One of the challenges with maintaining a healthy weight and subsequently a healthy heart is our tendency to overeat at main meals, feel peckish in between meals or crave something sweet after meals.
There are many reasons why this happens, and they’re usually a combination of social, emotional and physiological…
…but before you can tackle the social or emotional reasons why you overeat, excessively snack or crave sugar, you need to address the physiological reasons.
A few reasons you may overeat are:
- You may not actually feel physically full, because the foods you’ve eaten previously haven’t given your body the tools to feel full.
- You may be extra hungry because you haven’t eaten enough throughout the day.
- You may not be eating enough protein.
We learnt from my previous article that protein is an essential part of helping you feel full and satisfied, and that one of the best ways to getting back in control of your appetite is ensuring you’re eating protein-rich foods at each of your meals, particularly breakfast and lunch.
So here are five protein-packed meals that you can throw together to help get you through the day!
The Four Ingredient Supermarket Wonder
Ingredients:
100g smoked salmon, sliced
125g tin four-bean mix, drained and rinsed
2 cups pre-cut coleslaw mix (no dressing)
1 tbsp aioli
Method:
1. Combine the four-bean mix, coleslaw and aioli in a bowl. Toss to coat evenly in the aioli.
2. Top with smoked salmon and serve.
Nutrition:
33g protein
493 calories
The Leftover Roast Meat Wrap
Ingredients:
1 wholegrain wrap (50g)
2 tbsp hummus
100g roast lamb or beef, thinly sliced
2 cups green leafy salad mix
½ tomato, sliced
Method:
1. Spread the wrap evenly with hummus.
2. Top with roast meat, salad and tomato. Wrap up and serve.
Nutrition:
37g protein
468 calories
The Protein Snack Attack
Ingredients:
150g high protein yoghurt (eg, Chobani, YoPro)
1 tbsp flaked almonds
1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
1 tbsp dried coconut
Fresh strawberries
Method:
1. Place the yoghurt into a bowl and top with nuts, seeds, coconut and fruit.
2. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition:
25g protein
462 calories
The Easy Brunch
Ingredients:
1 cup baked beans in tomato sauce (reduced salt)
2 cups baby spinach leaves
2 eggs
¼ avocado, cubed
Method:
1. Pre-heat the oven to 180°C.
2. Combine the baked beans and baby spinach in a small casserole dish. Crack the eggs into the beans.
3. Place the casserole dish into the oven and bake for around 7–10 minutes, depending on how soft you want your egg yolks.
4. Serve and top with cubed avocado.
Nutrition:
31g protein
487 calories
Chicken Nugget Dreams
Ingredients:
1 chicken thigh fillet, skinless
10g raw cashews
½ tbsp sesame seeds
Pinch sea salt
½ tsp cumin spice
Pinch chilli flakes
50g tzatziki dip
Method:
1. Pre-heat an oven grill to 150–180°C.
2. Cut the thigh fillets into thin strips and place into a snap lock or freezer bag.
3. In a small food processor, combine the cashews, sesame seeds, salt, cumin and chilli flakes, and process until the cashews are crushed, but still a little chunky.
4. Add the cashew mixture to the snap lock bag and shake to evenly coat the chicken pieces.
5. Line an oven tray with baking paper. Evenly spread the chicken across the paper and place under the grill for 3–4 minutes. Turn over and grill for a further 3–4 minutes.
6. Serve immediately with the tzatziki to dip.
Nutrition:
38g protein
362 calories