These high-protein whipped cottage cheese breakfast bowls are a regular part of my weekly food prep. Whipped cottage cheese, with added protein, topped with nuts and berries make a super high-protein breakfast bowl that is filling and easy to grab and go.
Meal prepping on the weekend is my non-negotiable. Spending at least an hour in the kitchen on the weekend is the only way I can get through the week feeling somewhat organized. Sure, I started meal prepping at some point in my life because of some diet or other I was following. While I no longer follow specific plans or diets, some simple meal prep is one habit that has stuck with me.
My weekly meal prep strategy
I've learned it's best to not overcomplicate meal planning or meal prepping. I call it "meal prep" because I actively prepare a few things ahead of time. But I try to not get too ambitious about it. It doesn't have to be hard. I've learned that if I try to do too much and make it too complex, I can't sustain it. So I try to keep simple and use an easy-to-execute strategy (that allows me some shortcuts when I need them).
With a busy family, having a few things made ahead of time means pizza happens less often for dinner and less time is spent staring into a full and well-stocked refrigerator but not knowing what to eat.
The below might sound like a lot, but it doesn't take that much time. And for me, it means I end up actually liking the food I'm eating and feel pretty good about it being balanced and good for me.
My meal prep basics:
- Clean a few vegetables for dips and snacks, maybe to use in a stir fry later in the week too. Short-cut: buy pre-cut veggies from the deli counter.
- Cook some protein - taco filling, baked tofu, or a couple of chicken breasts. Short-cut: buy a rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked cold chicken breast pieces to toss on salads.
- Make a base salad, something that I can add whatever to for a packed lunch or easy dinner. Short-cut: a pre-made salad from the fresh counter.
- Plan breakfasts so I don't have to think at 7am - which can be as easy as planning to make smoothies most days and just confirming I have what I need for that, or making something like these cottage cheese bowls that I can grab to take with me to eat after an early workout to eat at the office.
It sounds like a lot, but it takes only an hour or two, depending on how creative I feel. If I have more time, I might get a couple of dinners started or make breakfast sandwiches or egg cups for my boys.
More make-ahead breakfast recipes
Why you will love these High-Protein Breakfast Bowls
These high-protein cottage cheese bowls:
are quick - they take about 15 minutes to make
make ahead - will keep for 4-5 days, refrigerated. Recipe can be easily doubled
full of protein - over 40g per bowl for about 425 calories per bowl
full of fibre - from raspberries and will keep you full for hours!
These are perfect to grab as I head out the door on the days I try to fit in a class at the gym on my way to work or when I need to leave the house early.
I usually make a batch with one standard cottage cheese container and make two breakfast bowls, just to cover the busiest mornings of the week, but the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled even. You will need a full sized blender or foodprocessor if you make a double batch.
Occasionally I will divide a batch into three servings to make a smaller, snack-sized bowl.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese. I like lactose free, fat-free or low fat, but use your favourite variety.
- Protein powder. Lately my go-to has been Canadian Protein. Just basic vanilla is great, but feel free to use your favourite flavour. I've been liking this Salted Caramel a lot lately.
- Protein powder is optional and adds about 10-15 extra grams of protein to each bowl depending on the brand you use. I sometimes struggle to eat enough protein - so I like the extra insurance. But feel freel to leave this out.
- Stevia or other low-calorie sweetner.
- Also optional and only if you like things on the sweet side, like I do. If you skip the protein powder I think a little sweetner is a must. If you prefer to use honey, maple sryup or some other type of sweetner, calorie and protein content will be different.
- Toppings! Berries hold up nicely for make ahead. I like a little crunch from the almonds and add hemp seeds for good healthy fats.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
I use my Braun Easy-Prep for this recipe. It is the prefect size. Any blender or food processor will work.
- Combine all the cottage cheese, protein powder and stevia in the bowl of your food processor.
- Blend until smooth and creamy!
TIP: For a hearty, filling breakfast divide it into two servings. I like these meal prep containers. A two-cup container with an air-tight lid is perfect for these. For snack size, or just a smaller serving, divide into 3 or even 4 servings. Divided into 3 servings, each serving is about 300 calories and provides about 30 grams of protein.
TIP: Use lactose-free cottage cheese if you have trouble with dairy because of lactose.
Storage
Will keep for 4 to 5 days in air-tight containers and refrigerated.
๐ Recipe
High Protein Whipped Cottage Cheese Bowls with Berries
Required equipment
- mini blender or food processor I used a handheld mini chopper for this recipe
Ingredients
- 500 g cottage cheese your choice, i like low fat or fat free for this recipe
- 30 g vanilla protein powder
- 1 cup raspberries or other berries of your choice
- .25 cups slivered almonds
- 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
- 1 packet stevia I use Wholesome single serve packets
Instructions
- To the bowl of your mini processor or blender add the cottage cheese and the protein powder. Blend until creamy and smooth. Divide between two meal prep containers. (Tip: Containers should have air tight lids so these can be made ahead and taken with you.)500 g cottage cheese, 30 g vanilla protein powder
- Top each bowl with half of the raspberries, slivered almonds and hemp seeds. Secure the lids and refrigerate until ready to eat. Will keep for 4-5 days.1 cup raspberries, .25 cups slivered almonds, 2 tablespoons hemp seeds
Notes
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Comments
No Comments