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Tag Archives: Protein

Categories Recipes, Snack

Crunchy High-Protein Beancurd Sticks

Crunchy High-Protein Beancurd Sticks

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Crunchy, savoury and a good source of plant protein. That’s a big yes for me. I love these little sticks that I can snack on. They provide me with extra protein and are delicious as is or in a hearty sandwich.
Bonus - They are really easy to make!
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Prep Time 45 minutes

Equipment

  • Paper towel
  • A large pan

Ingredients
  

  • 40 grams dried beancurd sticks
  • 2 cups of boiling water
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon ginger powder
  • 3-4 teaspoons cooking oil of choice
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Instructions
 

  • In a small bowl place the paprika, garlic and ginger powder. Mix with a teaspoon until blended. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl, place the dried beancurd then cover with hot water. The beancurd will float in the beginning. Once it absorbs the water, it will sink. Allow to soak in hot water for about 30 minutes.
  • Pour into a colander and shake a bit to get rid of excess water.
  • Place a piece of paper towel on your table and spread the wet beancurd in one layer. With another piece of paper towel tap dry the curds.
  • Place the curds in a dry medium bowl and sprinkle the spice mixture over the curds. With two forks toss the curds to allow them to be covered with the spices as evenly as possible.
  • Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and toss the curds in. Add the tablespoon of soy sauce. Mix well.
  • Allow the curds to cook on one side for about 2 minutes then turn them over to cook on the other side.
  • Increase heat to high and cook the curds until crispy and tiny bubbles form on their skin. About 2 minutes. Turn the curds to fry them on the other side.
  • The sticks are ready when they are brown and crispy.

Notes

If you do not have smoked paprika, you can use regular paprika and add ¼ teaspoon liquid smoked if you have it at home. If you have none of these, use regular paprika but the smokey flavour gives it this extra deliciousness.
Categories Dine, Recipes

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bread

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Bread

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Have your (cake) bread and eat it too? Absolutely! Here is a deliciously soft bread recipe that will not only proudly hold your favourite toppings but will also provide you with some extra protein. Thanks to the added cottage cheese and eggs, this high-protein bread can keep you feeling fuller for longer.
This recipe yields 3 large loaves.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes

Equipment

  • Blender or food processor
  • Mixer (optional)
  • 3 Loaf pans
  • Parchment paper

Ingredients
  

  • 16 grams dry yeast (or 50 grams fresh yeast)
  • Warm water
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 500 grams whole wheat flour
  • 500 grams white flour (plus extra if needed)
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 4 eggs
  • 500 grams cottage cheese, 2% fat
  • 100 grams butter melted

Instructions
 

  • In a blender, place your cottage cheese and blend until smooth. Set aside.
  • In your mixer bowl place 4 cups of warm water, sugar and yeast. Stir and let sit until frothy, about 10 minutes.
  • Add the flour and begin mixing (or kneading by hand) slowly. Add eggs, blended cottage cheese and melted butter and continue mixing. Add salt and mix for about 10 minutes. If the dough is too sticky, gradually add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time. If the dough is too dry, gradually add a little bit more warm water. The dough should be a bit sticky after 10 minutes of kneading.
  • Cover with saran wrap and allow to rise until it doubles in size, about 1 hour.
  • Place dough on a clean work surface and cut into 3 equal parts.
  • Roll each part and form into a loaf. Place each loaf on parchment paper and carefully place it in a loaf pan. Repeat with the other 2 parts.
  • Let all 3 loaves rise for about 30 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, heat the oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Delicately place the loaves in the middle of the oven and bake for about 40 minutes until the top is slightly golden and the pans feel light when lifted.
  • Place loaf pans on a heat-safe surface, and cool for about 15 minutes. Remove loaves from the pans and allow to cool on a cooling rack completely before slicing.

Notes

  • You can sprinkle your favourite topping on each loaf before letting it rise (Examples: Sesame seeds, Sunflower seeds, poppy seeds, oats etc.)
  • Bread freezes well in an airtight ziplock bag for up to a month.
Categories Recipes, Snack

High-Protein Dairy Dip with Roasted Peppers

High-Protein Dairy Dip with Roasted Peppers

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Protein, being one of the 3 macros, not only helps us build tissue, maintain good health and support a good immune system but can also assist with weight management by keeping us fuller for longer. This high-protein dip is super satisfying and can help with cravings and munchies.
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Prep Time 10 minutes

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender

Ingredients
  

  • 1 container cottage cheese 500 grams
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 2-3 pieces jarred roasted red peppers drained
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • Chopped chives for garnish optional

Instructions
 

  • In a blender, place the cottage cheese and onion powder and blend until smooth.
  • With a paper towel, pat dry the drained peppers to remove excess moisture. Add the peppers to the blender and blend again until smooth.
  • Taste and add salt & pepper to taste.
  • Place in a serving dish and garnish with chopped chives or keep refrigerated in an air-tight container. The dip will keep good at roughly the same time as the stated expiry date on the cottage cheese container.

Notes

Cottage cheese comes in a variety of fat % content. This recipe works well with any type of cottage cheese.
Dip your veggie sticks and enjoy as a satisfying snack or you can spread it over toast, bagel or crackers as a substitute for cream cheese.
For a thicker dip, prior to blending place the cottage cheese in a cheesecloth for a couple of hours to drain excess liquid.
Categories Dine, Recipes

One-pot Chicken and Potatoes Stew

One-pot Chicken and Potatoes Stew

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Quick prep. One pot. No mess. Now place the lid on and go do your things while it cooks. Double the amount to have leftovers and an amazing sauce to have with rice once the potatoes are all gone. This is a staple dish in our home and I have probably made it 500 times over the years.
Simple. Easy. Delicious.
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Prep Time 1 hour 30 minutes

Equipment

  • A wide, large pot
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup cooking oil of choice
  • 8 Drumsticks or chicken thighs, with skin and bones washed and pat dried
  • 4 potatoes cut into 8 pieces each
  • 1 large onion sliced into 8 chunks
  • 2-3 carrots chopped into 8 pieces each
  • 4 cloves of garlic smashed
  • ¼ cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika optional
  • ½ teaspoon cumin powder
  • ½ teaspoon ginger powder
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly chopped parsley optional

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot, heat the oil on medium-high heat.
  • When oil is warm, carefully add in the onion and cook until softened, inserting a large fork into each piece to separate the onion layers.
  • Add the chicken parts and fry until one side is lightly golden. Turn the pieces to fry the other side until lightly golden.
  • Add in the smashed garlic and carrot pieces. Give it a quick stir and add the soy sauce and 1 cup of water. Cover the pot with a lid and allow to cook for about 10 minutes.
  • Remove the lid and add the tomato paste and spices. Please taste before adding more salt as the soy sauce is already salty. Add water just to barely cover the chicken parts. Stir to allow the water, tomato paste and spices to mix well.
  • Cover the pot with a lid, reduce heat to medium and cook for about 30 minutes.
  • Add the potatoes, and add water to barely cover the potatoes. Bring to a boil and then reduce to medium heat. Taste the liquid to see if more salt is required.
  • Simmer for additional 45 minutes until the liquids have reduced a bit and the potatoes are softened.
  • When the stew is ready, sprinkle some parsley, if using, and serve hot.

Notes

You can omit the potatoes and simply cook the chicken parts until they are very soft. Meanwhile, cook some rice in a separate pot and serve the stew over rice.
Categories Free Resources, Read

7 important things to know about protein intake

How much protein do we really need? How do we get enough of it? Should we follow a high-protein diet?
Protein is found in every cell of our body and has many functions. It is involved in many chemical reactions and is an important macronutrient for putting some meat on our bones, making blood, skin, hair, enzymes and more.
To keep our body in a healthy state, the recommended dietary allowance (RDA) per day for an adult is 0.8 grams of protein for each kilogram of body weight. However, depending on our sex, age, lifestyle, frequency and intensity of physical activity, goals and other factors, an individual may need more than that. Let’s look at some important points to consider:

1. Too much of a good thing

Although protein is an important macronutrient, the expression “the more, the better” does not apply to its daily intake. A healthy diet should consist of all 3 macronutrients which are properly balanced and designed to the individual and their personal goal.

2. Remember your personal goal

Different people may have different goals when it comes to weight management, health and fitness. If someone is a bodybuilder, while your lifestyle is sedentary, the amount of protein requirements will be substantially different for the two of you. Your protein intake should be matching your goals, life choices, biology and other factors. Remember we are not all the same.

3. Consider the source of protein

Protein can come from animal and plant foods. When choosing your protein, remember it comes in a package that normally includes other macronutrients or other characteristics. For example, animal protein such as beef, chicken, fish, dairy and eggs, will also include some fats. While fats are an important macronutrient, some animal protein provide high amounts of saturated fats aside from protein. Saturated fats should be consumed in moderation.
On the other hand, protein from plant sources may have a reduced bioavailability. Being aware of that and incorporating cooked veggies and grains into our food intake can help increase bioavailability.

4. Adjust the total food intake

When our goal is to maintain or lose bodyweight, whenever we increase the intake of a certain macronutrient, we should make adjustments so we do not consume more food than we require. Meaning, if you have not changed anything in your diet except increase your protein intake, you may experience some weight gain due to overconsmption of calories. Swapping foods can be a good solution in this case. For example, instead of snacking on a couple fruits, swap with a few carrot sticks and hummus dip, while maintaining a similar caloric amount.

5. Get to know your protein powder

Some people may choose to incorporate protein powder into their food intake. While such powders are a great way to supplement our diet with protein and a great solution when you are in a hurry or on the go, we should learn what is really in our powder. Such powders may come from different sources (dairy, eggs, plant-based) and can often contain other ingredients such as vitamins and minerals, thickeners, added sugars or other sweeteners, as well as artificial flavouring. When choosing a protein powder, make sure to read the nutrition and ingredient labels first and see if you are okay with the final product.

6. High-protein diets

A very high-protein diet normally encourages an extremely low carb intake which may translate into overall minimal consumption of fruits and vegetables. While high-protein diets may offer certain benefits to certain people for a limited time period and under clinical supervision, studies have shown over and over again that daily consumption of enough fruits and vegetables contributes to our health in many ways and can be helpful and even preventative for many diseases.

7. Protein for vegetarians and vegans

Getting enough protein from non-animal sources is possible. Although a bit more planning may be required, achieving the protein intake requirements only through plant protein can be done. While vegetarians who eat dairy, eggs or fish can meet their protein intake requirements quite easily, vegans need to plan a bit more but can still get enough protein regularly. A common concern in some vegetarian diets or a vegan lifestyle is unintentionally creating a deficiency in certain vitamins and minerals. If you plan to become a vegetarian or vegan, a professional nutritional guidance or in-depth planning should be done to avoid such deficiencies.

Categories Dine, Recipes

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup

Carrot and Red Lentil Soup

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
It’s a chilly evening, and you are craving a super quick, easy-to-make dish that will satisfy your hunger, nourish you and, most importantly, be delicious. I give you one of my favourite soups to make and eat. It’s high in fibre, satisfying, delicious and super-quick to prepare. Plus it’s vegetarian!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes

Equipment

  • A medium-sized pot
  • A sharp knife
  • Serving bowls

Ingredients
  

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ½ large onion chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic finely chopped
  • 1 stick celery chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
  • 2 carrots chopped
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ½ teaspoon cumin
  • ½ teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Fresh ground pepper to taste
  • 1 litre carrot juice or water
  • ½ cup red lentils thoroughly washed and drained of access water
  • Optional your favourite chopped herbs

Instructions
 

  • In a pot, heat olive oil. Add the onion and saute until the onion turns translucent. Add garlic, celery, ginger and carrots. Cook until softens.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and cook for about 15 minutes until lentils are soft.
  • If the soup is too thick, add some more carrot juice or water.
  • Adjust spices to taste.
  • To serve, place the desired amount in a serving bowl and garnish with your favourite herbs, such as cilantro, basil, parsley, dill or mint.

Notes

For a spicier version, while mixing in the spices add some chilli flakes or a bit of chilli pepper powder.
The quantities here are for about 4 servings. You can double all ingredients to have more as this soup is great the next day too.
Categories Recipes, Snack

Scrumptious Chocolate-Banana Muffins

Scrumptious Chocolate-Banana Muffins

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
I love a fruit & chocolate combo. Maybe it is the different flavours and textures that complement each other or because I feel chocolate makes everything better. So I took some ripe bananas I had on the counter and combined them with some rich cocoa powder into these gorgeous, soft, chocolaty muffins. With whole wheat flour for extra fibre and some protein powder for a more filling treat, these muffins will keep you fuller for longer. Plus, all ingredients go into one bowl to save on dirty dishes and work. In about 45 minutes from now, you could bite into your new favourite muffin.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Baking 20 minutes

Equipment

  • Bowl
  • 12-muffin baking tray
  • Parchment paper baking cups

Ingredients
  

  • 2 ripe, large bananas peeled
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • ½ cup grapeseed oil (or olive oil)
  • 6 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
  • 1.5 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 scoop chocolate protein powder optional
  • Dark chocolate chips optional

Instructions
 

  • Heat oven to 350 F or 180 C.
  • Line a muffin baking tray with parchment paper baking cups. Set aside.
  • In a medium bowl mash the bananas with a fork.
  • Add to the mashed bananas the sugar, eggs, oil and cocoa powder and mix with the fork until combined.
  • Add to the mixture flour, baking soda and baking powder. Add chocolate protein powder if using. Mix with the fork until well combined. Overmixing can decrease fluffiness.
  • Fill each baking cup with the chocolate mixture to reach ⅔ of its height. Top with some chocolate chips, if using.
  • Bake for about 15-20 minutes. Muffins are ready when a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out almost dry with a few crumbs attached, and the muffins’ top is a bit bouncy.
  • Let cool in the baking tray for about 5 minutes before carefully transferring the muffins onto a cooling rack.

Notes

These muffins freeze well. To freeze, muffins should be completely cooled to room temperature and kept frozen in an air-tight container.
Categories Dine, Recipes, Snack

High-Protein Oat Pancakes

High-Protein Oat Pancakes

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
As a mother to two athletic boys and as an active person myself, I had to find creative ways to incorporate more protein in each meal. Here is an easy way to turn a breakfast favourite into a high-protein meal that will keep anyone feeling fuller for longer. You can make these pancakes gluten-free if you ensure the ingredients provided are GF such as the oats and the baking powder.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 39 minutes

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Frying pan
  • Small ladle
  • Spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups large oats (GF if preferred)
  • 2 large ripe bananas
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cup water or milk of choice
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1.5 teaspoons baking powder (GF if preferred)
  • Coconut oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • Place oats in a food processor or blender and process until the texture resembles sand.
  • Peel the bananas and chop them into bite-size pieces. Add to the processed oats.
  • Add the eggs, yogurt, water or milk, honey or maple, and salt and blend until smooth.
  • Add the baking powder and blend for another 20 seconds. Allow to sit for 15 minutes. Mixture should be slightly runny and not too thick. Add more liquid if necessary.
  • Heat a large flat frying pan or a pancake pan on medium-high heat. Place a teaspoon of coconut oil in the pan and let it melt. With a heat-proof baking brush, spread the oil to cover the cooking surface of the pan.
  • With the ladle, place the desired amount of pancake mixture and fry until a few small bubbles form at the top of the pancake, and the bottom is golden-brown. Flip the pancake and fry for another minute on the other side.
  • Place the cooked pancakes on a dish and cover them with tin foil to keep warm while the other pancakes are being cooked.
  • Repeat the frying process with the rest of the mixture.

Notes

These pancakes are more on the neutral side - not sweet or salty, so any toppings of your choice would work well. Here are some options:
Maple syrup, honey, Blueberry sauce, whipped ricotta, nut butter, chocolate sauce, cocoa nibs, chopped nuts, desiccated coconut or coconut flakes.
Categories Recipes, Sip

Protein Mango Mania

Protein Mango Mania

Author Shani - Lemon Tree Nutrition
Need extra protein today? This delicious smoothie provides us with protein, healthy fats and complex carbs. It’s an easy and delicious way to get some protein into your body. Don’t miss out on the celery that contains natural sodium to can help replenish some electrolytes after a sweaty workout.
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Prep Time 5 minutes

Equipment

  • A powerful blender
  • A large glass cup or Mason jar

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup milk of choice
  • 1 cup chopped mango frozen
  • ½ banana fresh or frozen
  • ½ celery stick
  • 1 scoop Vanilla or unflavoured protein powder
  • ½ cup Greek Yogurt
  • ½ cup ice optional

Instructions
 

  • Place all ingredients in a powerful blender in the order listed above. Blend thoroughly until smooth. Add more water or milk if needed to your desired consistency.

Notes

This smoothie is wonderful during a hot summer day. Celery contains natural sodium which can help replenish electrolytes and the protein powder can help with muscle-building after a workout. It is best consumed as soon as possible after prep to take the most advantage of its benefits.