Have you ever wondered what a dietitian eats?
You may think that nutrition coaches subsist off a boring assortment of plain chicken breast, broccoli, and rice. Or perhaps you picture nutritionists consuming only unfamiliar foods that seem to have a perceived health halo, such as sprouts, tempeh, and goji berries.
Most clients are surprised to find that the best dietitians are not only more relatable than they would expect in terms of what they eat, but they also value foods for more than just their nutrient value: Flavor and enjoyment are important too.
To give you an idea of what Life Time nutrition coaches eat, we’re sharing a few tested-and-true favorite recipes from three members of our team.
Coach Sam’s 5-Ingredient Pulled Chicken
Dietitians love food that can be easily batch-cooked and repurposed. This is especially the case when it comes to protein, and there’s something about pulled, shredded chicken that feels more versatile and tasty than baked chicken breasts.
This recipe is full of flavor (and yes, contains real bacon from a quality source) and can be used in several ways. Serve it atop a salad, thrown into an omelet, inside a lettuce wrap with hummus and guacamole, or alongside some stir-fried veggies.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. chicken breast, ideally organic and pastured
- 1 pack organic, nitrate-free bacon, chopped
- 1 tbs. dried thyme
- 1 tbs. dried oregano
- 1/2 tbs. dried rosemary
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
- Cook on high for four to five hours until the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
Coach Katie’s Berry-Vanilla Blend-and-Go Shake
When you’re pressed for time, a shake can serve as a quick and easy meal replacement. With the right real-food ingredients — such as quality protein, antioxidants, berries, veggies, and healthy fat — this substitute can be both nutritionally well-rounded and satisfying.
This recipe uses a pea- and rice-based complete protein. Plus, gets a booster of collagen for hair, skin, and nail support, and Life Greens to provide a blend of more than 40 fruits and veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 serving vanilla Life Time Vegan Protein
- 1 serving unflavored Life Time Collagen Peptides
- 1 serving berry Life Greens
- 1/2 cup frozen blueberries
- 1–2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tbs. almond butter
- 8 oz. unsweetened almond milk
- 3–4 ice cubes
Directions:
- Add all ingredients to a blender and blend on high until smooth.
Coach Paul’s Never-Fail Omelet
If you want to make a delicious, nutritious, hunger-busting breakfast with ingredients you likely already have on hand, look no further. The flavors of this classic omelet are anything but boring, and when served with an optional side of berries, you’re sure to start your day feeling great and satisfied.
Ingredients:
- 4–6 eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp. melted butter
- 2 oz. sharp cheddar or pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup spicy salsa
- 1/2 avocado, chopped
Directions:
- Beat the eggs with the salt and pepper.
- Melt the butter over medium-low heat, add the eggs, and stir every one to two minutes for a total of four to six minutes.
- Add the shredded cheese and cook for another two minutes.
- Top with salsa and avocado.
