Getting Fit: Protein-Packed Meal Ideas and Upbeat Protein Challenge
As you are aware, a few weeks ago I decided to get more active and eat more healthily, and I have been sharing my experience in our Getting Fit feature.
I must say I have never felt this good before. I am usually a cheerful person, with lots of energy, but I am even more energetic and happy than usual. I now wake up before my alarm goes off and can’t wait to get out of bed, ready to start the day.
As you may have noticed on our social media channels, I took part in the Upbeat Protein Challenge, aiming to highlight the importance of protein in our diet, helping me to make healthier choices and stop the temptation of unhealthy snacking throughout the day. Although it was meant to be a 7-day challenge, I enjoyed it so much that I carried on.
As part of the challenge, I tried healthy, protein-inspired and balanced recipes and Upbeat protein drink. In case you haven’t tried Upbeat, it is a fresh high protein dairy drink from The Good Whey Co, available in three tasty flavours: strawberry, blueberry & raspberry and mango & passion fruit. It took me a couple of weeks to get hold of mango & passion fruit, but I am so glad I finally tried it as it is so flavoursome.
Our body daily requirement of protein depends on our body weight and activity levels: around 1g of protein for every kg of body weight or 1.5g of protein for every kg for active lifestyles. Since protein is not stored in our body, it is important to consume it throughout the day.
During the challenge, I enjoyed protein-rich foods such as nuts, yogurt, chickpeas, eggs, chicken, salmon, turkey and Upbeat. I was surprised to find out that each bottle has 20g of protein, which is the same amount as in a chicken breast or 3 eggs.
The challenge started during half-term, which was handy as I had more time to prepare our meals. I truly believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, I always make sure I have a good meal before leaving home.
During the challenge, I had homemade granola with nuts and dried fruit, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and porridge with nuts and dried fruit. I even tried a healthier version of our favourite breakfast on Pancake Day: protein-packed chocolate and blueberry pancake and American-style protein pancake with peanut butter and banana. Yummy!
For lunch, I had dishes such as grilled salmon with salad, chicken with noodles, stir-fry chicken with mixed peppers and spinach. They were packed with vegetables and meat, making a filling meal.
Dinner would be equally full in protein, such as Moroccan turkey meatballs with citrus couscous. The flavoursome spiced meatballs are full of flavours and beautifully complemented by the summery couscous.
I also made healthier options when dining out, I ordered half a chicken with mixed vegetables and coleslaw, which was simply delicious and full of protein.
Between meals, I snacked on dried fruit, dried nuts and fresh fruit. I enjoyed Upbeat as a snack before or after working out. Not only it is a delicious drink, it is very healthy too. It is made with real fruit and whey protein, low in fat with half of the sugar of most fruit smoothies.
I am pleased I was introduced to Upbeat as it has now become part of my healthy diet and it is helping me to stay focused at the gym. I am still enjoying it now that the Upbeat Protein Challenge has ended.
I should add I haven’t been strict with my diet, I truly believe that everything should be enjoyed in moderation. I also had cupcakes, cookies, hot chocolates and other treats during the challenge.
Over the weekend, I had a pleasant surprise when I nearly didn’t recognise the lady staring back at me. I feel much stronger and healthier with my lifestyle changes.
Upbeat protein drink is available in Tesco, Little Waitrose, Holland & Barrett, WHSmiths and Ocado, RRSP £1.79 for a 250ml bottle. For more information, please check: http://www.feelingupbeat.com/
The products were provided free of charge for review purposes, however the opinions expressed in this post are honest and my own.