As the temps drop and we cozy up in layers, I find myself turning to my favorite kitchen MVP: the crockpot. At 43 and navigating the twists and turns of peri-menopause, I’ve realized the importance of keeping my diet high in lean protein. Trust me, it hasn’t been easy (popcorn over peanuts, every time!), but I’ve noticed some big wins—less hair shedding, glowing skin, and a satisfying sense of energy that beats out carb crashes.
Here are four of my all-time favorite recipes that not only deliver on health but are also freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep!
🥣 Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup
From Closet Cooking
Nothing screams comfort like a creamy, hearty soup! This one is packed with protein from Italian sausage and gets a flavor boost from parmesan. The best part? Your crockpot does the heavy lifting, so you can have a warm, nutrient-dense meal waiting for you after a long day. I just slammed the ingredients into the crock and cooked on low. I didn't even bother to messy up a saute pot.
🍳 Egg White Muffins
From Shana and Adam’s Blog Recipe Here
These muffins are a lifesaver for busy mornings. Packed with protein and easy to customize with your favorite veggies, they reheat like a dream. I’ll make a big batch on Sunday and have breakfast handled for the week.
🥣 "Cheese" Steak Pasta
🥄 Cottage Cheese & Greek Yogurt: My Winter MVPs
Stealth Health on Instagram is a personal savior! Creamy soups and casseroles are winter staples, but he's helped me discovered that cottage cheese and Greek yogurt are a secret weapons for high-protein, low-calorie substitutes. Blended cottage cheese makes soups irresistibly creamy, while Greek yogurt is perfect for thickening sauces or adding tang to savory dishes. These swaps are game-changers for keeping indulgent meals lighter without sacrificing richness.
🥥 Paleo Granola
From The Café Sucré Farine
Okay, granola isn’t your typical high-protein meal, but this one’s loaded with nuts and seeds to help balance your snacks and sprinkle some texture on top of yogurt or oatmeal. It's a great way to satisfy a sweet tooth while keeping things balanced. I've made this one for years and it's extremely filling and easy to store in bulk.
Final Thoughts
Meal prepping doesn’t have to be boring or feel like a chore. These recipes are proof that you can eat clean, flavorful, and filling meals without sacrificing the joys of comfort food. Let your crockpot and freezer do the heavy lifting, so you can enjoy more energy, better skin, and fewer cravings—all while embracing those cozy vibes.
Do you have a favorite go-to meal prep recipe? I’d love to hear about it next time you’re in the salon! 🍲✨ Or drop a link to one of your personal faves!
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