East Protein Hacks

I am looking for easy protein hacks, things that I can put together easily, things that I can eat as well as I can give my kids. We are open to vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, but just wanted to see if anyone in this group has any suggestions that has worked for them. Appreciate the advice. Thank you.

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Replies

  • spiriteagle99
    spiriteagle99 Posts: 3,854 Member

    Hard boiled eggs or cheese make good snacks. Eggs for breakfast or lunch, with veggies. Meat and vegetables are easy. Stir fries are quick and the kids can participate in choosing and prepping the veg.

  • lynn_glenmont
    lynn_glenmont Posts: 10,221 Member

    Eggs (scrambled, fried or boiled/steamed are pretty easy to make, and the latter can be done ahead of time.

    Cheese is just scoop (cottage cheese) or slice (or you can just buy it sliced, or as string cheese) -- can't get much easier than that. Serve with fruit and/or crackers.

    Plain Greek yogurt served with fruit or as an add-in/topping for everything from hot cereal to soup to burritos to baked potatoes isn't much work.

    You can also use yogurt as a major component in a smoothie, which generally only requires gathering ingredients, cleaning and possibly trimming and rough chopping fruits or veggies (I find blueberries, bananas, and pre-cleaned bagged spinach easiest), and turning on the blender (I use a stick blender, so I do have to hold it up and move it around while it does the work.)

    A smoothie is also a good place to add protein powder if that's something you want to use. Dried milk is an alternative if you prefer not to use protein powder.

    Steaks, chops, and burgers are probably easy enough for most folks who cook at all, but larger cuts (roasts, whole chickens) are pretty easy, too. You just have to plan ahead and be patient while the oven does all the work.

    In the U.S., cooked rotisserie chickens are pretty widely available and easy peasy.

    There are seafood options that are easy, but maybe start with canned seafood if your time or cooking experience is limited -- it's already cooked and can just be added as is or mixed with some condiments to a salad or sandwich. Some kids like the breaded fish you can find in the freezer section.

    Canned beans are easy and can be served with rice or another grain as a side or main, or added to soups, salads, casseroles, wraps/burritos, etc. Hummus with pita, crackers, or veggies or as a sandwich spread is another option.

    If you gave us more info on your cooking experience, time constraints, or what you consider "easy" and what you and your kids like/will eat, we might be able to offer more targeted ideas.

  • FattBitt
    FattBitt Posts: 6 Member

    Chicken breast without skin. Make some up using preferred method (I like baked). Be careful with seasoning. Cube or slice it and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s pretty low calorie and a good protein. Paired with cheese and maybe a couple walnuts, it is a quick grab snack. Make sure everything is weighed so you can accurately track the calories.