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Tag: high protein breakfast

  • Brunch Like Hailey Bieber: Lighter Pizza Toast With A Protein Twist

    Brunch Like Hailey Bieber: Lighter Pizza Toast With A Protein Twist


    If you’ve been anywhere near food TikTok over the last couple of years, you’ve probably seen Hailey Bieber’s famous pizza toast doing the rounds. It’s buttery sourdough, burrata, tomatoes, parmesan, truffle oil – basically everything you’d expect from a celebrity brunch at home.
    I love the idea, but I also like my brunch to actually keep me going – ideally without blowing my calories for the entire day. So this is my lighter, more balanced version: still indulgent and “celeby”, but around 450 calories with a decent hit of protein from the egg and cheese.

    It’s perfect for a slow weekend brunch, or a “treat but not too extra” weekday brunch if you work from home.

    Hailey‑Inspired Pizza Brunch Toast (Around 450 Calories)
    Serves: 1
    Time: 15–20 minutes
    Approx. per serving: around 450 kcal, with a good mix of protein, carbs and fats (will vary depending on your bread and cheese)
    Ingredients


    Toast base
    • 1 medium slice wholemeal or seeded sourdough (about 40 g / 1.4 oz)
    • ½ teaspoon butter or olive spread (2–3 g)
    • ½ teaspoon truffle oil (optional, but very “celebrity”)
    • Pinch of salt
    Tomato layer
    • 1 medium ripe tomato, thinly sliced
    • 1 teaspoon extra‑virgin olive oil (5 ml)
    • Squeeze of lemon juice
    • Pinch of salt
    • Pinch of dried oregano or Italian herbs
    Cheese and “pizza” toppings
    • 30 g burrata or fresh mozzarella, torn (just over 1 oz)
    • 2 tablespoons marinara sauce or herby passata (about 30 ml)
    • 1 tablespoon finely grated parmesan (about 5 g)
    • Pinch of dried oregano
    • Pinch of chilli flakes
    Brunch protein and greens (my twist)
    • 1 medium egg (poached or fried in spray oil)

    • Small handful rocket or fresh basil leaves

    Method

    1. Marinate the tomatoes
      Slice your tomato and lay the slices in a small dish. Drizzle over the olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a little dried oregano or Italian herbs. Gently toss and leave them to marinate while you sort out the toast – even 5–10 minutes makes a difference.
    2. Toast the bread
      Lightly spread both sides of your sourdough with the butter or olive spread. Drizzle one side with the truffle oil and add a tiny pinch of salt.
      Heat a non‑stick pan over medium heat and toast the bread on both sides until golden and crisp. You want it sturdy enough to hold all the toppings without going soggy.
    3. Build the pizza toast
      Transfer the toasted bread to a small baking tray.
      Tear the burrata or mozzarella over the top of the toast. Layer the marinated tomato slices on top of the cheese and drizzle over any leftover marinade from the bowl. This adds loads of flavour without extra effort.
    4. Grill until melty
      Preheat your grill (broiler) to medium‑high, or use a hot oven (around 180–200 °C / 350–400 °F).
      Pop the tray under the grill for a few minutes, until the cheese is soft and beginning to melt and the edges of the toast are even more crisp. Keep an eye on it – it can go from perfect to burnt quite quickly.
    5. Add the pizza toppings
      Warm the marinara or passata in a small pan or the microwave.
      Spoon the sauce over the cheesy toast, then sprinkle with the parmesan, a little more dried oregano and a pinch of chilli flakes.
      Return the toast to the grill for 1–2 minutes, just until the parmesan melts and the top looks bubbling and irresistible.
    6. Finish with egg and greens
      While the toast is under the grill, cook your egg. I like it poached with a runny yolk, but you can fry it in a little spray oil if that’s easier.

    Place the egg on top of the pizza toast and scatter over the rocket or basil leaves. Slice into the yolk and let it run into the sauce and cheese – that’s your perfect brunch moment right there.

    How “health‑ified” is this version?
    The original pizza toast recipe is very generous with butter, oil and cheese. By slightly shrinking the bread slice, dialling down the fat, and keeping the egg for protein, this version sits closer to the 450 calorie mark for one serving, while still feeling like a proper treat.
    You’ve still got:
    • Carbs for energy from the sourdough and tomato
    • Protein from the egg and cheese
    • Fats from the oils and cheese to keep you satisfied
    • A bit of fibre from the wholemeal/seeded bread, tomato and rocket

    For the most accurate numbers, plug the exact ingredients and brands you use into your usual tracker (NutraCheck, MyFitnessPal, Cronometer etc.), as calories can vary a lot between breads and cheeses.

    Serving and variations
    • Add more protein: Use two eggs instead of one, or add a few slices of turkey, chicken or smoked salmon on the side.
    • Make it veggie‑heavy: Add a layer of wilted spinach or a few thin courgette ribbons under the cheese.
    • Go dairy‑lighter: Swap burrata for a lighter mozzarella, or use a reduced‑fat cheese and keep the parmesan as your flavour punch.
    • Make it truffle‑free: If you’re not a fan of truffle, skip the truffle oil and just use a little extra olive oil.
    If you make this, I’d love to know – are you team classic breakfast or team “celebrity brunch toast” now? Tag me on social or leave a comment with your tweaks and toppings.

  • Mediterranean Smoked Salmon High‑Protein Omelette (Looks Like Room Service, Ready in 10 Minutes)

    Mediterranean Smoked Salmon High‑Protein Omelette (Looks Like Room Service, Ready in 10 Minutes)

    Intro
    If you’re anything like me, breakfast can go one of two ways: a rushed piece of toast you barely taste… or a moment of pure joy that sets you up for the whole day.
    This Mediterranean smoked salmon omelette definitely falls into the second category. It looks like something you’d order from a fancy hotel room‑service menu, but it’s actually a very doable 10‑minute recipe you can whip up on a weekday. It’s also high in protein, uses simple supermarket ingredients, and feels just a little bit luxurious – exactly my kind of balance.

    I first shared a version of this over on TikTok after my Mediterranean feta pepper omelette went a bit wild. You loved the whipped Greek yoghurt, the colourful vegetables and, of course, the promise of a proper protein hit. So this is the follow‑up: same creamy yoghurt twist, but this time with silky smoked salmon, lemon and dill. Think “Mediterranean brunch” without leaving your kitchen.

    Why this omelette works so well
    There are three little tricks that make this omelette feel special but still realistic for everyday life:
    • The whipped Greek yoghurt eggs
    Instead of whisking plain eggs, we whisk them together with a spoonful of thick Greek yoghurt. It makes the omelette soft, fluffy and slightly creamy, and it bumps the protein up a notch too.
    • Smoked salmon + Mediterranean flavours
    Smoked salmon can feel very “brunch out” rather than “breakfast in”, but here it’s simply folded into the omelette with spinach, onion, capers and dill. Lots of flavour, no complicated steps.
    • High‑protein, but no diet‑culture misery
    You get roughly around 30 g of protein in one serving (depending on the brands you use), but it still feels indulgent. There’s colour, there’s texture, there’s a big generous swirl of lemony yoghurt on top – this is not a sad, dry egg white situation.

    If you’re tracking macros you’ll appreciate the numbers; if you’re just trying to feel energised and satisfied until lunch, you’ll appreciate how filling this is.

    Ingredients (serves 1)


    For the omelette base
    • 2 medium free‑range eggs
    • 2 tbsp liquid egg whites (optional, but adds extra protein)
    • 40 g thick Greek yoghurt (for whisking into the eggs)
    • Pinch of salt and black pepper
    For the filling and topping
    • 40–50 g smoked salmon, sliced into ribbons
    • A small handful of spinach
    • ½ small red onion, very finely sliced
    – or 1 spring onion, finely chopped
    • 1 tsp capers (optional but lovely for a salty pop)
    • 1 tsp olive oil or a small knob of butter for the pan
    • 2–3 tbsp extra Greek yoghurt for the topping
    • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
    • Fresh dill, chopped
    • Pinch of chilli flakes (optional, but highly recommended)

    Feel free to adjust quantities to suit your appetite and what you have in the fridge. This is a very forgiving recipe.

    Approximate nutrition
    This will vary slightly depending on your exact brands, but as a ballpark for the quantities above:
    • Protein: roughly 28–32 g
    • Carbohydrates: roughly 3–4 g
    • Fat: roughly 22–24 g

    It’s a brilliant option if you’re trying to prioritise protein at breakfast without going straight to chicken and rice at 8am.

    Step‑by‑step: how to make it

    1. Whip your eggs and yoghurt
      Crack your eggs into a jug or bowl, add the egg whites (if using), 40 g Greek yoghurt, a good pinch of salt and black pepper.
      Now whisk. Really whisk. You want the mixture to turn paler and slightly frothy with little bubbles on top. This is what gives you that soft, slightly soufflé‑like texture. A small hand whisk works perfectly, but you can also use a little milk frother or mini blender if you like extra drama.
    2. Cook the veg
      Heat the olive oil in a non‑stick frying pan over medium heat. Add your sliced onion and let it soften for a couple of minutes until it’s sweet and translucent. Toss in the spinach and let it wilt down – this only takes a minute.
      Once the spinach is just wilted, slide the onion and spinach out onto a small plate. Don’t wash the pan; all that flavour can stay right where it is.
    3. Pour in the egg mixture
      Turn the heat down slightly to medium‑low. Pour in your whipped egg and yoghurt mixture and tilt the pan gently so it spreads out evenly.
      Let it sit for a few seconds, then use a spatula to gently nudge the cooked edges into the centre, allowing the uncooked egg to flow into the gaps. You don’t want the underside to brown too fast; low and slow gives the best texture.
    4. Add the filling
      When the top of the omelette is mostly set but still a little soft and glossy, it’s time to fill.
      Spoon the spinach and onion mixture onto one half of the omelette. Scatter over the capers if you’re using them. Lay the smoked salmon ribbons on top – they don’t need long to warm through, so keep them in fairly big pieces rather than tiny shreds.
    5. Fold and finish cooking
      Use your spatula to carefully fold the bare half of the omelette over the filling. Let it cook for another 30–60 seconds on low heat. The goal is for the eggs to be just set, the salmon warmed through, and the centre still soft rather than dry.
    6. The yoghurt swirl (the star of the show)
      While the omelette finishes off, quickly stir your topping together: Greek yoghurt, a squeeze of lemon, pinch of salt and some chopped dill. You want it thick enough to sit proudly on top, not run straight off.
      Slide the omelette onto a plate. Dollop or swirl the lemon‑dill yoghurt on top – be generous. Sprinkle over more dill, a few extra capers and a pinch of chilli flakes. If you want extra colour, add a couple of cherry tomatoes or cucumber slices on the side.

    And that’s it. Breakfast that looks like you’ve ordered it somewhere expensive, but you’re still in your slippers.

    Tips, swaps and FAQs
    Can I make this without egg whites?
    Absolutely. Just use 2 whole eggs and skip the extra whites. The texture will still be gorgeous from the yoghurt; the protein will just be slightly lower.
    What if I don’t like smoked salmon?
    You can swap it for leftover cooked salmon, or even flaked hot‑smoked salmon. You still get that lovely richness, but the texture is slightly different. If you’re not a fish person at all, you can use this exact method with feta instead of salmon.
    Which yoghurt is best?
    Any thick Greek‑style yoghurt works. A 0% version will keep calories down, a 5% version will feel a bit more decadent. Use what fits your goals and what you enjoy.
    Can I prep it in advance?

    Omelettes are always best fresh, but you can whisk the egg and yoghurt together and keep it covered in the fridge for a few hours if you know you’ll be in a rush.

    How to serve it
    I love this on its own for a lighter breakfast, but if you want a more substantial plate you can add:
    • A small piece of sourdough or wholegrain toast
    • A simple side salad with rocket, cucumber and lemon
    • A black coffee or herbal tea to keep the Mediterranean café fantasy going

    It’s also a great “breakfast for dinner” option when you want something quick, comforting and still on the healthier side.

    Final thoughts
    This smoked salmon Mediterranean omelette is the kind of recipe I come back to again and again: it looks impressive, eats like a treat, and still supports my health goals. If you try it, please let me know how you get on – and if you come from TikTok, say hello in the comments so I know you found me here.

  • Carrot cake smoothie .. yes you read that right !

    Carrot cake smoothie .. yes you read that right !

    Stop scrolling—your morning routine just got a major upgrade. This smoothie tastes exactly like a decadent slice of carrot cake, but it’s packed with wholesome ingredients to fuel your day!

    The Recipe (UK Edition)

     1 medium carrot, peeled and roughly chopped

     1 frozen medium ripe banana

     75g (approx. ½ cup) frozen pineapple chunks

     180ml (¾ cup) light coconut milk (or any milk of your choice)

     60g (¼ cup) plain Greek yogurt

     20g (¼ cup) gluten-free oats

     1 tbsp pecan or almond butter

     1 tsp vanilla extract

     ½ tsp ground cinnamon

     Pinch of ground nutmeg

    Method

    1. Add the chopped carrot, frozen banana, pineapple, milk, yogurt, oats, nut butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a high-speed blender.

    2. Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk.

    3. Pour into your favourite glass.

    4. Top with a little extra grated carrot and crushed pecans for that signature carrot cake crunch!

    5. Enjoy with a glass straw.

    Protein Boost: Make It Your Own

    This base recipe provides roughly 10g of protein. If you need an extra energy kick for a post-workout breakfast or a busy morning, try these easy additions:

     Protein Powder: Add one scoop of your favourite vanilla or unflavoured protein powder for an instant +20–25g protein boost.

     Seed Power: Add 1 tablespoon of hemp seeds or chia seeds for an extra 3–5g of plant-based protein and healthy fats.

     Yogurt Upgrade: Increase your Greek yogurt to 125g (½ cup) to add another 5g of protein.

     High-Protein Milk: Swap the coconut milk for a pea-protein or soy-based milk.

    CTA: Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments—are you a team “smoothie bowl” or “smoothie in a glass” person? Don’t forget to save this post for your next breakfast meal prep!

  • Mediterranean Egg White Protein Bowl (Light, High Protein & Ready in 10 Minutes)

    Mediterranean Egg White Protein Bowl (Light, High Protein & Ready in 10 Minutes)


    If you’re bored of plain scrambled eggs but still want a high‑protein start to the day, this Mediterranean egg white bowl is a simple upgrade. It’s full of colourful vegetables, uses mostly egg whites for a lighter feel, and finishes with a creamy Greek yoghurt dollop that makes it feel like a café‑style brunch at home.

    The best part is how quickly it comes together. From chopping your veg to sitting down with your bowl, you’re looking at about 10 minutes, and you’ll get roughly 32–35g of protein depending on how much feta and yoghurt you use

    Protein breakdown (approx.)
    Exact numbers will vary slightly based on brands, but here’s a rough guide using common UK values:
    • 1 whole medium egg – about 6 g protein
    • 2 medium egg whites – about 7–8 g protein
    • 40 g light feta – about 7 g protein
    • 80 g thick Greek yoghurt – about 8–9 g protein

    That gives you around 28–30 g protein before any extras. Add an extra egg white or a little more yoghurt and you’re comfortably in the 32–35 g range.

    Ingredients (serves 1)


    • 1 whole egg
    • 2–3 egg whites
    • 1 tsp olive oil
    • ½ red pepper, thinly sliced
    • 40 g baby spinach
    • 3–4 cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 40 g light feta, crumbled
    • 80 g thick Greek yoghurt
    • ½ small garlic clove, very finely grated or crushed
    • Squeeze of lemon juice
    • Salt and black pepper
    • Pinch dried oregano
    • Pinch chilli flakes
    • Fresh parsley, chopped, to finish

    • Optional: 1 small wholemeal pitta or slice of toast on the side

    Method

    1. Make the yoghurt topping.
      In a small bowl, stir together the Greek yoghurt, grated garlic, lemon juice and a tiny pinch of salt. Adjust to taste and set aside while you cook everything else.
    2. Cook the vegetables.
      Heat the olive oil in a non‑stick pan over medium heat. Add the sliced red pepper and cook for 2–3 minutes until starting to soften. Tip in the spinach and cherry tomatoes with a pinch of salt and pepper, and cook until the spinach is just wilted.
    3. Scramble the eggs.
      In a jug or small bowl, whisk together the whole egg and egg whites with a pinch of salt, pepper and the dried oregano. Pour the eggs over the vegetables in the pan and gently scramble, pushing the mixture from the edges into the centre until the eggs are just set but still soft and glossy.
    4. Assemble your bowl.
      Spoon the egg and vegetable mixture into a wide, shallow bowl. Crumble the feta over the top. Add a generous dollop of your garlicky yoghurt to the centre and finish with chilli flakes and chopped parsley.
    5. Serve and enjoy.

    Eat as it is for a lighter bowl, or add a small wholemeal pitta or slice of toast on the side if you need a little extra energy.

    Tips, swaps and variations
    • Make it even higher protein: Add an extra egg white, a bit more yoghurt, or swap the feta for cottage cheese to boost the protein while keeping things light.
    • Keep it mild: Skip the chilli flakes if you don’t like heat and use only a tiny amount of garlic in the yoghurt.
    • Meal prep friendly: Chop your peppers and tomatoes the night before so you only need to cook and scramble in the morning. The whole bowl still tastes best freshly made, but the prep work will be done.
    • Add legumes: For extra fibre and staying power, stir in a spoonful of cooked chickpeas or white beans with the veggies before adding the eggs.


    This kind of breakfast is ideal if you want something that feels fresh and light but still keeps you full well into the morning. It fits easily into a Mediterranean‑style way of eating, with plenty of veg, healthy fats and satisfying protein in each bowl.