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Nutrition tip of the month: Get enough protein at breakfast

A plate with two eggs and saladAre you getting enough protein at breakfast?

Many of us are not. Aim for 20-30 grams of protein at this meal. Not only will this help you feel full throughout the morning, but it will also play a role in maintaining your muscle mass.

Here are 6 protein-packed breakfast ideas.

1. Eggs – Start with 2 large eggs. Whip up some scrambled eggs or an omelet with veggies. Top with about 1/4 cup grated cheese. Pair with a salad (yes, salad for breakfast!) or roll it up in a whole wheat tortilla. 20 grams of protein.

2. Greek Yogurt Bowl – Make your favourite smoothie bowl with 3/4 to 1 cup of Greek yogurt. Sprinkle on a small handful of nuts / granola and your favourite fruit. Easy! 20-30 grams of protein.

3. Grilled Cheese and Ham Sandwich – All you need are 2 slices of whole grain bread + 2 slices of cheese + 2 slices of ham or other lean meat. Done! 20-30 grams of protein.

4. Protein Smoothie – Make your favourite smoothie with high protein milk and / or add a scoop or more of protein powder. Read the nutrition information on the protein powder since they can range from 6 to 30 grams of protein per scoop.

5. Protein Pancakes – Check out your grocery store or online for protein pancake mix.  Team it up with a small glass of fortified soy beverage or milk. 20-30 grams of protein.

6. Creamy Oatmeal – Make a bowl of hot oatmeal with fortified soy beverage or milk instead of water. Stir in a tablespoon of nut butter and top with 1-2 tablespoons of chia seeds, hemp seeds or pumpkin seeds. 20 grams of protein.

What’s your favourite protein-packed breakfast? Let me know in the comments.

5 Smart Snacks

5 snack ideas with images of each snack combination

Want to stay fueled and alert? My dietitian tip is to combine protein with produce at every snack! Protein foods give you staying power, satiety and alertness. Produce offers a medley of antioxidants to boost your health and wellness. That’s a powerful combo, right?

Try these snacks the next time you’re heading out on the trails, camping or even studying for exams. Which snack combo is your favourite?

 

 

 

5 Ways to Up Your Protein

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Want to build those muscles? For optimal muscle protein synthesis, aim to have 20-30 grams of protein at every meal. For most of us, this means pumping up the protein at breakfast and dialing down the protein at dinner time.

Watch my TV interview to see if you’re getting enough protein at every meal.

Here are 5 easy ideas to help you get enough.

1. Egg Sandwich – Start with 2 large eggs and add 2 T of grated cheese. Whip up some scrambled eggs or an omelet with veggies. Roll it up in a whole wheat tortilla. 20 grams of protein.

2. Greek Yogurt Smoothie – Make your favourite smoothie with 1 cup of Greek yogurt. Easy! 20 grams of protein.

3. Soup and Sandwich – Warm up to a bowl of minestrone soup and 1/2 veggie sandwich. For the sandwich, try Canadiana Rustic Bean Bread (made by Country Harvest) with with 2 T hummus and your favourite fresh veggies. Add a slice of cheese to the sandwich or add 3/4 cup Greek yogurt for dessert. 30 grams of protein.

4. Super Salad – Fill at least half your plate with leafy salad greens and colourful veggies. Top it with 3 ounces of cooked lean meat (about the size of a deck of cards). 20 grams of protein

5. Protein Power – Grab a handful of nuts and team it up with a latte made with 1 cup of milk or fortified soy beverage. 20 grams of protein.

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