Welcome to a behind-the-scenes look at a typical day in my kitchen! As an author and nutritionist, creating healthy and delicious recipes is not just a job—it's a passion. In this post, I'll take you through my daily routine, from recipe development to taste testing, and share some insider tips for making the most out of your kitchen time.
Morning Routine: Setting the Stage
My day usually starts early, around 6 AM. I find that mornings are the best time for me to plan my day and set the tone for productive work. I begin with a nutritious high-protein breakfast to fuel my body and mind. One of my favorites from my cookbook, High-Protein Breakfasts & More, is the Protein-Packed Avocado Toast.
Recipe: Protein-Packed Avocado Toast
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 5 minutes | Servings: 1
Ingredients:
- 1 slice whole-grain bread
- 1/2 avocado, mashed
- 1 poached egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds (for extra protein)
Cooking Instructions:
- Toast Bread: Toast the whole-grain bread slice.
- Prepare Avocado: Spread the mashed avocado on the toast.
- Poach Egg: Top with the poached egg.
- Season: Season with salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, and sprinkle chia seeds.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for a protein-rich start to your day.
Nutritional Facts (per serving):
Calories: 350 kcal
Protein: 18g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 10g
Sugar: 2g
Mid-Morning: Recipe Development and Testing
After breakfast, I move on to developing and testing new recipes. This process involves a lot of trial and error, from perfecting the flavor profiles to ensuring the nutritional balance. Today, I'm working on a new recipe for a high-protein smoothie bowl. My kitchen becomes a creative space filled with fresh ingredients, blenders, and taste tests.
Pro Tip: Always have a variety of fresh herbs and spices on hand. They are crucial for adding depth and complexity to your dishes without extra calories.
Afternoon: Content Creation and Photography
Once the recipes are perfected, the next step is to photograph them for my blog and social media. Good lighting is key, so I prefer shooting in natural light. I set up a small studio near a large window to capture the best angles and colors of the food. After the photoshoot, I edit the photos and start writing content, including nutritional information and cooking tips.
Pro Tip: Use props like wooden boards, fresh herbs, and colorful plates to make your food photography more appealing.
Evening: Meal Planning and Prep
In the evening, I focus on meal planning and prep for the next few days. This not only saves time but also helps in maintaining a balanced diet. I usually prepare ingredients in bulk, like chopping vegetables or marinating proteins, which makes cooking during the week much more manageable.
Pro Tip: Use glass containers for storage to keep your prepped ingredients fresh and easily visible.
Closing Thoughts
Being a cookbook author and nutritionist is incredibly rewarding, especially when I can share my love for healthy eating with you. Whether it's through my books or blog, my goal is to make nutritious cooking accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
For more behind-the-scenes insights and recipes, check out my book, "The All-New Low Calorie High Protein Low-Carb Diet Cookbook", available for sale at our store here.
Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook for daily updates, tips, and more recipes! Stay tuned for tomorrow’s post where we’ll explore how to stay motivated on your healthy eating journey.