Tag: meal prep

  • High Protein Chicken Curry That Beats Takeaway

    High Protein Chicken Curry That Beats Takeaway


    If you love a good curry but also want to hit your protein goals, this high‑protein chicken curry is perfect for you. It’s creamy, comforting, packed with flavour, and still simple enough for a busy weekday night.

    This recipe uses lean chicken breast and thick Greek yogurt to boost the protein while keeping the sauce silky and rich. With around 35–40g protein per serving (before adding any extra sides), it’s a proper main meal, not just a light bite.

    Ingredients


    Serves 2 hungry adults
    • 400 g chicken breast, diced into bite‑size pieces
    • 150 g thick Greek yogurt
    • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
    • 3 cloves garlic, crushed or finely chopped
    • 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (about a 2 cm piece of ginger root)
    • 2 tablespoons curry powder (or your favourite mild/medium blend)
    • 200 g chopped tomatoes or passata
    • 1 tablespoon oil (olive or vegetable)
    • 1/2 teaspoon chilli powder (adjust to taste)
    • Salt and black pepper to taste
    • Fresh coriander, chopped, to serve

    • Cooked basmati rice, to serve

    Method

    1. Marinate the chicken
      Add the diced chicken to a bowl.
      Stir in half of the Greek yogurt (about 75 g), half of the curry powder, a good pinch of salt, and some black pepper.
      Mix well, then set aside while you prepare everything else – even 10 minutes of marinating helps the flavour.
    2. Brown the chicken
      Heat the oil in a large non‑stick pan over medium‑high heat.
      Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook until lightly browned on the outside. They don’t need to be fully cooked through yet.
      Remove the chicken to a plate and keep any juices in the pan.
    3. Build the flavour base
      In the same pan, add the chopped onion. Cook gently for 4–5 minutes until soft and starting to turn golden.
      Stir in the garlic and grated ginger and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
      Add the remaining curry powder and the chilli powder, stirring for 30 seconds to toast the spices.
    4. Create the sauce
      Pour in the chopped tomatoes or passata and a small pinch of salt.
      Stir well, then let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
    5. Finish cooking the chicken
      Return the browned chicken (and any juices) to the pan.
      Stir so the pieces are well coated in the sauce.
      Simmer gently for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has reduced to a nice consistency.
    6. Stir in the yogurt
      Turn the heat right down (or briefly off) so the curry is hot but not boiling.
      Stir in the remaining Greek yogurt until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
      Taste and adjust the seasoning with extra salt, pepper or chilli if you like more heat.
    7. Serve
      Spoon cooked basmati rice into bowls.
      Ladle the chicken curry on top or to one side.
      Garnish with chopped fresh coriander.

    Enjoy immediately – or let it cool and portion up for high‑protein meal prep.

    Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving, Without Rice)
    These numbers will vary slightly depending on the exact brands you use, but for this curry split into two portions:
    • Calories: roughly 350–400 kcal
    • Protein: roughly 35–40 g
    • Carbohydrates: mostly from the tomatoes, roughly 10–15 g
    • Fat: roughly 10–15 g

    Once you add a typical serving of basmati rice, you’ll have a very satisfying, balanced high‑protein main meal.

    Tips and Variations
    • Make it milder: Use a mild curry powder and reduce the chilli powder to a pinch.
    • Make it hotter: Add extra chilli powder, fresh chilli, or a little cayenne.
    • Add more veg: Stir in a handful of spinach, peas or peppers in the last few minutes of cooking.


    • Swap the protein: You can replace the chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas; just adjust cooking time so they heat through in the sauce.

  • Fuel Your Day: My Top 4 Nutrient-Dense Overnight Oats

    Fuel Your Day: My Top 4 Nutrient-Dense Overnight Oats

    We all know the morning struggle: you’re running late, the kitchen is chaotic, and you end up skipping breakfast or grabbing something processed.

    But here is the secret to a high-energy morning: prep your fuel the night before. Overnight oats are more than just a convenient breakfast; they are a nutritional powerhouse. By soaking your oats, you make them easier to digest, and when you combine them with whole-food ingredients, you get a balanced macro-nutrient profile to sustain your energy levels throughout the morning.

    Here are my four go-to recipes, each designed with health and satiety in mind.

    The Nutrient-Dense Base

    To ensure you are getting a complete breakfast, I use this base ratio for every jar:

     1/2 cup (45g) Rolled Oats: A fantastic source of complex carbohydrates and beta-glucan fiber, which helps support heart health.

     1/2 cup (120ml) Unsweetened Plant-Based Milk: I prefer almond or soy for a lighter profile.

    60g Greek yoghurt

     A pinch of Sea Salt: Essential for electrolyte balance.

    Instructions: Simply combine these in a glass jar, add your specific “flavour add-ins” below, stir, seal, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

    1. Chocolate Coconut Bliss (Antioxidant-Rich)

    Satisfy your sweet tooth with ingredients that actually support your well-being.

     2-3 tsp Raw Cacao Powder: High in flavonoids, which are excellent for cardiovascular health.

     1 tbsp Natural Peanut Butter: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats to keep you satiated.

     1/2 Well-Ripened Banana: Provides a natural source of potassium and energy.

     Topping: 1 tbsp shredded unsweetened coconut (for healthy MCT fats) and a sprinkle of 70% dark chocolate chips.

    2. Berry Chia Power (Omega-3 & Fiber Boost)

    The perfect way to start your day with anti-inflammatory nutrients.

     1/2 cup Fresh Berries: Blueberries and strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants.

     1 1/2 tsp (7.5g) Chia Seeds: A goldmine of Omega-3 fatty acids and soluble fiber to support gut health.

     Preparation: Shake well to ensure the chia seeds are evenly distributed, allowing them to create a hydrating, gel-like texture.

    3. Apple Autumn Spice (Blood Sugar Friendly)

    A comforting bowl that focuses on digestion and stable energy.

     1/2 cup Finely Chopped Apple: Provides natural fiber and pectin.

     1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon: Studies suggest cinnamon may help support healthy blood sugar levels.

     1 Pinch Nutmeg: Added for its digestive benefits.

     Topping: 1 tbsp (10g) raw pecans. Pecans offer a great hit of plant-based protein and magnesium.

    4. Banana Almond Flax (The “Energy Sustainer”)

    My favorite “power” bowl for long mornings where I need sustained focus.

     1 Small Ripe Banana: Mashed for natural sweetness and quick-release energy.

     1 tbsp (15g) Natural Almond Butter: Rich in vitamin E and healthy fats.

     1 tbsp (7g) Ground Flax Seeds: A stellar source of plant-based Omega-3s and lignans.

     3 Drops Almond Extract: Provides all the flavor without any added sugars or syrups.

    Why These Are Better for You:

     Sustained Energy: Unlike high-sugar breakfast cereals, the fiber in oats and flax/chia keeps your blood sugar levels stable, preventing that mid-morning “crash.”

     Gut Health: The soluble fiber in these ingredients acts as a prebiotic, nourishing your gut microbiome.

     Whole-Food Focused: Every ingredient serves a purpose, providing vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats rather than empty calories.

    Pro-Tip: If you need a protein boost, stir in one tablespoon of your favorite unflavored or vanilla plant-based protein powder to any of these bases!

    Which one of these nutrient-dense jars are you going to prep first? Let me know in the comments below!