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Protein-Powered Casseroles for Busy Weeknights

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Protein-Powered Casseroles for Busy Weeknights

When you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s both easy and packed with protein, these casseroles are the answer. They’re perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something cozy and satisfying!

Sloppy joe casserole with ground meat, vegetables, and mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese on a plate with a fork.

These casserole recipes pack a protein punch!

cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

Casseroles are comfort food at its best. Creamy, cheesy, and not at all concerned about meeting your macro goals.

But what if you can have your cake and eat it too? Scratch that comfort food itch and get your protein fix?

The good news is that you can!

These casserole recipes aren’t just cozy and comforting, they also stick with you. Each one is packed with satisfying protein, so you’re not rummaging through the pantry an hour after dinner. (Been there, done that.)

Wooden spoon scooping chicken noodle casserole from baking dish.

Chicken Noodle Casserole

This lightened-up Chicken Noodle Casserole has all the creamy, cozy vibes of the original—without canned soup!—and delivers an impressive 37 grams of protein per serving.

Check out this recipe

the best ground beef casserole in a dish

Ground Beef Casserole

When you want something hearty and crowd-approved, this Ground Beef Casserole delivers. With 38 grams of protein per serving, it’s rich, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.

Check out this recipe

A skillet of sloppy joe casserole topped with melted cheddar and chopped green onions, with a wooden spoon scooping some out.

Sloppy Joe Casserole

All the saucy, sweet-and-savory flavor of sloppy joes in fork-friendly form. This Sloppy Joe Casserole packs 36 grams of protein and turns a childhood favorite into a balanced, weeknight-ready meal.

Check out this recipe

Cheesy chicken Alfredo bake in a dish

Chicken Alfredo Bake

Creamy Alfredo meets wholesome upgrades. Made with Greek yogurt and whole wheat pasta, this Chicken Alfredo Bake offers 31 grams of protein per serving while keeping that bubbly, cheesy comfort factor fully intact.

Check out this recipe

Stuffed Pepper Casserole with cheese, meat, bell peppers, and tomatoes in a skillet with cheese on top.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Everything you love about stuffed peppers, without the stuffing! At 27 grams of protein for just 263 calories, this Stuffed Pepper Casserole is lighter but still hearty and satisfying.

Check out this recipe

A dish with cheesy Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole with rice and broccoli, made healthy ingredients

Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole

With 38 grams of protein per serving, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole brings the smoky bacon and creamy ranch vibes, balanced with wholesome ingredients that keep it weeknight-appropriate.

Check out this recipe

A piece of zucchini lasagna being removed with a spatula

Zucchini Lasagna

This Zucchini Lasagna swaps traditional noodles for tender zucchini slices and still delivers 37 grams of protein per serving. It’s cozy, veggie-packed, and satisfying without feeling overly heavy.

Check out this recipe

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4 Simple Cues to Help You Move Better 💪

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Here are four simple cues you can use to move better and feel great in your workouts.

If you’ve had a nagging feeling of:

“I’m not sure if this is sketchy, am I doing this right? 🧐”

…then this is for you!

Let’s dig in.

WATCH: 4 CUES TO HELP YOU MOVE BETTER

CUE #1: “Maintain balance across your foot”

This helps you avoid your knees collapsing inward, especially on squats and lunges.

Focus on maintaining even pressure between your heel, base of your big toe, and base of your pinky toe as your squat or lunge (front-foot only on the lunge).

The goal is to help you externally rotate at the hip, without overdoing it.

CUE #2: “Slam the car door shut”

This helps you keep your spine in a good position as you go into a hinge or deadlift position.

Imagine your arms are full of groceries, and you have to slam the car door shut with the seat of your pants.

The goal is to move the hips back, rather than round your back down.

Note: some flexion/extension of the spine is safe and normal! This is for when we have excessive movement at one point.

CUE #3: “Push your shoes through the floor”

This helps you stay strong through your spine and avoid excessive arching as you stand up from a hinge position.

Imagine you are pushing the soles of your shoes so hard through the floor, they are actually making an imprint.

The goal is to stand up rather than arch back.

CUE #4: “Imagine there are strings attached to your elbows”

This helps you avoid too much pressure on the front of your shoulder and is great for horizontal rows and presses.

Imagine there are two strings attached to your elbows, and someone is standing behind your gently pulling them back and around your torso.

The goal is that your shoulder blades move around your ribcage in sync with the movement.

And there you have it! Four quick cues to help you move with confidence.

And one last point: there is WAY too much fear-mongering about exercise technique on the internet.

Our bodies are all built a little differently, and there are lots of variations of GOOD movement.

You don’t have to move exactly like the person you see on the internet for it to be safe and effective. ❤️

Hope this helps give you some ideas and get you moving! 🙌

– Coach Matt ​

P.S. Wish you could ask a coach a question? Well, now you can! As an experiment, I set up a Video Ask! It allows you submit a question to be answered by a coach. Check it out!

200: Autoimmune Healing, Nervous System Safety & the Biggest Mistakes I Made on My Health Journey

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Hi friends! I have a brand new podcast episode live, and today is a very special one — episode 200 🎉

This is a short solo episode where I’m reflecting on my own healing journey and sharing the biggest mistakes I made along the way, especially during the height of my autoimmune symptoms. This episode is less about regret and more about perspective, compassion, and helping you avoid some of the same pitfalls if you’re in a season of healing right now.

In this episode, I open up about what was happening behind the scenes when my lupus markers were positive, my nervous system was completely fried, and my body was very clearly asking for safety — even though I didn’t fully understand that at the time.

This episode is especially for you if you feel like you’ve “tried everything,” are overwhelmed by information online, or feel stuck in a loop of doing more but not actually feeling better.

200: Autoimmune Healing, Nervous System Safety & the Biggest Mistakes I Made on My Health Journey


 

Here’s what we chat about:

  • Why chasing body composition while your body is screaming for help can actually slow healing

  • The truth about exercise intolerance and why pushing harder isn’t always the answer

  • The mistake of taking supplements without testing (and why more isn’t better)

  • How probiotics and popular wellness products can backfire if your gut isn’t ready

  • Why lab testing was a turning point in my healing (and why I wish I had done it sooner)

  • Why cold plunging, fasting, caffeine, and red light therapy weren’t what my nervous system needed at the time

  • How staying up all night Googling symptoms kept my body stuck in fight-or-flight

  • The connection between hypervigilance, cortisol, inflammation, and stalled healing

  • A reminder that you’re not behind, broken, or failing if healing is taking time

This episode is such an honest reminder that healing isn’t about doing more — it’s about doing the right things at the right time, in a way that supports your nervous system instead of overwhelming it.

If you’re in the middle of a healing journey right now, please know you’re not alone. I truly believe our experiences make us stronger, wiser, and more compassionate on the other side.

Thank you SO much for being here with me for 200 episodes. Your support means more than you know 💛

Make sure you’re subscribed to my newsletter
For my free Autoimmune Healing ebook, click here.
Detailed show notes here: https://fitnessista.com/podcast

Partners:

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I’ve been using Nutrisense on and off for a couple of years now. I love being able to see how my blood sugar responds to my diet and habits, and run experiments. You can try out Nutrisense here and use GINA30 for 30% off.

If any of my fellow health professional friends are looking for another way to help their clients, I highly recommend IHP. You can also use this information to heal yourself and then go one to heal others, which I think is a beautiful mission. You can absolutely join if you don’t currently work in the health or fitness industry; many IHPs don’t begin on this path. They’re friends who are passionate to learn more about health and wellness, and want to share this information with those they love. You can do this as a passion, or start an entirely new career.

You can use my referral link here and the code FITNESSISTA for up to $250 off the Integrative Health Practitioner program. I highly recommend it!

Thank you so much for listening and for all of your support with the podcast! Please be sure to subscribe, and leave a rating or review if you enjoyed this episode. If you leave a rating, head to this page and you’ll get a little “thank you” gift from me to you. http://fitnessista.com/podcastreview

Exploremore Oat Cups

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Close-up of a chocolate dessert cup topped with mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, and chopped nuts on a pink textured surface.

Exploremore Oat Cups

I am obsessed with Girl Scout Cookies. I was so excited when I heard there was a new cookie in…

READ: Exploremore Oat Cups

Egg & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich

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Turkey Sausage Sandwich

You can love turkey sausage without loving the sodium, additives and preservatives usually found in store-bought versions. How? Make your own sausage patties with this lower-sodium recipe! Pair each patty with a whole-grain English muffin and tomato slices for a complete breakfast. To save time in the morning, prep sausage patties and freeze until you’re ready to serve.

Active time: 8 minutes Total time: 30 minutes

Egg & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 2 tsp fennel seed
  • 1 lb (450g) 99% lean ground turkey
  • 1/2 tsp salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp pepper, divided
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • Cooking spray
  • 6 eggs
  • 6 whole-grain English muffins
  • 3 small tomatoes, sliced

Directions

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat. Add olive oil, onion and garlic. Stir frequently until onion is soft and translucent, about 5 min. Add fennel seeds, and stir for another min. Allow mixture to cool and transfer to a mixing bowl.

Add ground turkey, ¼ tsp salt, ¼ tsp pepper, oregano and red wine vinegar to the onion mixture. Using a fork or fingers, mix the ingredients until well combined. Form the meat mixture into six patties.

Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat, and spray the surface with cooking spray. Cook in batches of 2 or 3 patties for about 5 minutes on each side until meat forms a brown crust, or until the sausage reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer patties to a separate plate.

Crack the eggs into the same skillet, spacing at least 1 inch (2.54cm) apart, and cook over moderate heat until the whites begin to set, about 3 minutes. Gently flip each egg and cook until the whites are just set and the yolks are still runny, about 2 minutes. Transfer one egg to top each patty and season with salt and pepper. Do this in batches.

Toast English muffin, and assemble sandwich with the sausage patty, fried egg and sliced tomatoes.

MAKE-AHEAD TIP: If you want to freeze these turkey sausage patties for a later meal, place a square of parchment paper between each patty to keep them from sticking together. Then, place them in a ziplock bag and freeze.

Serves: 6 |  Serving Size: 1 patty (about 100 grams each) + 1 egg + 1 English muffin + 1/2 small tomato

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 309; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 2g; Monounsaturated Fat: 3g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g; Cholesterol: 246mg; Sodium: 526mg; Carbohydrate: 27g; Dietary Fiber: 4g; Sugar: 3g; Protein: 29g

Nutrition Bonus: Potassium: 417mg; Iron: 16%; Vitamin C: 13%; Calcium: 13% 

Originally published October 13, 2016; Updated February 2026

The post Egg & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Sandwich appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie Bowl

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Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie Bowl | MyFitnessPal

Frozen pineapple is a great fruit for smoothies, making the mixture thick and delicious. Adding turmeric and black pepper makes it an anti-inflammatory superfood that helps to protect brain health. (1, 2) A pineapple turmeric smoothie bowl is a breakfast that seems like a bowl of ice cream, but it packs enough protein and fiber to keep you full for hours.

Try this smoothie bowl with collagen powder in place of the protein powder. Collagen has been shown to improve joint pain and joint function when taken along with exercise. (3)

Active time: 10 minutes Total time: 10 minutes

Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie Bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 5.3-oz. container (143g) nonfat plain Greek Yogurt
  • 1 medium banana
  • 1 cup (165g) frozen pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp chia seeds
  • 2 scoops whey protein powder
  • 1 cup ice cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups unsweetened soy milk
  • 1 cup (150g) fresh raspberries, for garnish

Directions

Place all ingredients into a high powered blender and blend until smooth.

Pour 1 cup of the smoothie into each bowl, then top each with 1/2 cup raspberries.

Serves: 2 | Serving Size: 1 cup smoothie with 1/2 cup raspberries

Nutrition (per serving): Calories: 339; Total Fat: 6g; Saturated Fat: 1g; Monounsaturated Fat: 1g; Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g; Cholesterol: 7mg; Sodium: 112mg; Carbohydrate: 46g; Dietary Fiber: 12g; Sugar: 24g; Protein: 27g

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium: 25%; Iron: 15%; Potassium: 749 mg; Vitamin C: 107%

Originally published February 2, 2021; Updated February 2026

The post Pineapple Turmeric Smoothie Bowl appeared first on MyFitnessPal Blog.

The 10 Best Protein Shake Recipes

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protein shakes.

The 10 Best Protein Shake Recipes

Discover 10+ protein shake recipes with flavors for every taste. These easy shakes are packed with protein to keep you energized and satisfied.

READ: The 10 Best Protein Shake Recipes

Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups

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peanut butter banana baked oatmeal cups

Peanut Butter Banana Baked Oatmeal Cups

Delicious peanut butter banana baked oatmeal cups made with protein-packed peanut butter and naturally sweetened with bananas and just a touch of pure maple syrup. These easy banana baked oatmeal cups are easily made gluten-free and dairy-free. A wonderful, freezer-friendly breakfast that’s great for both adults & kids! There’s something ridiculously good about oatmeal, especially