Looking for food inspiration to fuel your next workout? Look no further, here are 3 recipes
that are high in protein, low in cost and above all, super delicious. 
If you go to the gym, participate in sports or perhaps you just enjoy eating healthily, you’ll
know that a quality meal or snack is vital for your performance, both during your activity as
well as repairing muscles after. As someone who grew up in a competitive swimming
environment before moving to CrossFit, I have been exposed to a variety of meal plans and
advice on how best to build muscle and truthfully, it can get quite overwhelming. Particularly
with social media constantly throwing out contradictory ideas, recipes that scream the word
protein like it’s some buzzword, I’m here to make it simple for you. Here are some of my
favourite go-tos that help me push my body and make me feel great!

Three-ingredient high protein pancakes
We all know that feeling when you have to get up for an early morning gym session, perhaps
trying to squeeze in a quick workout before a lecture, you need that delicious breakfast to
help motivate you to get out of bed and give you that energy boost. This simple 3 ingredient
recipe is quick to make and high in protein, guaranteed to give you those gains. 
Prep: 15 mins
Cook: 10 mins
Ingredients: 
 35g vanilla protein powder (salted caramel is also a personal favourite)
 2 medium eggs
 1 banana
Method: 

1.  Add all the ingredients into a blender. 
2. Blend until smooth. 
3. Refrigerate the batter for 10 minutes to cool and thicken slightly. 
4. Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and pour in a small amount of batter, making
   4-5 pancakes. 
    Tip: Flip the pancakes when small bubbles form on the top.
5. Serve with your favourite toppings (recommended: Greek yogurt, honey and
   berries). 

Homemade Oat Bars
Let’s face it, having the time to chef up a high-protein, gym-perfect meal isn’t always realistic
particularly when balancing the gym with a busy uni lifestyle. This recipe has got you
covered. These homemade oat bars are the perfect pre-workout snack you can meal prep
and enjoy throughout the week.

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 35-40 mins
Ingredients:
 60g vanilla protein powder 
 100g of Greek yogurt 
 1 banana 
 300ml of your choice of milk (semi-skimmed is recommended but can be substituted
for alternatives)
 200g of porridge oats
 Blueberries
Method:

1. In a baking dish, mash the banana.
2. Mix the milk, protein powder and oats until the protein powder has completely
   dissolved. 
3. Spoon the yogurt on top in small dollops.
4. Add the blueberries.
5. Gently swirl everything together until the yogurt looks marbled but not combined. 
6. Bake at 180°C for 35-40 mins
7. Enjoy chilled or heated in the microwave and drizzle with honey. Store in the fridge
   for up to four days. 

Hot Honey Halloumi Chicken Rice Bowl
This one might require a bit more effort, but it’s totally worth it! The result is gorgeous, super-
rewarding and serves three portions so it can be enjoyed on other days. So, get the
tupperware out and put your apron on!
Prep: 10-15 minutes
Cook: 25-30 minutes
Ingredients: 
 300g of chicken breast
 150g of basmati rice
 Oil spray
 2 cloves of garlic, minced
 1 onion, diced
 1 red pepper, diced
 1 tsp of paprika
 1 tsp of cumin
 ½ tsp of chilli powder
 1 tsp of tomato paste
 300ml of chicken stock
 90g of halloumi
 2 tsp of honey
 A squeeze of lemon juice

 Chilli flakes 
 Parsley for garnish (optional)
Method: 

1. Spray a pan with a small amount of oil and cook the onion and garlic for a few
   minutes until soft. If they start to stick, add a splash of water. 
2. Next, add the chicken and sprinkle in the paprika, chilli powder and cumin. Cook for
   around 5 minutes. 
3. Add the pepper and stir in the sweet chilli sauce and tomato paste. 
4. Add in the rice and pour in the chicken stock. Mix well. 
5. Bring to a boil then turn the heat down low. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes until
   the liquid has evaporated. 
6. Turn off the heat and leave the pan. 
7. Mix together honey, lemon juice and a pinch of chilli flakes. 
8. Add a light amount of oil to a separate pan and fry the halloumi until golden and
   crispy on both sides. Drizzle with half of the honey, just before the halloumi is done
   and allow it to soak in. 
9. Divide the chicken, rice and halloumi into three servings. Drizzle with the remaining
   hot honey and sprinkle with a little bit of chopped parsley.

Words by: Kiera-Leigh Phillips

Photo by Shayda Torabi on Unsplash