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The more protein you can get in your meals, the better. This is because protein has a thermogenic response on the metabolism, meaning that it helps to burn calories and slowly release energy. Eating protein-rich foods also help you stay fuller and satisfied longer, which will help stabilize your blood sugar and ward off any unhealthy cravings.
Need some healthy high-protein recipes to help stay on track with your weight loss efforts? Here are some of our favorites that target fat and provide enough protein to help you stay full, focused, and energized:
Ingredients:
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 carrots, chopped
1 yellow onion, chopped
2 celery hearts, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 14-oz can of diced tomatoes
1 white potato, peeled and chopped into cubes
1/2 head savoy cabbage, thinly sliced
2 medium zucchini, chopped into small cubes
1 15-oz can garbanzo beans
1 15- oz can red kidney beans
1 15-oz can white beans
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 rind from 2 oz. of parmesan cheese
1 bay leaf
2 cups water
32 oz container chicken or vegetable stock
1 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Ingredients:
4-6 boneless, skinless, chicken breasts (about 40 ounces)
2 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
1 medium onion thinly sliced (Not chopped)
4 garlic cloves
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar (for gluten-free use White Balsamic Vinegar which doesn't have caramel coloring)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
1/2 teaspoon thyme
Ground black pepper and salt to taste
Ingredients:
1/2 small onion
3 cloves garlic
2 pounds ground chicken
2 eggs, whisked
1/2 cup plain whole wheat breadcrumbs
1 lemon, juiced and zested
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
12 (6-inch) whole wheat naan or pita bread rounds
Toppings: 1 tomato (chopped), 1 cucumber (sliced), 1/2 cup lowfat plain Greek yogurt, 1 lemon (cut into wedges)
Turkey, Sweet Potato, and Cranberry Stew
Ingredients:
3 lb. turkey drumsticks, skin removed
1 sm onion, diced
1 tbsp. honey
1 tbsp. cider vinegar
1 1/2 tsp. finely chopped fresh ginger
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1 C chicken stock (we used Kitchen Basics)
1 lb. sweet potatoes, peeled and cut in 1" chunks
1/2 C dried cranberries
2 tbsp. flour
