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#Grilled Chicken And Pasta Salad
daily-deliciousness · 11 months
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BBQ chicken ranch pasta salad
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nanamimizz · 1 year
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in chef mode today lads
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what-even-is-thiss · 4 months
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As an omnivore who likes vegan and vegetarian cooking I think the mistake a lot of people make when trying to convince meat eaters to go plant based is trying to convince them that something you’ve got will replace meat for them.
I like vegan nuggets and real chicken nuggets for different reasons. They taste different. They only taste identical to you because you haven’t eaten meat for five years.
When cooking for myself I only eat meat maybe like three times a week because vegetarian cooking is often cheaper and it tastes good.
Like just give people the actual recipes you use that aren’t pasta. Every time you ask what to eat on a meatless day people are like. Pasta. I don’t want pasta every day.
Point out the foods people already eat that are vegetarian. Like sweet potato fries, veggie chow mein, grilled mushrooms, mashed potatoes, black bean enchiladas, peanut butter sandwiches. Tell people what you microwave when you’re drunk at 3am. Show people that vegetables are so good they’ll want them in their diet.
Also some people are just never gonna go vegan. They’re just not. I’m certainly not, and I love vegan food. But since I’ve fallen in love with vegetarian cooking I eat meat much less and I’m much more careful about picking the meat I do eat. Doesn’t that align with a lot of your goals?
Impossible burger doesn’t taste like meat. But you know what tastes really good? A mushroom fajita taco. Falafel. Potato pancakes with applesauce. Smoky vegan collared greens. Hot potato salad with herbs. Palak paneer with rice. Tofu Pad Thai with extra peanuts. Some of my favorite foods of all time, and I’m a dirty rotten meat eater. Use THAT to get your foot in the door. And be more accepting of some half-assed victories. I’m on your side for the most part, believe it or not. But stop trying to claim certain things are just like meat. You and I both know you don’t plan most of your weeknight dinners around meat substitutes.
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comida-bebida · 10 months
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For the dressing
1/3 c. mayonnaise 
2 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp. cajun seasoning
1 tsp. sweet paprika
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
For the pasta salad
3/4 lb. bowtie pasta
1 tbsp. olive oil
3 c. Tyson® Grilled & Ready® Chicken Breast Strips
1 large red bell pepper, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced, plus more for serving
Step 1
Make dressing, in a medium bowl, whisk mayonnaise with oil, lemon juice, cajun seasoning, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Make pasta salad, in a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool pasta to room temperature.
Step 3
Meanwhile, in a medium nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium. Add Tyson® Grilled & Ready® chicken breast strips and cook, tossing occasionally, until warm, about 4 minutes. Remove to a work surface. Let cool slightly and then slice into bite-sized pieces.
Step 4
In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta with the sliced chicken breast strips, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onion. Drizzle dressing over pasta mixture and toss to coat.
Step 5
Garnish with more green onions and serve.
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foodfusionjourney · 11 months
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mytinyblackheart · 1 year
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Creamy Tortellini Salad with Chicken, Bacon, and Ranch Dressing - Pasta and Noodles
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byeolgirl · 29 days
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A PROGRAM OF A HEALTHY DIET
(with idea)
- inspired by Korean idols !
By: ★﹕byeolgιrᥣ﹒
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"Take care of yourself, That's the priority, You can only recieve love if you love yourself, I hope you think of yourself as a priority, Then people around you will love you"
- Jang Wonyoung
Breakfast:
1. Overnight oats with almond milk, chia seeds, sliced banana, and a drizzle of honey.
2. Whole grain cereal with skim milk, topped with mixed berries and a sprinkle of flaxseeds.
3. Veggie omelette made with bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms, served with whole grain toast.
4. Smoothie bowl with blended spinach, frozen mixed berries, Greek yogurt, and a handful of granola.
Mid-Morning Snack:
1. Sliced cucumber and cherry tomatoes with hummus.
2. Rice cakes with avocado mash and a sprinkle of black pepper.
3. Cottage cheese with sliced strawberries and a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
4. Whole grain crackers with tuna salad (made with Greek yogurt instead of mayo) and cucumber slices.
Lunch:
1. Quinoa salad with diced mango, black beans, diced bell peppers, and a lime vinaigrette dressing.
2. Whole wheat wrap filled with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, avocado, and mustard.
3. Lentil soup with a side of mixed greens salad and a whole grain roll.
4. Brown rice bowl with stir-fried tofu, broccoli, carrots, and a teriyaki sauce.
Afternoon Snack:
1. Sliced apple with a spread of almond butter and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
2. Edamame beans sprinkled with sea salt.
3. Greek yogurt parfait with layers of granola, mixed berries, and a drizzle of honey.
4. Air-popped popcorn seasoned with nutritional yeast and smoked paprika.
Dinner:
1. Grilled shrimp skewers with quinoa pilaf and roasted Brussels sprouts.
2. Baked cod fillet with roasted sweet potatoes and steamed green beans.
3. Turkey chili served over baked sweet potatoes and topped with diced avocado.
4. Whole wheat pasta with marinara sauce, lean ground turkey, and sautéed spinach.
Evening Snack (optional):
1. Sliced pear with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a few squares of dark chocolate.
2. Celery sticks filled with almond butter and topped with raisins.
3. A small handful of mixed nuts (such as almonds, cashews, and pistachios).
4. Herbal tea with a squeeze of lemon and a small piece of cheese.
These meal ideas offer a variety of nutrients while keeping the overall calorie intake in check for a healthy and balanced diet.
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simchafisher · 2 years
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What's for supper? Vol. 309: In which I recommend thighs
What’s for supper? Vol. 309: In which I recommend thighs
Friday again! Can it be believed? I’ll spare you the tiresome story of how I filled the refrigerator with food and then it filled itself with warm air, but I didn’t want to acknowledge what was happening right away, and so most of the meat and dairy went bad and had to be replaced. Like many things, it was my fault, for overstuffing the freezer, which blocked the vents, which prevented the cold…
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Sticky chicken thighs with rice noodle salad
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yuri-is-online · 13 days
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Ngl, Aceyuu has me in a chokehold right now. Now imagine this:
Yuu's been learning how to improve their cooking and baking so they and Grim don't have to stick to eating the same ol' food everyday. After successfully making their first successful dish, which is chicken pasta bake, they decided to kick it up a notch. Salads, meat dishes, soups, pastries and desserts, the Ramshackle duo are eating good. So, why not make lunch for the both of them to bring to school?
The first years look in awe when they see the delicious lunches Grim and Yuu are eating. Ace, however, has his eyes set on Grim's dessert: a slice of cherry pie. But just before he can grab it, Grim's already chowing down on the pie before trying to take some of Ace's food. Yuu, of course, scolds Grim and gives him one if their cranberry white chocolate buns to tame him. Noticing Ace's expression, it didn't take long for them to put two and two together. So, they ask for the first years to come over to Ramshackle for dinner. While the first years are talking excitedly, Yuu throws Ace a wink, confusing him.
At Ramshackle, the dining table was full of dishes: grilled chicken, vegetable stir fry, shish kabobs, and more. When it was time for dessert, everyone was on the edge of their seats until Yuu came out with different desserts for each first year. Mini egg tarts for Deuce, pear compote with vanilla ice cream for Jack, spiced apple muffins for Epel, double chocolate cookies for Sebek, custard pudding for Grim, and Yuu has strawberry gelato. To their shock, Ace doesn't have any dessert which bums him a little. Though, to be fair, he is super full so he probably has no room for dessert at the moment. But Yuu, ever the friendly soul, let's Ace eat some of their gelato.
Before they leave, Yuu asks Ace to stay behind because they have something to gift him. They hand him a box tied with a red ribbon and tell him to open it when no one's looking. He's confused but he complies.
Back at Heartslabyul, Ace opens up the box to find what's inside: beautiful mini black forest cakes arranged into a heart shape. Ace, who's a little hungry, snacks on the cakes while feeling all giddy.
annon this is a whole meal (⊙_⊙) and I had to make sure I had a whole meal before I let myself look at this ask, people extensively describing food makes me hungry (--;
I would make one mini addition to your little scenario, cherry pie is listed as Ace's favorite food, so it makes a bit more sense for Yuu to give him something like that... especially since that's what he wanted from Grim in the first place! Maybe it could be something like these heart shaped cherry hand pies? And Yuu gives him one little black forest cake for desert so it doesn't seem like they are singling him out too much, I mean sure Ace is their favorite but they can't tell the other boys that!!! They need to make up some sort of excuse, maybe they stole found a pencil of his they need to give him so they ask him to stay behind so they can get it for him... and Ace "sighs" and agrees to, acting like he's soooo inconvenienced while the other first years exchange a look and book it so they don't have to deal with you two.
Ace would be so stupid embarrassed if you made him cherry pie. It's his favorite, you know him and see him. Making food for someone is a pure and heavenly form of love, and you had to think about what you wanted to make for each of them and thought long enough about him to make him something extra. It's so touching he can;t even bring himself to gloat about it, but he will thank you for the food.
How can he be expected to get more otherwise?
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insimniacreations · 2 years
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Grocery Haul August 2022 - End of Summer BBQ!!!
REQUIRED MOD:
The 8/31/22 updated version of My Grocery Shopping List mod.
Optional
The 8/31/22 updated version of the Custom Register
Items
Doritos Nacho Cheese Chips
Doritos Cool Ranch Chips
Recipes
BBQ Chicken with Baked Beans
Grilled Corn with Mac & Cheese 
Brisket with Potato Salad
Custom Ingredients (Get the custom ingredients HERE and HERE for the Perdue Chicken Leg Quarters if you don't have it already)
Good & Gather Sweet Corn
Perdue Chicken Thighs
Good & Gather Russet Potatoes
Beef Brisket
Bush's Original Baked Beans
Cabot Seriously Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Sweet Baby Ray's Original Barbecue Sauce
Hellmann's Mayonnaise
Horizon Organic Whole High Vitamin D Milk
Ronzoni Elbows Pasta
French's Classic Yellow Mustard
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TERMS OF USE
Please do not include my items in uploaded builds. Link back to my Patreon page for others to download separately
Please do not recolor, convert, and/or edit my meshes
Please do not reupload
DOWNLOAD
Now on Early Access. Public Release: 9/25 @ 5pm EST
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callsignhood · 4 months
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Can König cook?
I think he can definitely cook, but not as a good as a chef, of course. Maybe bacon omelette, grilled cheese, Cesar salad with chicken breast, some soup and maybe even pasta. He’d consume a hell ton of calories daily for his size, he must know how to feed himself correctly! 🩵
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ohbrightnewday · 2 months
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Mean Girls food preference hcs
I have a fun time making silly mundane hcs. I copy and pasted these, then changed a little, from the discord server.
Cady: Enjoy chicken wings so much more than anyone would assume she does. They’re so messy, but they’re so good. Other than that, she mostly enjoys anything. Preference for meat with a meal and really likes cake, not the biggest fan of vegetables of any kind, but will eat them if she Has to. Hates buffets. Fucking hates buffets. Also loves the most random insane candy Janis can find for her to try, unless it’s sour, won’t eat sour food.
Janis: Favourite food is burgers with everything on them, really likes salad vegetables on the burgers and sauces. She loves diner-style food, so milkshakes and fries too. Enjoys very sweet drinks, says she likes black coffee but her favourite is frappes that barely have any coffee in them. Probably drinks an excess of monster energy too. Also cannot cook even a little bit. Unless it’s noodles.
Damian: Loves pizza but will mostly eat anything. He and Janis go to a specific diner all the time and it’s theirs and they always order the same thing. He’s similar in preference to Janis with drinks, but doesn’t like coffee and chocolate together. Often has candy bars or granola bars or little bags of candy in his bag at any given time for either himself, Janis or Cady.
Regina: Canonically likes cheese fries. These are the only things she’d eat in school. Mostly sticks to salads when she’s out with other people for a long time until she’s more comfortable. Enjoys yoghurts but not Greek yoghurt because it just doesn’t taste right. Drinks iced coffees with occasional sugar free vanilla syrup. Enjoys frozen fruit over non-frozen fruit as a little treat. Struggles a lot with eating enough and never has good food in the house because of her mom.
Karen: Very sensory seeking when it comes to foods and loves things that have texture to them. So she eats a lot of salads with iceberg lettuce, baby carrots etc. Enjoys candy a lot too, but nothing that’s too sticky or sticks to her mouth like caramel. Hates pastas that aren’t al dente or rawer and cannot stand lasagne ever at all. If the sauce is too much, she won’t eat it. Doesn’t really enjoy coffee or any hot drinks, but sometimes might drink a milkshake.
Gretchen: Really loves pasta. Loves pasta so much. She especially loves white sauces over marinara type sauce and eats it with garlic bread or breadsticks. Gets cesear salads often, but isn’t actually the biggest fan of them, she just eats them. Not a big drinker of sweet drinks and coffee makes her more anxious, but she still drinks it if she has to. Probably enjoys iced herbal teas when she gets around to trying them. Snacks mostly on plain nuts and bland chips, foods with too much flavour make her feel too much sometimes.
Aaron: Bland. He eats soups a lot, they’re easy to make and easy to eat. As well as grilled cheeses, sometimes some plain pasta and cheese, and he orders lasagna when he’s out. Quite good at cooking, but not great at baking, but he will make chocolate chip cookies sometimes. Mostly drinks water and occasionally coke or hot coffee, doesn’t drink it cold. Much like Gretchen, too strong of flavours make him feel too much. Sticks just to crackers if things are really bad because other food will make him nauseous.
Idk why I haven’t posted these before, it’s not solid hcs, it’s just the general vibes of what they enjoy. Feel free to ask for elaboration!
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fattofitsure · 11 months
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Meal plan for weight loss
A well-balanced meal plan for weight loss typically includes a combination of nutrient-rich foods that are low in calories. Here's a sample meal plan to help you get started:
Breakfast:
Option 1: Veggie omelet made with egg whites or egg substitute, filled with spinach, mushrooms, and bell peppers.
Option 2: Greek yogurt topped with berries and a sprinkle of nuts or seeds.
Option 3: Whole grain toast with avocado and sliced hard-boiled eggs.
Snack:
Option 1: Apple slices with a tablespoon of almond butter.
Option 2: Carrot sticks with hummus.
Option 3: A small handful of mixed nuts.
Lunch:
Option 1: Grilled chicken or tofu salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette dressing.
Option 2: Quinoa or brown rice bowl with roasted vegetables and a lean protein source like grilled salmon or chickpeas.
Option 3: Whole grain wrap filled with lean turkey or chicken, lettuce, tomato, and mustard.
Snack:
Option 1: Low-fat cottage cheese with sliced peaches.
Option 2: Celery sticks with peanut butter.
Option 3: Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey and a sprinkle of granola.
Dinner:
Option 1: Baked or grilled fish (such as salmon or cod) with steamed broccoli and a side of quinoa or sweet potato.
Option 2: Stir-fried tofu or lean beef with mixed vegetables (broccoli, bell peppers, snap peas) and brown rice.
Option 3: Grilled chicken breast with roasted Brussels sprouts and a small portion of whole wheat pasta.
Snack:
Option 1: Sliced cucumbers with a low-fat yogurt dip.
Option 2: Air-popped popcorn.
Option 3: Hard-boiled eggs with cherry tomatoes.
It's important to note that individual dietary needs and preferences may vary. Adjust portion sizes according to your specific calorie requirements and consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian for personalized advice. Additionally, remember to stay hydrated by drinking water throughout the day and listen to your body's hunger and fullness cues.
Click here to get meal plan
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acti-veg · 8 months
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16 Plant-Based Protein Sources
Protein is often raised as a concern for people considering adopting a plant-based diet, and considering the fact that we've all been taught to associate protein primarily with red meat, this is not surprising.
It is estimated that most adults require 56 grams of protein per day, and you're probably hitting that number if you're not in a calorie deficit. If you're trying to lose weight and so are cutting calories then you may need to track your protein a little more closely, but 56 grams is pretty easy to hit without having to really think about it.
It gets a bit more difficult if you're very physically active, particularly if you're engaged in regular endurance training or are trying to build muscle. There is a great deal of disagreement about precisely how much protein is ideal if you're training intensely, but it is very achievable to hit even the upper end of protein requirement estimates using only plant-based foods. Listed below are particularly good options.
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1) Lentils - Lentils are a cheap nutritional powerhouse, and provides about 17 grams of protein per cup. They're also very flexible, you can have them as your main protein source of a meal, use them to substitute mince in a pasta dish, make burgers out of them, or put them in a stir fry or with rice and veg with some seasonings. They are cheap and convenient if you buy them canned, since they're ready to eat, though I would recommend at least warming them up.
2) Chickpeas - Chickpeas are a popular vegan staple, and it's not hard to see why. At approximately 14.5 grams of protein per cup, they're nutrient dense and very flexible. Use them to make hummus or falafel, as the main protein source of a curry, on their own with rice or worked into a salad. You can also just air fry/grill them with some oil and spices for a convenient, crunchy snack.
3) Oats - A cup of dry oats is around 11 grams of protein by itself. Making it with a cup of oat milk brings that up to 14 grams, throw in a tablespoon of peanut butter and you're up to about 17.5 grams at breakfast, and all those ingredients are pretty cheap and very filling. You could add something like nuts or chia seeds as a topping to stretch that to well over 20 grams.
4) Nuts - Peanuts are 9.5 grams per 1/4 cup, almonds are 7g, pistachios 6g, cashews 5g, hazelnuts 5g, brazil nuts 4.75g, walnuts 4.5g and pine nuts are 4.5g. You can buy 1kg bags of mixed nuts for a little bit cheaper and keep them in a jar for a healthy snack. I find it better to buy a bag that doesn't have peanuts in then add the peanuts later, as mixes that include peanuts tend to be less for your money. Peanut butter is also a cost effective way to add protein to many snacks and meals.
5) Beans - Depending on the type, beans are anything from around 10-15 grams of protein per cup. Some are better than others, like kidney beans, but even your standard baked beans are high protein and good for you. Turn them into a chilli, have them on toast, on a jacket potato, turn them into a bean burger or make them the protein base of a salad or soup. Kidney , soy and edamame beans are particularly good options.
6) Seitan - When cooked, seitan closely resembles to look and feel of red meat. It is made of wheat gluten and has 25 grams of protein per 100 gram serving. It is not very widely available in supermarkets, but try your local Asian market, where it will usually be cheaper as well. It's a bit of a hassle, but you can also make your own at home, which is extremely cheap as it's just wheat gluten, yeast, plant milk, miso and spices.
7) Tofu/Tempeh - A staple in Asian cooking, don't be afraid to try this one. Think of it as doing all the same things chicken does in terms of recipes, it soaks up the flavour around it. It needs to be pressed before use, or you can avoid that by just draining the liquid and freezing it, then thawing over night when you want to use it. 100 grams of tofu (less than half a small block) contains 8 grams of protein. Some tofu, like Naked TooFoo, is pre-pressed for you.
8) Faux Meats - Faux meats are an easy way to add a protein base to your meal, and has the advantage of serving the same function on a plate as the foods you were used to before you went vegan. A Beyond burger, for example, has 19g of protien per patty, though you can get much cheaper options that have a similar nutritional profile. Pair that with a wholemeal bun and something like brown rice/quinoa and vegetables and you can create a very high protein meal.
9) Grains - All grains are good for protein, these include quinoa, spelt, brown/wild rice, teff, amaranth and sorghum. They can range anywhere between 5 and 8 grams per 100 grams, and you'll usually be serving them with some sort of protein source. They're also an excellent source of fibre and carbohydrates, which are also important for training and general health. Quinoa in particular provides all 22 essential amino acids.
10) Peas - Green peas are not mentioned much when it comes to high protein options, but a cup of cooked peas is a respectable 9 grams of protein, and it's worth mentioning here because they tend to be used more as a side than main, so can be paired with other high protein options. They're also very cheap, freeze well and are easy to prepare.
11) Seeds - Just a tablespoon of chia seeds is nearly 3 grams of protein, and the seeds are so small and tasteless that you don't actually notice them in anything you put them in, making them an easy way to add protein to just about any meal. They're pretty cheap to buy in large quantities, particularly good to replace eggs in baking, to add to bread flour, salads and oatmeal. Other high protein seeds include pumpkin, sunflower, linseed, hempseeds and buckwheat.
12) Bread - Bread may not immediately come to mind when you're thinking about protein, but wholegrain/rye/spelt breads can be very high in protein, anywhere from 3 all the way up to around 10 grams per slice, particularly for seeded loaves. If you really want to turn bread into a high protein food, invest in a bread maker or bake it yourself, that way you can add nuts, seeds and oats yourself to up the nutritional value. That's just the bread too, a hummus and falafel sandwich with a high protein bread can be very nutrionally dense.
13) Fruit and veg - Worth mentioning here, as they're something you'll need to consume to maintain a healthy diet anyway, and some options have moderate protein. The higher protein options include broccoli, spinach, asparagus, artichokes, potatoes, sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts, which all contain 4–5 grams of protein per cooked cup. Likewise, blueberries, guava, bananas and nectarines contain about 2-4 grams of protein per cup, as well as many other vitamins important for training.
14) Nutritional Yeast - No vegan list is complete without mentioning it, it's a vegan staple for its nutty, cheesy flavour, as well as being an easy source of vitamin B12. It's a complete protein that has 8 grams of protein per 16 grams serving, making it an easy way to add more protein to things like pizza, pasta dishes or a jacket potato. Use it to make cheesy sauces, or just sprinkle it on anything you'd have previousy added parmesan cheese to.
15) Protein Bars - They tend to be  on the expensive side, but there are a few plant-based options. I'd recommend Misfit bars if you can get them online, they're low sugar, 15g of protein per bar, and you can buy them in variety packs of 40 which works out cheaper. Trek also have protein flapjack bars, less protein (8-9g) but are much cheaper in packs of 3 and frequently available at a discount (as little at 85p for three in Heron here in the UK).
Most brands won’t be suitable as a daily option for many people given the price, but great for when you're need a protein boost on the go. You can also just make your own protein bars using nothing but oats, cinnamon, baking soda, a little maple/golden syrup and a scoop of plant-based protein powder.
16) Protein/Meal Powders- Even the cheaper powders are around 18g of protein per scoop, so a shake is an easy way to add more protein to your diet, or you can stir it into oatmeal to get most of your daily requirements over breakfast. Some meal replacement shakes, like Huel Black, are around 40 grams of protein per serving (2 scoops) even when made with just water, providing a cheap and easy way to have a high protein and nutritious meal without any prep or fuss. Add some peanut butter and plant milk to make them tastier and even higher in protein. (I don't accept sponsorship or commissions from any brand and I don't have any affiliate links. Any product recommendations are based solely on my own experience.)
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nhlclover · 1 year
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dance with me | cole caufield
summary: your charismatic client gets the better of you during a team outing
request: yes / no
warnings: making out, mentions of alcohol
a/n: struggled writing this cause I had to finish it on my phone lmao
word count: 1.70k
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When I first started working for the Habs, I was warned about Cole Caufield.
I was warned about his bubbly personality, his never-ending source of energy, and the strong effect he holds on people. I vowed that I wouldn’t let him take affect on me and my job with the Habs as their nutritionist.
However, I greatly underestimated how charismatic he was. The moment I met him, he already began to take an effect on me. His constant smile had me weak in the knees daily and I looked forward to when I did weigh-ins with him, as that was an extended period to talk to Cole.
Cole and I often joked with one another, our jokes becoming more and more flirtatious. It became known across the team about our jokingly flirtatious relationship. However, Juraj became quickly aware of my true feelings toward Cole.
I also quickly learned that Juraj doesn’t know how to keep a secret because Kaiden, Arber, and Jake soon learned about my feelings. The group of boys had now decided to make it their mission to set the two of us up, no matter how many times I reminded them that we couldn’t due to our status as technical co-workers.
Our flirtatious relationship was already pushing the boundaries of what our relationship should be, I decided I shouldn’t do anything more to jeopardize it.
“You’re coming out with us tomorrow in Jersey, right?” Arber asks me.
We’re in the players lounge, the guys just arriving to the arena for the game. I’m in the process of setting up the team meal that includes pasta with grilled chicken, and a garden salad on the side.
“Uh no, why would I?” I ask.
“Because it’s a team outing.” He says.
I furrow my eyebrows at him, still not understanding what he’s getting at.
“Team outings include you, y/n.” Juraj said. “You’re part of the team.”
“I don’t skate on the ice, ergo not a part of the team.” I say, putting out the tray of pasta on the counter.
“Oh come on, have some fun with us.” Kaiden said.
I rebuff them again as I continue to set out their pregame meal. More of the team enter the players' lounge, including Cole, who greets me as usual.
“Hello, y/n. You look very nice today.” He says, coming around the counter, giving me a side hug.
“Ask Cole to get her to come, she can’t say no to him.” Arber says in a low voice.
“Cole, get y/n to come out with us tomorrow in Jersey.” Kaiden says. “She keeps saying no.”
Cole leans on the counter next to me, frowning. “Why aren’t you coming out with us?” He asks.
“Cause this is a team outing, and I’m not a part of the team.” I say to him, repeating what I told Juraj moments before.
“That’s such bull. Of course you’re part of the team.” He says. I shake my head getting stuff out of the freezer for the smoothies. When I turn back to the counter, Cole is standing right in front of me.
“Please come out with us?” He asks.
I sigh, all of the guys looking at me expectantly. “Alright, fine.” I give in.
They cheer as Cole grabs my shoulders and shakes me in excitement. “I am so glad you’re coming out with us.” He says softly to me. Cole’s voice sends a tingle down my spine.
“Told you.” Arber says under his voice, but just loud enough for me to hear, so I shoot a look in his direction.
That night, following the game, we fly out to New Jersey for the upcoming series. We have an extra day off in Newark the next day, so we go to a local club. I arrive separately from the rest of the team, making my way into the club. I find a majority of them sitting at a booth. My eyes are immediately pulled to Cole. He’s wearing a black t-shirt that’s tightly hugging his shoulders and chest. He spots me too, his eyes dragging up and down my body. The boys cheer at my arrival.
“Thought you were gonna bail on us.” Arber shouts over the music.
“I was thinking about it.” I tell him.
“Well let me get you a drink, and maybe you’ll stop being so tense.” He says, sliding out of the booth.
“Come sit.” Cole says, patting the now empty space next to him. I slide in, Cole’s arm immediately going to the back of the couch behind me.
“You look very nice.” Cole says, so only I can hear. I can feel a soft blush form on my cheeks as I shoot him a small smile.
Arber returns, setting down a drink in front of me that he tells me is a long island iced tea, before going back to the bar to talk to a girl he met.
I listen to the conversation the others are having sparingly, my mind rather going to Cole’s fingers that are lightly tracing my right shoulder. Each meaningless shape traced leaves a trail of goosebumps behind.
“I’m gonna go get another drink, I’ll be back.” Cole says, sliding past me.
I watch Cole go up to the bar, ordering something from the bartender and get introduced to Arber’s mystery girl.
“You’re staring.” Jake says, pulling my eyes off the dirty blond boy standing at the bar.
“No, I’m not.” I say looking back at the pair of them.
“Yeah, you were you were basically drooling.” Juraj joked.
I groaned, dropping my head to the table. “Stop being stupid, he clearly likes you.” Juraj says.
“No he doesn’t!” I say back.
“Oh so when he’s calling you gorgeous every day, he’s just fucking with you?” Juraj rebuttals.
“Yeah, we’re just joking with each other.” I say, taking a gulp of my drink, and finishing it off. The boys sitting across from me burst into laughter at my very obvious lie. I glance over at the bar again, watching Arber follow the girl to the dancefloor.
“Go ask him to dance.” Juraj says. “He’s alone, now’s your chance.”
“It would be wildly inappropriate if I were to date him, you know that right?” I say to the two boys in front of me. “I technically work for him you know?”
“Yeah, but whatever.” Juraj says. “You’d be cute together.”
I roll my eyes, swirling the ice in my drink, taking another sip. Cole is suddenly by my side, taking my glass from my hands and setting it on the table. “Dance with me.” He says, his question coming out more like a demand.
He takes my left hand, dragging me up. I look to Juraj and Jake, only for them to be waving me off with grins on their faces. Cole keeps a firm grip on my hand as he drags me through the club to the dancefloor that’s swarmed with drunk and sweaty adults. I spot Arber dancing with a girl at the same time he spots me. He gives me a quick salute and continues to dance with the girl.
Cole parks us in an empty spot on the dance floor, dropping my hand and putting his hands on my hips. He looks at me apprehensively, as if to ask if his hands are okay there. I give him a small smile and nod, his hands relaxing.
His hands guide my hips side to side in time with the rhythm. “Don’t fight the rhythm,” Cole says, swaying my hips for me.
I give in to him, swaying my hips on my own and letting my drink take effect, as well as the music. I let my hands raise above my head then slide them down, resting around Cole’s shoulders. He smiles, nodding in approval. His eyes scan my body, pulling me closer so that our hips keep knocking into each other.
Cole removes his hands from my hips, taking my arms off his shoulders. He grabs my hands, spinning me around and allowing us to sway to the music together.
“You look gorgeous tonight.” Cole says into my ear.
I laugh, throwing my head back into Cole’s shoulder. “What? You don’t believe me?” He asks.
“Cole, you tell me that every time I give your daily shake.” I say.
“And I mean it every time.” He says lowly. “C’mon, we both want this, let’s stop pretending we’re joking.”
I turn around, Cole’s hands automatically going down to my hips, his thumbs slipping under the waistband of my skirt. Cole and I always flirted, but I had assumed it was in a joking matter. At least for him anyways, as it was mostly truth on my part. But with Cole standing behind me, his hands gripping my waist tightly, I was now doubting that.
Cole reads the confusion on my face and a devilish grin appears on his face. He takes my hand, spinning me around so my back is against him again. His hand wraps around me, holding my middle.
“Don’t make me spell it out for you…” Cole says. His lips press a delicate kiss to my jaw. “You know I want you. And I know you want me.”
Cole’s low voice sends a shiver down my spine. I swallow, finding myself melting like putty under Cole’s touch. “But… I thought…” My words fail to form as Cole places another kiss on my neck.
“I’ve never not wanted you.” He says.
I spin around in Cole's grasp, placing my hands at the base of his neck, and pulling him in. His lips are warm and taste slightly like beer. Cole leans into the kiss, deepening it. My hands trace up his neck, running into his hair, tugging at the roots. This elicits a groan from Cole. His hands move down to my ass, gripping it lightly.
We can hear cheering coming from the direction of our booth, making the two of us smile into the kiss. Cole breaks away, his lips pink and swollen.
“Wanna ditch them?” He asks. I don’t hesitate in nodding, taking Cole by the hand and leading him out of the bar, back to our hotel.
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