I Ate a High-Protein Diet for a Month—Here's What Happened
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16 Easy Snacks to Meal Prep For Adults
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If you’re in search of a tasty snack to enjoy between meals, you’re in the right place! These simple and satisfying snacks take no more than 15 minutes of active time and are perfect for making in advance. With delicious options like our High-Protein Almond Butter & Strawberry Oatmeal Bars and Crunchy Roasted Edamame, you’ll always have a tasty bite ready to go!
01 of 16
High-Protein Almond Butter & Strawberry Oatmeal Bars
These high-protein almond butter–strawberry oatmeal bars are a make-ahead option for busy mornings or afternoon snacks. Mashed bananas and strawberries naturally sweeten the bars, while almond butter and yogurt add protein and richness. Finished with a jammy strawberry swirl, these soft-baked oatmeal bars strike the perfect balance between comforting and energizing.
02 of 16
Crunchy Roasted Edamame
This roasted edamame recipe is a protein-packed snack you can enjoy by the handful. Roasting the beans slowly at a low temperature helps them dry out and crisp up without burning. Enjoy them on their own, or use them as a salad topper for added crunch.
03 of 16
Lemon Drop Energy Balls
These no-sugar-added lemon drop energy balls are a zesty little pick-me-up you’ll actually look forward to snacking on. Naturally sweetened with Medjool dates and packed with oats, cashews and hemp seeds, they deliver fiber and plant-based protein in every bite. They’re perfect for stashing in the fridge for a quick grab-and-go snack.
04 of 16
Lemon-Strawberry Frozen Yogurt Bites
These lemon-strawberry yogurt bites are the ultimate frozen snack, and they’re made without added sugar. Juicy strawberries are coated in tangy yogurt kissed with vanilla, lemon zest and a hint of warm spice before being dusted with a powdery layer of crushed freeze-dried strawberries.
05 of 16
Crispy Peanut Butter–Quinoa Balls
These no-bake Crispy Peanut Butter–Quinoa Balls come together in minutes and deliver a perfect mix of salty, sweet and crunchy flavors. The puffed quinoa gives them a light, crispy texture that’s held together with peanut butter and drizzle of chocolate on top. Look for puffed quinoa in the cereal or natural-foods aisle of well-stocked grocery stores, or order it online. If you can’t find it, try puffed brown rice cereal instead for a similar crunch.
06 of 16
Homemade Protein Bars
These homemade protein bars are packed with oats, almond flour, cashews and hemp seeds for a satisfying snack. Great for grab-and-go breakfasts or post-workout fuel, these bars are a smart, homemade alternative to store-bought versions. The bars come together easily—just mix, press into a pan and freeze to firm them up.
07 of 16
Ranch Roasted Chickpeas
These ranch-flavored roasted chickpeas are a savory snack that delivers the familiar tangy-herb taste of ranch dressing. Seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder and dried herbs, they crisp up beautifully in the oven. These fiber-rich chickpeas are perfect for munching by the handful or tossing into a salad for extra crunch. You can also sprinkle them over soups as an alternative to croutons.
08 of 16
Cottage Cheese–Berry Bowl
This no-sugar-added berry bowl highlights the natural sweetness of thawed mixed berries, with a hint of vanilla for extra flavor. It’s a simple snack you can prepare in advance, but add the cereal just before serving so it stays crunchy.
09 of 16
Apple Crumble Yogurt Bark
This creamy frozen apple yogurt bark is filled with warming spices, swirled with applesauce and topped with crunchy granola for a snack that tastes like fall. It’s an easy, quick recipe that provides a delicious, refreshing bite straight from your freezer whenever you need it.
10 of 16
Fig Newton–Inspired Energy Balls
These Fig Newton–inspired energy balls feature chewy figs just like the original snack bar. Here, we combine them with dates, almond butter and fiber-boosting oats for a gut-healthy snack to start your morning or beat an afternoon slump.
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Easy Black Bean Dip
This creamy bean dip is great for a party or picnic. Smoked paprika and ground chipotles add a robust, earthy flavor, but you can also use regular paprika and cayenne if you don't have the other spices on hand.
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Spicy Maple Walnuts
These sweet-spicy walnuts come together with pantry staples and just a few minutes of hands-on time. Keep a batch on hand for snacking or topping yogurt, or package them up in a small Mason jar for a simple yet delicious holiday gift.
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Roasted Buffalo Chickpeas
Soaking chickpeas in vinegary hot sauce gives them a mouthwatering tang before they crisp up in the oven. The result? An addictively crunchy snack that's actually good for you.
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Blueberry-Cashew Oat Bars
These no-bake blueberry-cashew bars with oats make a wholesome grab-and-go snack or breakfast. A chewy oat base is mixed with chopped cashews for crunch and cashew butter for creaminess. Dried blueberries add a burst of fruity flavor in every bite, while a touch of nutmeg brings warmth. They’re easy to make and hold together well for packing in lunches or stashing in your bag. Enjoy them chilled or at room temperature.
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The #1 Weight-Loss Snack You Should Be Making
These spiced almonds deliver the perfect balance of fiber, protein and healthy fat for a filling snack that can support your weight-loss goals. They’re a good mix of crunch, sweetness and spice. It’s easy to make and store so you have a healthy snack on hand.
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Cottage Cheese Snack Jar with Tomatoes, Cucumbers & Bell Peppers
Layered in a jar, portable and customizable, this cottage cheese snack jar with tomatoes, cucumbers and bell peppers is perfect for healthy eating on the go. It’s high in protein, making it a great choice for a midday energy boost or post-workout snack.
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15 High-Protein Vegetarian Dinners for Weight Loss
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Add these flavorful vegetarian dinners to your weekly rotation for a satisfying boost of plant-based protein and more. Each serving provides at least 15 grams of this essential nutrient important for supporting muscle, bone and skin health. These recipes also meet our low-calorie criteria—important because research shows that maintaining a modest calorie deficit can support weight loss. Plus, the fiber found in many of these plant-based dishes helps keep you feeling full and satisfied long after the meal. Vegetarian options like our Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup and Fajita-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms deliver bold flavor and nourishing ingredients you’ll want to come back to again and again.
01 of 15
Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup
This hearty, plant-based soup is packed with protein from lentils and gets cozy flavors from warming spices like cinnamon, cumin and coriander. A swirl of tangy Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley finish each bowl with brightness and creaminess. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
02 of 15
Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta
This Chickpea Casserole is a cozy, one-pan meal that’s both hearty and wholesome. Tender spinach, nutty chickpeas and brown rice are bound together with a touch of cream cheese and finished with tangy feta. Fresh dill, nutmeg and lemon juice brighten the flavors, while a hint of red pepper adds gentle heat. Baked until bubbling and topped with lemon zest, it’s a dish that feels comforting yet vibrant.
03 of 15
Marry Me White Bean Soup
This Marry Me White Bean Soup borrows inspiration from the beloved Marry Me Chicken recipe with a combination of sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, cream and Parmesan. Here, those same flavors are transformed into a hearty, soul-warming vegetarian soup with white beans taking center stage. Finished with basil and extra cheese, it’s cozy, crowd-pleasing and sure to win hearts at the table.
04 of 15
Broccoli-Cheddar Butter Beans
These broccoli-Cheddar butter beans are a cozy dish that will remind you of broccoli-Cheddar soup, but in a convenient skillet. Tender butter beans add creaminess and plant-based protein, making the dish filling enough for a main course. Broccoli florets bring color, while sharp Cheddar cheese melts in for that classic flavor. Everything comes together in one pan, creating a thick texture that’s perfect for scooping up with crusty bread.
05 of 15
Broccoli, Tomato & White Bean Quiche
This broccoli, tomato and white bean quiche is perfect for a simple breakfast, brunch or light dinner. Made without a crust, it’s much quicker to prepare than a traditional quiche, saving time without skimping on flavor. The blend of tender roasted broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes and creamy white beans creates a filling, protein-rich meal that’s both comforting and nourishing.
06 of 15
Fajita-Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
These fajita-stuffed portobello mushrooms are the mash-up you’ve been waiting for! This flavorful vegetarian dish fills roasted portobello mushroom caps with fajita-style veggies and black beans, giving them a boost of fiber and protein. Top it off with melted cheese and Greek-style yogurt for a satisfying dinner.
07 of 15
Spaghetti Squash Caprese
This Spaghetti Squash Caprese is a fun twist on the classic Italian salad, combining traditional caprese salad ingredients with tender strands of roasted spaghetti squash. The squash is tossed with juicy plum tomatoes, creamy mozzarella, fragrant fresh basil and great northern beans for a boost of plant-based protein. A drizzle of balsamic glaze ties the dish together with a sweet-tangy finish.
08 of 15
Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet Beans
Creamy, herbaceous and comforting, these skillet beans draw inspiration from spanakopita, the Greek spinach pie. Cannellini beans add plant-based protein and fiber to make this dinner filling while fresh dill, parsley and a squeeze of lemon provide brightness. Serve it straight from the skillet with multigrain pita chips for dipping.
09 of 15
Creamy Spaghetti with Brussels Sprouts
This Brussels sprouts spaghetti is comfort food at its finest. The pasta simmers directly in broth for a starchy, full-bodied base that gets coated in a creamy Asiago sauce with a subtle kick of red pepper. Brussels sprouts and shallots add caramelized sweetness and earthy depth, while fresh basil brightens the final dish. It’s a one-pan dinner that’s perfect for a weeknight meal when the cozy vibes are calling.
10 of 15
Roasted Potato Tzatziki Bowls
Our roasted potato tzatziki bowls are the perfect plant-based dinner, with bright, fresh and creamy flavors in every bite. Crispy, golden roasted potatoes are the centerpiece, accompanied by a tangy, herb-packed tzatziki sauce at the base. Loaded with fresh veggies like cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and red onion with a side of chickpeas for added fiber and plant-based protein, these bowls deliver big on flavor and nutrition.
11 of 15
Creamy Caramelized Cauliflower Pasta
This creamy cauliflower pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, velvety and flavorful. With simple ingredients and quick prep, it’s a satisfying dish that feels fancy without the fuss and is the ideal meal for a cozy weeknight dinner. Add a squeeze of lemon or a pinch of chile flakes to elevate this easy, comforting classic even more!
12 of 15
Chickpea Grain Bowl with Feta & Tomatoes
This chickpea-farro grain bowl is a hearty dish that’s packed with plant-based protein, fiber and tons of fresh flavor. Farro, a whole grain with a nutty taste and chewy texture, forms the base and pairs perfectly with tender chickpeas and veggies. If you don’t have farro on hand, you can easily swap in quinoa, brown rice or barley.
13 of 15
Spaghetti with Mushrooms, Spinach & Ricotta
This five-ingredient spaghetti is a cozy dish that is both comforting and effortless. Earthy mushrooms, spinach and garlic flavor the pasta alongside whole-milk ricotta that creates a creamy sauce. You can elevate the flavor even more by using wild mushrooms for a deeper savory flavor and finishing with a squeeze of lemon to brighten everything up.
14 of 15
Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet
This Marry Me White Bean & Spinach Skillet is a different take on Marry Me Chicken—a dish traditionally made with chicken coated in a sun-dried tomato cream sauce. By swapping in fiber-packed white beans and spinach as the main ingredients, we’ve given it a vegetarian spin. You’ll want to sop up every last bit of sauce, so serve this with a nice hunk of crusty whole-grain bread.
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Roasted Veggies with Halloumi & Chickpeas
This sheet-pan halloumi, chickpea and veggie recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner with easy cleanup. Chickpeas and halloumi provide protein to make this dish filling and satisfying. Roasting everything on the same sheet pan creates crispy, caramelized bites that meld beautifully with the creamy yogurt spread underneath.
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23 Heart-Healthy Vegetarian Lunch Recipes
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You won’t want to miss out on these lunch recipes. Each meatless dish is brimming with nutritious ingredients like beans and legumes, whole grains and leafy greens. Plus, they earn our heart-healthy nutrition tag for having low amounts of sodium and saturated fats. Make our Savory Oatmeal Grain Bowl for those days when you want something hearty and cozy. Or, try our No-Chicken Salad Sandwich as a convenient, handheld lunch.
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Savory Oatmeal Grain Bowl
Savory oats are an underrated way to enjoy whole grains—the toppings are endless! Cooking oats in soy milk is an easy way to add protein to this hearty grain bowl. Here, we top the oats with a bright roasted red pepper-olive mixture and a poached egg for richness.
02 of 23
High-Protein Butternut Squash & Lentil Soup
This hearty, plant-based soup is packed with protein from lentils and gets cozy flavors from warming spices like cinnamon, cumin and coriander. A swirl of tangy Greek-style yogurt and a sprinkle of fresh parsley finish each bowl with brightness and creaminess. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra pop of flavor.
03 of 23
No-Chicken Salad Sandwich
This no-chicken salad sandwich, made with chickpeas, is a delicious plant-based alternative to the classic chicken salad. Mashing the chickpeas creates a creamy texture that blends seamlessly with Greek-style yogurt, celery, pecans and grapes for flavor and crunch. Serve it on whole-grain bread, in a wrap, over a salad or with crackers for an easy lunch.
04 of 23
Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes
This Pesto Pasta with Peas & Tomatoes is a bright, flavorful dish that comes together quickly. Pasta is cooked alongside frozen sweet peas, then tossed with juicy cherry tomatoes and basil pesto for a fresh, herbaceous finish. You can serve it warm or chilled, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks or picnics. A sprinkle of Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon add the perfect final touch.
05 of 23
Chopped Salad with Italian Vinaigrette
This chopped salad is a crisp, colorful mix of veggies. It’s tossed with a zesty homemade vinaigrette, while chickpeas bring on the plant-based protein and fiber. Everything is chopped small for the perfect forkful every time.
06 of 23
Easy Chickpea Salad Lunch Box
This easy chickpea salad lunch box is a fresh, no-cook lunch that’s perfect for busy weekdays. Chickpeas are tossed with crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes and a splash of lemon juice and olive oil for a refreshing bite. It’s easy to scale up the recipe to prep multiple servings at once, so you can stock your fridge with grab-and-go lunches for the week. Just remember to add the crackers on the day you plan to enjoy it to keep them crunchy and delicious.
07 of 23
Strawberry-Peanut Butter Chia Pudding
This creamy Strawberry–Peanut Butter Chia Pudding is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast that feels like dessert. Layers of naturally sweet strawberry chia pudding and a peanut butter–yogurt topping deliver fiber, healthy fats and plenty of plant-based protein. Make a batch ahead, chill it overnight and wake up to the flavor of a PB&J in spoonable, pudding form.
08 of 23
The Last Cottage Cheese Toast Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Had your fill of toast that barely takes the edge off your hunger? Say hello to our delicious and nutritious cottage cheese toast! This toast, made with whole-grain bread and topped with creamy cottage cheese, is just the beginning. We’ve added six variations, both sweet and savory, perfect for kick-starting your morning or powering through the afternoon. Savory toasts are packed with lean protein, heart-healthy fats and plenty of plant-based fiber, while sweeter versions feature fruits like antioxidant-rich blueberries and raspberries. No matter which version you choose, satisfaction is guaranteed.
09 of 23
Bean & Pasta Salad
This bean-and-pasta salad is a satisfying dish packed with plant-based protein. It combines tender pasta with fiber-rich beans, crisp vegetables and a zesty vinaigrette for a well-balanced bite. The flavors continue to meld as it sits, making it an ideal recipe for meal prep or gatherings.
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No-Cook Chickpea, Beet & Quinoa Salad
This easy no-cook chickpea salad comes together in minutes. Look for precooked beets in the produce section of the grocery store. Leftover quinoa is great in this salad, but you could also use microwaveable quinoa to save on time.
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Eat-the-Rainbow Vegetable Soup
This vibrant and wholesome soup recipe helps support your well-being. It’s packed with a variety of colorful vegetables like tomatoes, which contain lycopene, a phytochemical that may help reduce inflammation. The base of the soup is prepped ahead of time and stored in separate containers. Simply add the broth and heat it in the microwave when you’re ready to eat. If you don’t wish to travel with vegetable broth or don’t have access to a microwave, you can use reduced-sodium bouillon instead and just add hot water.
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Bhel Puri-Inspired Salad
This flavorful salad was inspired by bhel puri, a type of chaat (savory snack) served across India, and features puffed quinoa and lentils for extra protein and fiber.
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Rainbow Grain Bowl with Cashew Sauce
This vibrant bowl is packed with nutrients to keep you full for hours. Look for precooked lentils in the refrigerated section of the produce department.
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Cucumber Sandwich with Cotija & Lime
This easy vegetarian cucumber sandwich draws flavor inspiration from elote, the Mexican street corn dish. Instead of corn, we flavor cucumber slices with cotija cheese, lime and cilantro for a tasty filling. Cotija—a salty, crumbly Mexican cheese—is similar in flavor and texture to feta cheese, which can be used as a substitute. Arugula adds a peppery flavor, but any tender greens will work well here.
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Lemon-Turmeric Cabbage & White Bean Soup
This cozy soup turns humble ingredients into a bowl of golden comfort. Tender cabbage and creamy cannellini beans simmer together with aromatic spices for warmth and depth, while a splash of lemon juice at the end brightens every spoonful. It’s light yet satisfying, full of fiber and antioxidants, and easy enough for a weeknight.
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Herb-Marinated Veggie & Chickpea Salad
This herb-marinated veggie-and-chickpea salad is a refreshing, no-cook dish packed with fresh flavors. It brings together crisp raw vegetables and fiber-rich chickpeas, all tossed in a zesty herb dressing that infuses every bite. Since it requires no stove or oven time, it’s perfect for meal prep and busy weekdays when you want something quick.
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Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Lettuce Wraps with Tahini Dressing
A tangy, nutty tahini dressing brings together no-cook ingredients like canned chickpeas and roasted red peppers for these easy meal-prep lettuce wraps. Make these wraps ahead of time for a grab-and-go lunch or dinner. A few wedges of warm pita finish off the meal perfectly.
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Veggie & Hummus Sandwich
This mile-high vegetable and hummus sandwich makes the perfect heart-healthy vegetarian lunch to go. Mix it up with different flavors of hummus and different types of vegetables, depending on your mood.
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High-Protein White Bean Salad with Feta & Lemon-Garlic Vinaigrette
This white bean salad with feta and lemon-garlic vinaigrette is quick and requires no stove time. White beans bring plant-based protein and fiber to help keep you full. Creamy feta cheese provides a tangy, salty contrast to the bright vinaigrette. Tossed with fresh herbs and toasted walnuts, this salad is perfect for a light lunch.
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Get Your Greens Wrap
This healthy, quick wrap is packed with plenty of green vegetables—cucumber, sprouts and lettuce add crunch, avocado lends creaminess and edamame provides some plant-based protein.
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Stuffed Sweet Potato with Hummus Dressing
Hearty yet simple to prepare, this stuffed sweet potato with black beans, kale and hummus dressing is a fantastic 5-ingredient lunch for one!
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Cabbage, Tofu & Edamame Salad
Craving crunch? Bite into a salad loaded with crisp red cabbage, edamame, bamboo shoots and chow mein noodles. This salad is slightly sweetened with baked tofu, mandarin oranges and sesame vinaigrette.
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5-Ingredient Avocado & Chickpea Salad
This avocado-and-chickpea salad is a fresh, flavorful dish that comes together in minutes. Made with just five ingredients, it’s as simple as it is satisfying. Creamy avocado pairs perfectly with hearty chickpeas for a filling, plant-based meal. With no cooking required and minimal prep, it’s a perfect quick lunch or dinner.