Sign up for my Menopause at Work Monthly Newsletter
Join my personal mailing list! 📩
🐣 Download my Easter Granola Recipe HERE!

My tasty Hi Protein snack recipe - perfect for office sharing!

Berry, Seed and Nut Bars 

I like to make a tray of these and then chop them up and store them in the fridge - you could make a batch and take them to work to share or use them as a post workout protein boost. The recipe is quite forgiving so you can tweak it to suit your taste.

Nutrition Information (Approx Per Bar):
Calories: 135
Protein: 4g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fat: 10g
Fibre: 3g
Sugars: 5g

 Ingredients:
1 cup almonds (whole or chopped)
1/2 Cup dried cranberries or cherries
1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup chia seeds
1/4 cup flaxseeds

1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut ( optional)
1/2 cup natural peanut butter or almond butter
1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cocoa or higher)
1 teaspoon coconut oil (for drizzling chocolate)

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Toast Nuts and Seeds: Spread almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flaxseeds on a baking sheet. Toast in the oven for 8-10 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the toasted nuts and seeds with shredded coconut.

Prepare Wet Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine peanut butter (or almond butter) and honey (or maple syrup). Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and salt.

Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet mixture over the nut and seed mixture. Stir well.

Form Bars: Line an 8x8 inch baking pan with parchment paper. Press the mixture evenly into the pan.

Chill: Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Prepare Chocolate Drizzle: Melt dark chocolate chips and coconut oil together. Drizzle over the bars and if you like the taste, a small sprinkling of freshly ground salt while the chocolate is still soft.

Cut into Bars: Once the chocolate is set, cut into 16 bars.

Protein-Rich Food Suggestions 

Protein Recommendations
Aim for 25-30g of protein per meal to support muscle maintenance and overall health. Below are easy, practical suggestions for meals and snacks, broken down by category.

Breakfast Options

Cooked at Home
1. Scrambled Eggs and Smoked Salmon: 2 eggs (12g protein) + 50g smoked salmon (11g protein).
2. Greek Yogurt Bowl: 200g Greek yogurt (20g protein) + a handful of nuts/seeds (5g protein).
3. Protein-Packed Smoothie: Blend 1 scoop of protein powder (20g protein) + 200ml milk (6g protein) + frozen berries and spinach.
4. Avocado Toast with Eggs: 2 slices whole-grain toast (8g protein) + 2 boiled eggs (12g protein) + half an avocado.
5. Cottage Cheese on Rye: 100g cottage cheese (12g protein) + 2 slices rye bread (8g protein).

Take to Work
1. Overnight Oats with Protein Powder: 50g oats (5g protein) + 1 scoop protein powder (20g protein) + 200ml milk (6g protein).
2. Hard-Boiled Eggs and Fruit: 2 eggs (12g protein) + an apple or banana.
3. Mini Frittata Muffins: Made with eggs, spinach, and feta cheese. 2 muffins = ~15g protein.
4. High-Protein Greek Yogurt Pot: 200g yogurt (20g protein) with a small packet of granola.
5. Whole-Grain Wrap with Peanut Butter: 1 whole-grain wrap (7g protein) + 2 tbsp peanut butter (8g protein).

Mid-Morning Snacks
1. Nuts and Seeds Mix: 30g almonds (6g protein) + pumpkin seeds (4g protein).
2. Cheese and Crackers: 50g cheddar cheese (12g protein) + 3 rye crackers (3g protein).
3. Hummus and Veggie Sticks: 3 tbsp hummus (6g protein) + carrot and cucumber sticks.
4. Protein Bar: Choose a brand with at least 15g protein and minimal added sugar.
5. Edamame Beans: 100g edamame (11g protein).

Lunch Options

Homemade Lunches
1. Chicken Salad with Quinoa: 100g grilled chicken (31g protein) + 50g quinoa (8g protein) + mixed greens.
2. Lentil Soup with Greek Yogurt: 1 bowl lentil soup (15g protein) + 50g Greek yogurt topping (5g protein).
3. Egg and Tuna Sandwich: 2 slices whole-grain bread (8g protein) + 1 boiled egg (6g protein) + 50g tuna (12g protein).
4. Chickpea and Feta Salad: 100g chickpeas (8g protein) + 50g feta (8g protein) + cucumber and tomatoes.
5. Turkey Wrap: 1 whole-grain wrap (7g protein) + 50g turkey breast (10g protein) + spinach and mustard.

If Buying Lunch Out
1. Pre-Made Salad with Protein: Opt for chicken, salmon, or tofu-based salads (~25g protein).
2. Sushi with Edamame: 8 pieces of salmon sushi (~15g protein) + side of edamame (~11g protein).
3. Soup with Protein Additions: Lentil or bean-based soups (~15g protein) + side of Greek yogurt (~5g protein).
4. Protein Box from a Café: Look for options with boiled eggs, cheese, nuts, and chicken (~20-30g protein).
5. Whole-Grain Sandwiches or Wraps: Focus on fillings like chicken, turkey, egg, or tuna (~20g protein).

Evening Meal Options
1.Grilled Chicken with Sweet Potato and Broccoli: 100g chicken breast (31g protein) + 150g sweet potato (3g protein) + steamed broccoli.
2. Salmon with Quinoa and Asparagus: 150g salmon fillet (25g protein) + 50g quinoa (8g protein) + roasted asparagus.
3. Vegetarian Stir-Fry with Tofu: 100g tofu (10g protein) + mixed veggies + soy sauce and sesame oil.
4.Chilli Con Carne: Made with lean minced beef (25g protein/100g) + kidney beans (8g protein) + a side of brown rice.
5. Omelette with Spinach and Cheese: 3 eggs (18g protein) + 30g cheese (8g protein) + sautéed spinach.

Additional Tips
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can reduce energy and appetite, so drink plenty of water.
- Meal Prep: Prepare meals and snacks in advance to avoid missing protein targets.
- Mix It Up: Combine plant and animal proteins for variety (e.g., beans + chicken).

 

Feel Great in 8 - an online home fitness programme for women over 50

Ignite Your Midlife Makeover: Reclaim Your Fitness and Thrive in Menopause Transform your body, mind, and confidence with our exclusive online fitness program designed specifically for women aged 50 and over. Say goodbye to the challenges of peri-menopause and menopause, and hello to a fitter, healthier, and more vibrant you. Don't let embarrassment or lack of time hold you back from achieving your fitness goals. Join our supportive community and experience the transformation you've been longing for. Picture this: You wake up feeling energized and excited about your day. You slip into your workout clothes and head to your living room, where you'll embark on a fitness journey tailored to your needs. No more uncomfortable gym settings or worrying about others' judgment. Our online fitness classes provide a safe and empowering space for you to thrive. Imagine the consequences of not taking action. Your fitness levels may decline, leaving you feeling sluggish and disconnected from your body. You deserve better! We understand the challenges you face because we've been there too. That's why we're passionate about helping women like you rediscover the joy of fitness in midlife. Benefits:1. Regain Your Strength and Vitality: Our online fitness classes are designed specifically for women in peri-menopause and menopause. With 11 live classes each week, you'll have the flexibility to choose the workouts that suit your schedule. Strengthen your body, improve your cardiovascular health, and boost your energy levels, all from the comfort of your own home. 2. Personalized Support and Goal Setting: We believe in the power of community. That's why, at the start of the 8-week program, you'll be invited to a group fitness planning session where we'll help you set realistic goals based on your current fitness level and timetable. Our experienced instructors will guide you every step of the way, ensuring you stay motivated and on track. 3. Expert Guidance and Bonus Resources: As part of our program, you'll receive weekly high-protein recipe ideas to fuel your body and support your fitness journey. Plus, gain exclusive access to bonus masterclasses from some of the UK's leading experts in midlife fitness and health. We're committed to providing you with the knowledge and tools you need to succeed. Ready to embark on your Midlife Makeover journey? Enroll now and join our community of like-minded women who are reclaiming their fitness and thriving in menopause. Together, we'll transform your body, boost your confidence, and embrace the vibrant life you deserve.

£87.00 GBP
👯 Join my FREE Facebook group for Menopause advice and tips that make a difference!
👯 Follow me on Instagram for Menopause advice and tips that make a difference!
👯 Connect with me on LinkedIn for Menopause advice at work.