The holidays are almost here, which means food—lots and lots of food. Now, if you’re on your GLP-1 weight loss journey, you might be thinking, “How can I enjoy holiday dishes without derailing my progress?” We’ve got great news for you—protein-packed recipes are the way to go!
They keep you fuller for longer, help balance blood sugar, and fuel your body. Plus, they’re delicious! Let’s dive into some festive, high-protein dishes that’ll keep your belly happy and your goals on track.
Roasted Turkey Breast with Herb Garlic Butter
What’s a holiday feast without turkey? But here’s the trick: focus on the turkey breast instead of the entire bird. It’s lean, packed with protein, and lower in calories. Pair it with some herbs’ garlic butter, and you’ll have yourself a dish that’s as tasty as it is healthy!
Why It’s Great for Your GLP-1 Journey:
Turkey is a lean source of protein, meaning you get all the benefits of feeling full without overloading with fats or carbs. With GLP-1 medications helping regulate your appetite, a good serving of turkey breast can help you stay satisfied for hours.
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless turkey breasts
- 2 tbsp softened butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix butter, garlic, and herbs into a smooth paste.
- Rub the butter mixture generously over the turkey breasts.
- Roast the turkey for 45–50 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74°C).
- Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Total calories: 250 per serving,
Protein: 28g per serving
Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes
Let’s be honest—mashed potatoes are a holiday classic. But why not give them a protein-packed twist by swapping out the usual cream and butter for Greek yogurt? It’s creamy, delicious, and loaded with protein. It adds a little extra tang, making this dish even more flavorful.
Moreover, Greek yogurt adds protein to an otherwise carb-heavy dish, helping you feel fuller for longer. Since Semaglutide slows gastric emptying, pairing it with protein-packed foods can help extend that feeling of fullness even more.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs potatoes, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped chives for garnish
Instructions:
- Boil potatoes in salted water until soft, about 15 minutes.
- Drain and mash the potatoes until smooth.
- Stir in the Greek yogurt, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Garnish with chives, and serve warm.
Total calories: 200 per serving,
Protein: 8g per serving
Baked Salmon with Dijon and Almond Crust
Looking to mix things up at your holiday table? Salmon is your answer. This baked salmon dish, with a crispy Dijon and almond crust, packs in protein, omega-3s, and flavor! It’s elegant enough for a holiday feast but simple enough to whip up without stress.
Salmon is high in protein and healthy fats, which help keep you satisfied. The added omega-3s also support heart health and combined with GLP-1 drugs, this dish is a win for both your waistline and your overall wellness.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup finely chopped almonds
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Spread Dijon mustard over the top of each salmon fillet.
- In a small bowl, mix the almonds, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Press the almond mixture onto the mustard-covered salmon.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden.
- Serve with a squeeze of lemon juice.
Total calories: 350 per serving,
Protein: 34g per serving
Quinoa-Stuffed Bell Peppers: A Perfect Protein Combo
For a colorful and festive dish, quinoa-stuffed bell peppers are a fantastic option. Not only do they look great on the table, but they’re also packed with protein and fiber, thanks to the quinoa and black beans. Plus, they’re vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy them!
Quinoa is a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids. Paired with GLP-1 meds, this dish will keep you feeling full and satisfied without reaching for more carbs.
Ingredients:
- 4 large bell peppers, tops cut off and seeds removed
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup corn (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (optional, but delicious)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, mix quinoa, black beans, corn, cheese, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff the bell peppers with the quinoa mixture.
- Place stuffed peppers in a baking dish and bake for 25–30 minutes until peppers are tender.
- Serve with a sprinkle of fresh herbs.
Total calories: 220 per serving,
Protein: 10g per serving
Egg White Frittata with Spinach and Turkey Sausage
A frittata, friends, is like the superhero of brunch—light, protein-packed, and perfect for starting the day off right! Using egg whites keeps it lean, while turkey sausage and spinach add flavor and extra protein goodness. The best part? When paired with GLP-1 medications, this dish will keep you full and energized for hours, making it perfect for balancing out those heavier holiday meals. So, yes, you can have a festive brunch without falling into a food coma!
Ingredients:
- 8 egg whites
- 1/2 cup cooked turkey sausage, crumbled
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, cook turkey sausage until browned. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg whites with salt, pepper, and cheese (if using).
- Pour the egg mixture over the sausage and spinach.
- Bake in the oven for 20–25 minutes, until set.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
Total calories: 180 per serving,
Protein: 22g per serving
Delicious Protein for a Healthier Holiday With GLP-1
So, there you have it—five protein-packed holiday dishes that not only taste great but also support your GLP-1 weight loss journey. The best part? These meals will keep you full, satisfied, and on track with your health goals. You can enjoy all the holiday festivities without sacrificing your progress, whether it’s the turkey, salmon, or a colorful stuffed pepper.
Ready to hit the holiday table feeling confident? With these recipes, you’ve got this! Happy holidays, and happy eating!
