As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves aiming to achieve our best selves before the celebrations begin. I set myself a goal to lose body fat and get in shape by Christmas, and I’ve achieved remarkable success, shedding 15.2 lbs in just 10 weeks. How did I manage such rapid progress? The key lies in having quick, easy, and delicious high-protein meals prepped and ready to go. After long, hectic days, the last thing I want to do is cook, but with my meal preps waiting in the fridge, I have no excuse to stray from my path. This week, I’m sharing my recipe for a mouthwatering chicken queso pasta that has been an essential part of my weight loss journey. Not only has meal prepping like this kept me on track during my current cut, but it has also helped me lose and maintain a 130 lbs weight loss for over nine years. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy tasty meals while keeping up with your fitness goals, grab your apron—this is going to be a game-changer!

The Power of Prep: Quick and High-Protein Meals

Meal prepping has truly revolutionized my approach to both diet and fitness. It removes the daily decision-making hassle and ensures I’m never left hungry with nothing convenient to eat. This strategy has not only supported me in my recent weight-cutting goal but has been a crucial element in maintaining a substantial 130 lbs weight loss over the years.

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 2 cups of Cottage Cheese: I chose 2% cottage cheese from Costco for its creamy texture and high-protein content.
• 20 oz High-Protein Pasta: Felicia Red Lentil Pasta, available at Costco and Walmart, boasts 22 grams of protein per serving.
• 400 grams Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Chopped into bite-size pieces, this provides a convenient yet flavorful protein source.
• 2 Tablespoons Low Sodium Taco Seasoning: Adds a punch of flavor without excessive sodium.
• Half a Cup Pasta Sauce: I use a garlic and herb variety for depth of flavor.
• 1 Cup Light Shredded Cheese: Great Value’s light matah cheddar works beautifully here.
• Half a Cup Protein Milk: I opt for the 0% Fair Life to keep calories low while maintaining a creamy consistency.
• 3/4 Can Sliced Mushrooms & 1 Can Peas and Carrots: These add volume, flavor, and nutrients without excess calories.

Preparation Steps:

1. Cook Pasta: Start with boiling salted water, and cook the pasta for about 10 minutes until it’s tender. Drain and set aside.
2. Blend the Sauce: Using a blender, combine the cottage cheese, protein milk, pasta sauce, shredded cheese, and taco seasoning until smooth. This process gives you a queso-like sauce that’s both creamy and rich in flavor.
3. Heat the Sauce: Pour the blended mix into a saucepan and heat over medium, stirring constantly until warmed through.

Assembly:

In a large bowl, combine your cooked pasta, sauce, shredded chicken, mushrooms, and peas and carrots. Mix everything thoroughly, ensuring each piece of pasta is coated in the sauce. Divide this mixture into eight meal prep containers, which translates to perfectly portioned meals ready to go at any time.

Nutritional Benefits and Taste

The final dish is not just a feast for the taste buds but also packs a nutritional punch with approximately 438 calories, 8 grams of fat, 52.5 grams of carbs, and a hefty 42 grams of protein per serving. Despite being a pasta dish, it fits seamlessly into a high-protein diet plan and helps keep those cravings at bay.

Why This Works

The genius of this meal lies in combining ingredients that offer a balance of macronutrients, ensuring you feel full and satisfied. High-protein pasta, rotisserie chicken, and well-chosen seasonings play pivotal roles in making this dish both delicious and healthy.

Additional Tips for Success

• Consistency is Key: Meal prepping ensures you have nutritious and tasty meals without constant effort. Dedicate some time once or twice a week to preparing your meals.
• Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to adjust the seasonings, sauces, or vegetables to create variations of this meal. The more you enjoy your food, the less you’ll stray from your goals.
• Stay Organized: Use appropriately sized containers to control portion sizes and make grab-and-go meals easier.

These strategies and dishes don’t just jumpstart weight loss; they create a sustainable lifestyle change. You’ll find yourself savoring every bite while confidently progressing toward your fitness goals. So put on that apron, give this recipe a shot, and relish in both the taste and the body transformation that follows.