Summer Kickoff!

    Summer Kickoff

    By: Jacqueline Gomes, MBA, RDN

    Do you every feel like you’re constantly on the go something is lacking in your diet? It could be protein!

    Your organs, tissues, muscles and hormones are all made from proteins?

    High Protein foods have a number of health benefits including weight loss and maintenance, building muscle and helping your body build and repair tissue. You can find the power of protein in fish, poultry, dairy foods like cottage cheese and nuts and legumes.

    Protein is essential for the following functions:

    1. Muscle and tissue repair
    2. Energy-yielding
    3. Bacterial-fighting Antibodies
    4. Electrolyte balance
    5. Nutrient Metabolism, Transport and Storage
    6. Regulation of Hormones

    Protein Foods list

    • Fish such as tuna, salmon, cod, flounder, etc.
    • Poultry, pork, beef
    • Almonds, peanuts, soy nuts
    • Greek yogurt
    • Milk, Cheese & yogurt
    • Nuts & Nut butters
    • Eggs
    • Beans & legumes
    • Edamame
    • Ready to drink smoothie

    Cottage Cheese Flatbread with Grilled Eggplant & Tomato

    Cottage cheese flatbread

    Prep: 10 minutes 

    Cook: 30-35 minutes

    Makes: 2 Servings

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup full-fat Good Culture ® or Breakstone® cottage cheese (excess liquid drained)
    • 1/4 cup liquid egg whites
    • 1 teaspoon Everything Bagel Seasoning
    • pinch of salt

    Toppings:

    • ½ eggplant, sliced
    • 1 Beefsteak tomato, sliced
    • Salt & pepper
    • 2 ounces fresh mozzarella
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • Fresh basil, sliced

    Directions:

    1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. In a blender, add the cottage cheese (excess liquid drained), egg whites, a pinch of salt. Blend until well smooth.
    3. Pour the cottage cheese mixture onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. You do not want it too thin, try to leave it about 1/2 inch thick.
    4. Bake in the oven for 35 to 40 minutes or until the flat bread has turned a golden brown color.
    5. Meanwhile, drizzle eggplant with olive oil or spray with cooking spray, grill at high heat 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside.
    6. Let flatbread cool for 5-10 minutes, until it has firmed up slightly. Then top with eggplant, fresh mozzarella & sliced tomato.
    7. Broil for 2 to 3 minutes, top with basil and enjoy!

    Tip:

    Flatbread can be prepared ahead of time and kept in airtight container for 4 days in the refrigerator until ready to enjoy.