Weight Loss MRC Blog

6 Easy Foolproof Protein-Packed Recipes

June 13, 2024

While no one knows where or how National Kitchen Klutzes of America Day started, it’s something that anyone who’s ever spent any time in a kitchen can relate to. Whether you’re brand new and can barely cook your way through scrambled eggs or a James Beard nominee, we’ve all had that “oops” moment in the kitchen (perhaps more than one). And while it may not have been funny at the time, most of us can look back and chuckle at this time in our lives that we were unmistakable and unapologetically “being human” - and there’s no shame in that! Sometimes kitchen disasters occur for reasons outside of our control (such as faulty wiring in a stove or oven) and other times they happen because we’ve bitten off a little more than we can chew in a recipe or forgot to (re)set a timer. While “going big” in the kitchen can lead to some pretty spectacular disasters, it’s also led to some pretty spectacular food developments such as chocolate chip cookies, popsicles, yogurt, and that condiment that no one really knows how to pronounce, Worcestershire sauce. So, never be afraid to be fearlessly “you” when you’re in the kitchen - who knows what next great thing you’re going to come up with!

No home or dwelling is complete without a kitchen. This room is dedicated to food preparation, food storage, and for some, food consumption, too. Some people even use it for other purposes outside of food such as sorting mail, homework, and folding laundry. Often referred to as “the heart of the home” this room plays an important role in everyday living. In fact, you’ll find kitchens anywhere you go where food is prepared and served. Though, the equipment and kitchens we keep in our homes might vary drastically from that of commercial kitchens. The good news is that you don’t need to have a restaurant-level kitchen in order to prepare and enjoy easy meals.

Good, simple, healthy food can be prepared in kitchens of all shapes and sizes, and today we’re going to share with you some of our favorite easy recipes that span the course of a day. While we can’t promise you won’t make any fumbles in the kitchen with them, the simplicity they provide is perfect for chefs of all skill levels! Bonus: all of our recipes are protein packed or provide the option to boost with protein. Protein is an essential macronutrient that protects muscle mass, supports metabolism, and promotes feelings of fullness, and is less caloric than carbohydrates and fats. It’s an integral part of any healthy diet, whether you are actively trying to lose weight, bulk up, or at a place where you are just maintaining your weight. MRC protein drinks (available here through the Metabolic Web Store) are a great option for boosting protein intake in your diet. Individually packaged for maximum convenience and portability, every serving of MRC protein drinks provides 15g of collagen and/or whey protein with 100 calories or less. Explore our top easy recipe picks below:

BREAKFAST PICK: Mixed Berry Parfait

In a parfait glass (or small dish of your choice, it doesn’t have to be fancy), spoon in half of the greek yogurt. Drizzle on ½ of the protein drink packet and top with half of the berries. Repeat once more, ending with the berries. Optional: sprinkle a little zero-calorie sweetener on top for a little kiss of sweetness.

LUNCH PICK: Summer Gazpacho

  • 8 oz. tomatoes, peeled (optional, but recommended) and cut into chunks
  • 8 oz. cucumber, peeled and cut into chunks
  • 8 oz. bell pepper, seeded and cut into chunks
  • 1 clove garlic, peeled
  • ½ fresh jalapeno, seeded
  • 8 oz. Pomi tomato sauce or tomato juice, divided
  • 8 oz. water, divided
  • 3 TBSP red wine vinegar
  • ¼ C. extra virgin olive oil
  • ¼ tsp. Black pepper
  • 1 tsp. Sea salt
  • ½ tsp. Onion powder

BOOST IT: Mix 1 packet of MRC Unflavored protein powder into your bowl for a 15g boost of collagen protein!

Note before beginning: the texture of this recipe is very smooth. If you want a little crunch, then reserve a small portion of the tomatoes, cucumber, and bell pepper to mix in. Add unreserved tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers to the bowl of a food processor or blender with the jalapeno, garlic, half of the Pomi or tomato juice and half of the water. Blend until smooth. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl or container and stir in the olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, onion powder, and remaining Pomi or tomato juice and water, stirring well to combine. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. While the soup is chilling, chop up the reserved veggies (if using) and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, divide equally into 4 bowls topping each bowl with ¼ of the reserved veggies.

SNACK PICK: Easy Guacamole

  • 8 oz. avocado
  • ½ lime, juiced
  • 8 oz. tomatoes, diced
  • 1 garlic clove, mashed
  • ½ jalapeno, seeded and diced
  • Small handful of cilantro, chopped
  • To taste: sea salt and black pepper

BOOST IT: Mix 1 packet of MRC Chicken Bouillon Soup protein powder into the guacamole for a protein boost. If using, omit salt from recipe above.

In a medium bowl, mash avocado with a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired level of chunkiness. Add remaining ingredients and stir well to combine. Cover with plastic wrap (so that the plastic wrap is touching the surface of the guacamole) and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Enjoy with homemade tortilla chips, veggies, or with a spoon!

HAPPY HOUR PICK: Mock Margarita

Salt a margarita or rocks glass rim and fill with ice. In a glass measuring cup or large glass, mix together the lemon-lime soda, crystal light, and Kiwi Melon drink until thoroughly combined. Pour into the iced margarita or rocks glass and garnish with a lime wedge.

DINNER PICK: Turkey Chili

  • 1 pound ground turkey breast (can substitute with lean ground beef or buffalo)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 2 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4-5 medium tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
  • 1 C. beans (black, red, pinto, navy, etc.)
  • 1 TBSP chili powder
  • 1 tsp. each: cumin, sea salt
  • ½ tsp. each: garlic powder, onion powder
  • ¼ tsp. each: cayenne pepper, black pepper
  • ¾ C. low sodium chicken or beef broth

BOOST IT: combine 1 packet MRC Tomato Basil Soup protein powder with 2 oz. hot water and add to your bowl of chili for an extra serving of 15g of protein!

Stovetop instructions: in a medium pot, brown the meat over medium heat and drain excess fat if needed. Stir in the green onions and let cook until softened, 2-3 minutes. Stir in the garlic and let cook until fragrant, about 30-60 seconds. Add the chili powder, cumin, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and a splash of the broth and stir. Let cook for 1-2 minutes. Add remaining broth, tomatoes, bell pepper, and beans and stir. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer. Simmer covered on low for 30-45 minutes. When ready to serve, divide equally among 4 bowls (if boosting with protein, add it here). Top each bowl with ½ oz. shredded cheese. 

Crockpot instructions: brown the meat in a skillet. Add the garlic, stir, and cook for another 30-60 seconds. Add this mixture to the bowl of a crock pot and stir in all remaining ingredients except for the shredded cheese. Mix well and cook on low for 2-3 hours. When ready to serve, divide equally among 4 bowls (if boosting with protein, add it here). Top each bowl with ½ oz. shredded cheese. 

DESSERT PICK: Cocoa Fudgsicles

Combine non-dairy milk and protein powder in a blender, cup with a frother, or shake vigorously in a shaker cup until smooth (you want as few lumps as possible). Pour mixture into popsicle molds and freeze for at least 4 hours.

So whether you’ve accidentally added sugar instead of salt, read a “teaspoon” as a “tablespoon”, nicked a finger while slicing fruit, burnt a batch of cookies because that timer you thought you set didn’t actually get set, or maybe even caught your stove or oven on fire…this day is for you! We’ve all been there. No judgment. Keep calm and cook on our fellow kitchen klutzes of America!

BLOG CATEGORIES