Latest news with #plantBased
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
17 High-Protein Add-Ons to Instantly Boost Any Meal
You can boost protein in any meal by adding simple foods like cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, or canned tuna. Plant-based choices like tofu, lentils, quinoa, and seeds make it easy to get protein without meat or dairy. Even small protein add-ons—like a scoop of nut butter or a sprinkle of seeds—can help you feel full and adding more protein to your meals sounds like a chore—or like turning every dish into a bodybuilder's plate—consider this: you don't need to reinvent your breakfast, lunch, or dinner. A protein boost can be as easy as a scoop, a sprinkle, or a spoonful. And if you've ever wished your salad kept you full longer or that your smoothie had more staying power, you're not alone. Whether you're looking to feel more satisfied, build muscle, or balance your blood sugar, a few strategic add-ons can make a difference. We asked registered dietitian Tamar Samuels to share her favorite high-protein extras—no meal prep overhaul required. From creamy dollops to crunchy toppers, and options for both plant-based and omnivorous eaters, these ideas are all about working with what you already eat. Ahead, the easiest (and most delicious) ways to sneak more protein into your Samuels, MS, RDN, CDN, registered dietitian, co-founder, and head of clinical partnerships at Culina HealthRelated: 10 High-Protein Foods That Have More Protein Than Eggs Adding protein to a dish doesn't mean starting from scratch. It's about layering on smart extras. There are several foods you may already have in your refrigerator or pantry that you can add: Cottage cheese: A versatile option, cottage cheese can be mixed into scrambled eggs or sauces, or dollop it onto baked potatoes and toast, says Samuels. Greek yogurt: Stir it into oatmeal, swap it in for sour cream or mayo, or add a spoonful to soup before serving for extra creaminess. Quick toppers for grain bowls or salads: Try hard-boiled eggs, canned tuna or salmon, or edamame. These come already prepped or can be prepped in advance and added in seconds. Grain bowls and salads are blank canvases for high-protein add-ons. Samuels recommends grilled chicken, tofu, or boiled eggs for heartiness that doesn't weigh you down. For soups, go for a spoonful of Greek yogurt or cottage cheese, a sprinkle of Parmesan, or cooked ground turkey or chicken sausage. Even a handful of edamame or lentils can make a light broth feel more filling. Breakfast often leans carb-heavy—but it doesn't have to. Preparing oatmeal with milk (dairy or a high-protein plant-based version) instead of water instantly adds about 8 grams of protein per cup. 'Greek yogurt can offer up to 17 grams of protein per serving,' Samuels says. She suggests stirring it into your oats or blending it into smoothies for an easy upgrade. Other favorites: protein powder (10–30 grams, depending on the type), nut or seed butters (about 7 grams per 2 tablespoons), and chia or hemp seeds, which add 5–6 grams of plant-based protein in just a couple of tablespoons. Related: 14 High-Protein Breakfast Ideas That Don't Rely on Eggs, According to a Nutritionist There are numerous easy ways to add protein to your meals if you are vegan or simply don't want to add meat, seafood, or dairy to your meals. Tofu, tempeh, beans, lentils, and quinoa are all protein-rich and satisfying. Tofu: Prep baked tofu or marinated tofu and keep on hand in the refrigerator to use with grain bowls, salads, fried rice, and more. Add tofu to your next stir fry for a protein boost. Tempeh: Crumble tempeh into your tacos or use it in your favorite sauce instead of meat. It also makes a great salad ingredient, bringing protein but also making the dish more filling. Beans: Whether you meal prep beans, cook them from scratch on the weekend, or open a can, beans are a great way to add protein fast. Use them in pasta, to top salads, or as part of a bowl. Take it up a notch and roast chickpeas to add more texture and crunch as well as plant protein. Lentils: One of the most nutritious foods around, lentils are an easy add-on to all kinds of soups, stews, and sauces. Red lentils are the quickest cooking and break down when cooked; other varieties hold their shape and take a little longer to become tender. Quinoa: Swap your usual rice for quinoa for a protein upgrade or add quinoa to a salad that doesn't always have a grain. Quinoa can replace oats as a breakfast cereal, too. Seeds: Hemp seeds and chia seeds offer more subtle but equally valuable boosts. Nutritional yeast: Also known as brewer's yeast, this is a quick way to add a savory, cheesy flavor to pasta, salads, and roasted vegetables—plus a few grams of protein per tablespoon. Related: The 9 Best Plant-Based Foods for Protein, According to Nutritionists While Samuels recommends whole foods as the foundation, protein powders and fortified products can be helpful for those with higher needs. That includes athletes, older adults, and plant-based eaters. Her advice: 'Choose powders with minimal ingredients, no added sugars, and third-party testing for quality.' Also, beware of over-relying on packaged snacks. 'Protein bars and powders can be helpful, but many are ultra-processed and high in sweeteners or artificial ingredients,' she says. Nuts and nut butters are also often overused. While they're nutritious, they're calorie-dense and can displace other important nutrients if you go overboard. Small additions can go a long way. Just one hard-boiled egg adds 6–7 grams of protein. A half cup of cottage cheese brings 14 grams. Two tablespoons of peanut or almond butter deliver 7 grams, and a quarter cup of hemp seeds adds 10 grams. Samuels says these small changes can easily add up to 10–20 extra grams of protein per meal. While protein is key for satiety and muscle maintenance, Samuels emphasizes that balance is best. 'Combining protein with complex carbs and healthy fats supports energy, blood sugar, and satisfaction,' she says. So pair Greek yogurt with fruit, or hummus with whole-grain crackers, for a more complete mini-meal. With a few thoughtful tweaks—sprinkled, stirred, or sliced into the meals you already enjoy—you can feel fuller, stronger, and more energized. Whether you're topping your soup with chickpeas or blending seeds into your smoothie, these simple add-ons make it easy to give your meals a protein-powered boost. Read the original article on Martha Stewart

Associated Press
07-07-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Botanic Tonics Introduces Kava Maté: Ancient Botanical Traditions Unite to Create Revolutionary Energy Experience
Noble kava root and yerba mate combine to transform the energy category Botanic Tonics, the leader in kava-centric botanical supplements, today announced the launch of Kava Maté, a groundbreaking formula that unites two ancient botanical traditions — noble kava root and yerba mate — to create an energy experience greater than the sum of its parts. This innovative pairing delivers sustained, grounded energy without the crashes and jitters associated with conventional stimulants, designed specifically to meet the consumer demand for clean, plant-based alternatives. Kava Maté brings together two revered botanicals with deep cultural roots that have been trusted for centuries. Noble kava root, ceremonially cherished throughout Pacific Island cultures for more than 3,000 years, provides mental clarity while maintaining calm. Yerba mate, valued by indigenous South American communities for centuries, delivers natural sustained energy. Together, they create Botanic Tonics' signature 'chilled energy:" a balanced state of alert calm, ideal for transforming ordinary moments into opportunities for presence. 'Kava Maté represents the convergence of two botanical traditions that have never before been united in this way with a respect for culture and clean energy at the core,' said Cameron Korehbandi, CEO of Botanic Tonics. 'The magic happens in the synergy: what these plants create together transcends what either can achieve alone. We've eliminated the false choice between energy and calm by harnessing the complementary properties of these time-honored botanicals. The daily commute, the afternoon work slump, routine tasks — these ordinary moments become opportunities for presence and purpose with Kava Maté.' Kava Maté is packaged in Botanic Tonics' signature blue glass bottle with a gold top, containing two servings per bottle. Like all Botanic Tonics products, Kava Maté is manufactured in the company's FDA-registered, cGMP-certified production facility in Oklahoma, ensuring uncompromising quality. 'What makes this botanical pairing revolutionary is how these plants enhance each other's benefits,' explained Ramsey Atallah, chief science officer at Botanic Tonics. 'Yerba mate provides sustained energy without the sudden crashes associated with conventional stimulants. When united with kava's unique calming properties, we've created a synergistic effect that optimizes cognitive function while maintaining calm. Our rigorous testing confirms this combination delivers the perfect balance of actives to quickly initiate a state of focus and relaxation, a truly unique experience unavailable from any other product or single botanical.' Kava Maté joins Botanic Tonics' existing line of premium botanical supplements, including feel free CLASSIC and feel free. Botanic Tonics continues to lead innovation in the functional botanical space, maintaining its commitment to botanical wisdom, scientific rigor, and consumer education. Kava Maté is now available for purchase online at and will roll out to select retail locations nationwide throughout summer 2025. To learn more or purchase Botanic Tonic products, visit About Botanic Tonics Botanic Tonics is a plant-based, herbal supplement company headquartered in Broken Arrow, OK. Established in 2020, we produce kava-centric tonics under our feel free brand. Our signature product, feel free CLASSIC, is crafted with ancient functional plants to provide mood lift, chilled energy, and enhanced focus. Botanic Tonics' products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility, and we actively support consumer safety regulations through transparent labeling and educational resources. Learn more at Disclaimer Consume responsibly. feel free CLASSIC is for adults 21 years of age and older only. To learn more, visit our Consumer Education page. Media Contact Botanic Tonics [email protected] ### SOURCE: Botanic Tonics Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
I tried all 6 of Soho House's new $12 fitness smoothies. They put regular protein shakes to shame.
Protein smoothies that are both beautiful and functional are popping up everywhere. They're a sign of how fitness has had a luxury rebrand. I enjoyed Soho House's protein smoothies, which cost $12 each and contain protein powder, fruit, and supplements. I was perched at the gym bar of a Soho House branch in London, looking at a perfect row of plastic cups full to the brim with a pastel-colored, silky liquid, when it struck me how much protein shakes have changed in recent years. Long gone are the days of gulping down a lumpy, makeshift concoction of water and protein powder in an ugly plastic shaker after a workout. Today, there's a new class of glossy protein shakes that are infinitely tastier and chicer: reflecting fitness' luxury rebrand in recent years. With wispy swirls and a cloud-like texture, the designer protein smoothies at Soho House looked like zoomed-in snippets of an Impressionist painter's take on a Mediterranean sunset. Whether they would taste as good remained to be seen. Served in a sleek Soho-House branded cup and each named after a branch of the members club (The Berlin, Warehouse, Shoreditch), they're part of a menu that launched in February. It includes five protein smoothies and one electrolyte drink intended to help gym-goers prepare for or recover from training. They're $12 (£9) a pop and available in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Miami. The smoothies feature different blends of either whey or plant-based protein powder with fruits, plant milk, supplements like creatine, and buzzy "superfoods" including chia seeds and matcha. Expensive smoothies with functional add-ons are not new. Jamba Juice sells plenty of $9 smoothies, and Joe and The Juice's protein shakes, which launched in June 2024, go for $14.50. Although not a fitness drink, the viral $20 Hailey Bieber Strawberry Skin Glaze smoothie, a collaboration between the cult LA organic grocery store Erewhon and the Rhode skincare founder, mainstreamed the idea of the exorbitantly expensive smoothie. Soho House is just the latest luxury brand to launch a range of elite protein smoothies for its wellness-crazed clientele. Both Barry's Bootcamp and Equinox have similar offerings. They all prove just how fashionable fitness has become, while their stylish appearance helps them double up as a gold star for participation in the world of luxury wellness. Just holding one made me feel like an LA influencer. Here's how I ranked Soho House's protein smoothies, from most to least favorite. Ingredients: Cherries, strawberries, goji, chia seeds, whey or plant-based vanilla protein, kefir, coconut milk Nutrition: 26g protein, 64g carbs, 3g fiber, 42 miligrams salt, 356 calories The Shoreditch was hands down the most beautiful of the smoothies, and certainly looked like its designer took cues from Hailey Bieber's Erewhon collab. It tasted very sweet and creamy, but the kefir (a fermented yogurt drink that contains gut-friendly microbes) gave it an added layer of tang, which I enjoyed. The protein powder was virtually undetectable too. I might have got a little sick of the sweetness by the end if I had drunk the whole thing, but it was definitely one of my favorites. I personally wouldn't want to drink this every day because it's quite intense, but if I did a heavy workout or a long run, I would happily tuck into one of these. Ingredients: Pineapple, mango, goji, turmeric, ginger, vanilla protein, cayenne pepper, chia seeds, kefir, and coconut milk Nutrients: 26g protein, 28g carbs, 3g fiber, 43mg salt, 375 calories The Warehouse tasted like the protein shake equivalent of a spicy Margherita. It had a tropical fruit base from pineapple and mango and a layer of spice from turmeric and cayenne pepper, which mellowed it out. The kick took me by surprise and elevated the overall flavor. I would definitely order this again. Ingredients: Cacao, banana, dates, sunflower seed butter, cacao nibs, vanilla protein, and oat milk. A coffee shot for £1 extra. Nutrition: 30g protein, 18.6g carbs, 11g fiber, 136mg salt, 401 calories Berlin tasted like a thick chocolate milkshake. I hate the taste of protein powder, so I was pleasantly surprised that I could barely notice it. I'm also not a fan of bananas (sorry), which can make smoothies a bit of a minefield for me. But all the flavors in this blended nicely into an overwhelmingly chocolatey flavor. Again, I wouldn't be buying this every time I went to the gym, but it was a delicious treat that I might enjoy after achieving a fitness goal. Ingredients: Berries, banana, sunflower seed butter, blue spirulina, chia seeds, dates, vanilla protein, kefir, coconut milk Nutrients: 26g protein, 77g carbs, 5g fiber, 34mg salt, 444 calories I was told that The Beach House is the No. 1 best seller of all the smoothies, so I had high expectations. It was tasty, but definitely not my favorite. For me, there was nothing distinguishing about The Beach House. There were no ingredients in it that any of the other smoothies didn't have, so I feel it lacked identity. It tasted like a slightly muted version of the Shoreditch, which is no bad thing if you're looking for something more low-key. Ingredients: Mango, banana, celery, vanilla protein, goji, green spirulina, matcha, and pea milk Nutrients: 30g protein, 26g carbs, 7g fiber, 167mg salt, 299 calories The Farmhouse, as the name suggests, had an earthy flavor. It tasted less exciting than the others, kind of like a green juice, but still pleasant. For me, a big part of the appeal of a fancy protein smoothie is that drinking it should be fun, so I'd be more inclined to go for one of the fruitier this would be a good choice if you were having these regularly, as it's high in protein and has less sugar and fewer calories than the other shakes. Ingredients: Coconut water, creatine, cucumber, lemon, ginger Nutrition: 0g protein, 1g carbs, 0g fiber, 0g salt, 128 calories The House Water is an electrolyte drink, not a protein shake. It's cheaper than the shakes, costing £5 ($6.80). It's a nice option if you want something lighter to give you a little boost before a workout class or after a training session, and a tasty way to take your creatine, a workout supplement that research links to muscle gains and weight loss. If you like coconut water, you'll love it, but I personally don't. Overall, the smoothies were tasty and cheaper than other similar products on the market. Is $12 a lot for a drink that comes in a plastic cup? Certainly. But given it can help you achieve nutrition goals so conveniently while looking and tasting good, I say they're worth it if you have the money. Read the original article on Business Insider


Daily Mail
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Celebrate the Fourth of July with a plant-based feast that tastes just as good as the REAL thing
Everyone's gearing up for Fourth of July celebrations! Whether you're cooking for your family or you're entertaining a crowd, you can't top Beyond Meat for its delicious and nutritious offerings. Known for its plant-based takes on animal meat, from the famed Beyond Burger to other favorites like Beyond Steak and Beyond Chicken Pieces. Everything is packed with protein and insanely good, with perfect texture and just the right flavor blend to make any dish come to life in an unforgettable way. Did someone say delicious? Beyond Burgers are juicy, delectable, and filling — and they make a great addition to any Fourth of July celebration Even if you're a meat lover, you may just be swayed by the brand's amazing selection of flavorful and healthy options. Everything is incredibly versatile, perfect for stacking up burgers, dressing up salads, or adding some protein to an entree. If you're new to the brand, Beyond Burger is a great introduction. Recently reformulated, it contains a whopping 21 grams of protein per serving and 2 grams of saturated fat per serving. That's significant if you're a meat eater watching what you eat, as the fat content is a massive 75 percent less than standard 80/20 ground beef. It only gets better as you browse the ingredient list, which includes avocado oil — and has absolutely no coconut or canola oil anymore. Don't be afraid to mix things up with Beyond Burger. It's a must for a basic plant-based cheeseburger, of course, but you can also load it with creative topping combinations to keep it interesting. There are so many options to make your 4th festivities memorable, like basil, tomato, and mozzarella for caprese vibes, or spicy pickles, salsa, and hot pepper cheese for fiery flavor. Beyond Steak is just as much a highlight, enriched with 21 grams of protein and only 1 gram of fat. It's a huge fan favorite, too, as it's one of the leading plant-based meat products out there. It tastes like the real deal, but is clean and healthy by comparison. If you're all about the light bites, Beyond Chicken Pieces will fit nicely into your celebrations. The new addition to the Beyond lineup is exactly what you need to get at least 21 grams of protein (with an exceptional 0.5 grams of saturated fat). Toss them into a salad or stir them into a pasta to take your dish in a heartier and even tastier direction. The bottom line? You have to taste Beyond to believe it! It's truly... well, beyond your wildest foodie dreams, and trust us — you will love it from first bite.


The Sun
24-06-2025
- Health
- The Sun
My skin looks so good people are shocked when I tell them I'm 70 – it's thanks to a posh cream I've been using since 40
THERE are hundreds of skincare products out there that claim to banish wrinkles, but this one might just actually work. This comes as beauty fans have been raving about the stuff online, with one even claiming it's turned the clock back decades. 3 The Elizabeth Arden Visible Difference Refining Moisture Cream Complex would normally cost £40, but it's available for just £15 right now on Amazon. And if 60 percent off wasn't tempting enough, the results speak for themselves. "This classic formula cushions skin with moisture and provides an occlusive barrier to prevent moisture loss," the description online notes. Ingredients like plant-based squalene help to "restore smoothness and radiance" while also moisturising for "softer, smoother skin." Not only that, but the cream is perfect for helping with texture and clarity - and perhaps most importantly, the appearance of fine lines. Impressively, the products has an average rating of 4.6 stars out of five on the Elizabeth Arden website too. One beauty lover said: "I've been using this for 30 years and is the very best for my sensitive skin. I am 70 and my skin looks very good." A second was also surprised by how effective it was, she said: "The cream makes my black skin feel hydrated and smooth for the whole day. "I have an oily complexion - it's visible and dermatologists have confirmed it - but with this cream my skin is not greasy and not shiny. So far it works." And someone else claimed the cream helped them avoid wrinkles. They said: "I am 64 years old and have been using this since I was 20 years old. Hardly any wrinkles and still love using this. Hope I never have to keep selling this wonderful product." The cream is also perfect for sensitive skin, according to another shop who said: "Bought from the airport as an impulse purchase, glad I did as I have used it every day and wouldn't be without it. "I have very dry very sensitive skin sometimes with eczema and it has not caused any irritation and has greatly improved my skin texture and redness. Will repurchase." More anti-ageing tips and tricks Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King and Curel adviser shared her top tips to reverse the signs of aging - and they're all free. She previously debunked four common skincare myths, including one that Jennifer Lopez herself swears by. NO SWEET TOOTH Her first free method was to decrease sugar intake and other refined carbs. Dr. King said that almost eliminating both will "decrease aging of the skin." Eating lots of sugar ultimately causes the collagen and elastin fibers to lose their strength and flexibility, contributing to skin aging. Dr. King also encouraged people to amp up their fitness regimen. SUN SMART Dr. King challenged readers to "commit to daily sun smart behavior" because "much of the sun damage that accumulates in our skin is the result of daily incidental sun exposure." Avoid peak UV hours, seek shade, and wear UV-protective clothing. Some examples she offered were a broad-brimmed hat, UV-shielding sunglasses, and topical SPF for all exposed areas. SLEEP SOLUTION One of the most important pieces of advice Dr. King suggested was getting enough sleep. Not getting enough shut-eye per night can result in "stress [on] the body," according to the expert "Getting too little sleep has been shown to negatively affect the skin's appearance," she said. How to reverse ageing in just 2 weeks, according to royal go-to nutritionist LONDON -based Gabriela Peacock, who has helped the likes of Prince Harry and Princess Eugenie prepare for their weddings. She told Fabulous: 'The science is evident that we all have the power to make simple life changing alterations to better our future selves - no matter what genetic hand we might have been dealt with. 'The reality is, we all sometimes indulge in unhealthy eating habits like processed foods, smoking cigarettes, drinking too much alcohol, inhaling city pollutants, and even drinking water from plastic bottles – none of this is good for us. 'All this does is promote the ageing process, but we all have the potential to change this.' It may be hard, but try to keep away from sugary carbohydrates, because they feed chronic inflammation, which is one of the worst enemies of reversing ageing. Now only will you end up putting on weight if you consume them regularly, but your energy and hormonal levels will be affected and this will influence how you look and feel. Whatever your age or state of health, it's never too late to reverse how quickly you are ageing and embrace the energy and vigour of a younger you. Antioxidants, such as vitamins A, C, and E, are essential in neutralising free radicals—the culprits behind premature ageing. Integrating a spectrum of colourful fruits and vegetables into your diet provides a potent source of antioxidants. Omega-3 fatty acids, abundant in fatty fish like salmon and flaxseeds, are vital for maintaining skin elasticity and hydration. Omega-3s act as nourishment for your skin, locking in moisture and diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen, a structural protein dwindling with age, can be replenished through collagen-rich foods like bone broth and lean protein sources.