It’s been a while since I posted any recipes on here, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been cooking up some low calorie (and usually high protein) magic. Sure, not every hit lands, but I’ve managed a few. Just before I get into things I will remind you that my meals fall squarely into the For Fussy Eaters category, and I can not stress enough this isn’t the usual food blog fussy eaters category, this is fussy eating with little to no veg, little to no spice, no peppers, no beans, no onions, minimal sauce, are you getting the picture yet? Most fussy eater menus look like a world buffet compared to what I am working with. With that out of the way, let’s move along.
Along the way my weight loss journey has adapted and evolved as I have made mistake and learnt. I am well aware that everyone is different and what works for me may not work for everyone, but this is my story, so here we go. More and more I am finding that I am leaning towards low carb / high protein meals. No, I am not on the Atkins Diet, though dipping bacon wrapped cheddar soldiers in dippy eggs does sound amazing! I am not cutting out carbs, I am just limiting them. I have no science to back this up, just my own personal experience, but I firmly believe that not all calories are made equal, at least not when you a dieting. Yes, calories in versus calories out is the important thing, but I know for myself at least eating 500calories of carbohydrates is not the same as eating 500calories of protein. Maybe someone who paid more attention in biology class could explain why, maybe it is something to do with carbohydrates enabling or encouraging water retention, or that could be absolute rubbish, whatever the reason I seem to have more success on the scales when I limit my carbohydrates intake and up my protein intake. Along with that, in an attempt to mould this mass of blubber into a functioning adult body I am putting more focus on strength training than I ever have done which is a whole new experience for me because I’ve always favoured cardio training over strength training. Anyway, stop rambling, more strength training should equal more muscle mass, which needs more protein, but should hopefully increase my resting metabolic rate, hopefully. So, long story short, carbs minimised but not eliminated, protein prioritised, calories kept as low as possible without making meal time miserable.
As a quick side note which I will no doubt elaborate on in a separate post, liquid egg whites are an absolute revelation and my new favourite non tech cooking gizmo.
Without further ado, I give you recipe number one of this triple drop, Proper Protein Pizza. Now hear me out, egg white pizza bases. I know, you’ve probably just scrunched up your face, but trust me, egg white pizza bases are the sh…well, you get the idea. I’ve tried pizzas that are sold in the supermarket freezers and listed as high protein meals, and whilst they aren’t terrible, the reality is they’re not all that great either when you have a proper hankering for pizza, usually with a smattering of cheese and barely touching 20grams of protein. With my Proper Protein Pizza you get a generous helping of toppings and won’t be left wondering what is for the main course. Don’t take my word for it, try it yourself and then tell me I’m wrong.
Moving right along, recipe number two is one of Vikki’s absolute favourites, Bolognese Potato Bake. Too often with low calorie meals we sit looking at the plate when it is dished up wondering where the rest of our meal is. That is not an issue with this dish. It is plenty filling, full of flavour, and just hits the spot right when it is already dark and cold outside at tea time. I keep the main recipe for this pretty basic and then serve it with veg, usually peas, if we remember.
Behind door number three is a new addition to the roster in the last week or so, but something that I absolutely love because it’s not a bad substitute for a pulled pork bap (drool), Shredded Chicken Wraps. There really isn’t a lot to this, it’s shredded chicken, a cheese slice, some lettuce, all tucked into a low carb wrap (likely to be updated soon, watch this space!). Again, the calories are kept low, the protein is high, and the flavour is amazing. For some this may not be the most exciting recipe, it’s not exciting to cook, in fact it is one of the easiest meals that I make, but I do get to use my wolverine claws, and I will say this again, it is a pretty damn good substitute for a pulled pork bap.
I’ve got more recipes to write up, hopefully soon, but for now these three will do or I’m going to end up in the kitchen making one or all of these scrumptious recipes.