tacos with Mango Salsa:
    After defrosting, quickly pan-sear the shrimp with a sprinkle of cumin and chili powder. Serve in corn tortillas with a fresh mango salsa (diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt) and a drizzle of Greek yogurt.

PHOTO CREDIT: ©wellplated.com

Chicken Sausage- Sheet Pan or Crockpot Magic

Chicken sausage is a versatile protein to keep in your fridge. For an effortless meal, try a simple sheet pan recipe with sliced peppers, onions, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with olive oil, add salt and pepper, and bake for 20 minutes at 400°F. Or, throw the sausages into a crockpot with sliced onions, peppers, mushrooms, and about 1½ jars of Rao’s spaghetti sauce. Serve over rice or pasta for a cozy dinner. Perfect for busy nights when you want something hearty and delicious.

PHOTO CREDIT: ©wellplated.com

Weekly Sessions

Drop into the Cafe for help or coaching support on Mondays @ 12 ET and Fridays at 12 ET. I’m here to answer questions and connect you with others on their healthy journey. Go to the Weekly Sessions page of My Cafe to check the calendar and get the Zoom info. All sessions will be recorded and can be accessed from the member resources page.