25 Recipes I Ate to Lose 70lb
In my post on my weight loss journey, I shared the mindset shifts that helped me drop 70lb in a single year. Since then, many of you have asked: “What exactly did you eat?” and “How far back do I have to go on the blog to find those recipes?”
After three years of maintaining that weight loss, my eating habits haven’t changed much. I still focus on high-protein, plant-centered meals. Here is the breakdown of the methods and recipes that made it sustainable for me.
Table of contents
The Method
Disclaimer:
I’m not saying you “should” do any kind of fasting routine. I’m neither a nutritionist nor a doctor, and I firmly suggest you talk to yours before trying to lose weight or make big changes to your diet.
Lots Of Plants
I said it in my Weight Loss Journey post and I’ll say it again, as it is key to everything:
Eat more plants. No really.
I doubt any dietician or doctor will disagree on this point.
It makes keeping a healthy weight so much easier!
“Gentle” Intermittent Fasting
Now this is just something I found personally to be true:
When I eat early in the morning, I eat generally more throughout the day. Weird but true for me.
I found that my body thrives on a gentle routine. I usually eat my last meal between 5:00 PM and 6:00 PM, and my first meal the next day between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM.
I call it “gentle” because I still have my coffee with Oatly Barista first thing in the morning. Technically, that breaks a fast—but I don’t enjoy strict “you have to” rules. This flexibility is what makes it a lifestyle rather than a chore.
Find your own routine and what helps you to feel ok throughout the day.
How to Balance Protein for Your Needs
Before diving into the recipes, it helps to know your baseline. While needs vary based on age and activity, Harvard Health has a great breakdown and the USDA offers a calculator to check your specific numbers.
You’ll notice that while my main meals are packed with veggies to keep you full, I often customize the protein. I might add tofu, chicken, or hard-boiled eggs on the side depending on what I need that day.
The Power of Healthy Snacks
We make the worst choices when we’re hungry and stressed. I’m a stress eater—chocolate is my go-to. But I’ve found that having boiled eggs, pickles, fruit, or crunchy carrots ready in the fridge lets me listen to what my body actually needs. Usually, it just wants a bit of fuel. And when it truly insists on chocolate? Then we have chocolate.
The Recipes
These are just some of the examples. So feel free to browse the categories of my blog to find many more you might enjoy.
The Main Event: 5-a-Day in One Meal
I aim to eat one massive, plant-packed meal every day, usually as a late breakfast or brunch. These are “plant-centered” rather than strictly vegan, designed to keep me full for hours.
Explore the full 5-a-Day Category here.
Black Garlic Roast Chicken Summer Salad
All the summery flavours of fresh sweetcorn, juicy peaches, and sun ripened tomatoes in a bowl with delicious Black Garlic Roast Chicken.
Vegetable Stew with Dumplings
Healthy comfort: Vegetable Stew with Cheesy Dumplings. Umami-rich mushrooms, protein-packed beans, and dumplings in a luscious red wine sauce.
Grand Aioli
Grand Aioli: A party feast with 4 Aioli varieties, veggies, and protein. Prep ahead for an impressive, healthy, and inclusive spread. Vegan version included
Vegetarian Caesar Salad with Crunchy Air Fryer Tofu
Satisfy cravings for crunch with Vegetarian Caesar Salad with Crunchy Air Fryer Tofu. Packed with protein and drizzled with tangy Caesar cashew dressing.
Poke Sushi Bowls 4 Ways
Poke Sushi Bowls 4 Ways: a customizable dinner option with rice or buckwheat base, veggies, protein or vegan tuna. Easy and delicious.
Creamy Thai Vegetable Stir Fry – Gluten Free
Creamy, spicy, veggie-packed Thai stir fry—gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and way better than takeout. Easy, healthy, and endlessly customizable!
Fresh Spring Salad with Pickles and Pretzels
Crunchy, fresh & fun! This Spring Salad with dill pickles, pretzels & a crave-worthy vegan ranch is a must-try.
Dinner, Dessert, or Both
My second meal of the day usually happens in the evening. It’s often a mix of protein and carbs to stay satisfied until the next morning.
The Oat Bowls (Winter & Summer) If I’m in the mood for something that feels like dessert but has no added sugar, I go for protein-loaded oats:
Apricot Almond Protein Oats
Creamy, fruity Apricot Almond Protein Oats ready in 15 mins—like a guilt-free breakfast dessert with no added sugar and lasting fullness.
Tiramisu Protein Oats Two Ways
Tiramisu Protein Oats: Your morning motivation! Strong coffee, Amaretti, creamy yogurt, plant milk, and nutritious oats. Enjoy warm or cold!
Cherry Bakewell Protein Oats
Cherry Bakewell Protein Oats: inspired by the cake with cherries & 35g protein per bowl. Enjoy warm or as overnight oats for a healthy treat!
High Protein Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats
Fuel your day with creamy, high-protein cottage cheese overnight oats! 38g protein, cheesecake taste & 30+ flavors. Easy prep, stay full for hours!
Protein for Fullness, Sourdough for Flavor
This is where my specialty lies. I struggled to find recipes that combined sourdough with high protein, so I created them. These bakes allow me to enjoy “treats” while hitting my nutritional goals.
Sweet Protein Bakes
Ultra-Moist Protein Chocolate Cake with Sourdough
Ultra-moist chocolate cake with a protein boost! Uses sourdough discard & a creamy cashew frosting for perfect flavor and texture.
Protein Yoghurt Plum Cake with Sourdough
The moistest, buttery protein cake! Sourdough discard and Greek yogurt keep it tender & delicious. Over 7g protein/slice. Easy one-bowl recipe
Whole Orange & Chocolate Sourdough Protein Cake (Jaffa-Inspired)
Satisfy your Jaffa craving with this sourdough protein snack cake. Made with whole oranges and dark chocolate for a high-protein treat.
Soft Sourdough Protein Cinnamon Rolls (with Greek Yogurt)
Soft, fluffy sourdough cinnamon rolls with 16g of protein. A gut-friendly, high-protein breakfast that doesn’t sacrifice the gooey flavor.
High-Protein Sourdough Marzipan Wreath
A traditional German Marzipan Wreath with a sourdough twist. Soft, fudgy, and packing 15g of protein for a balanced, sweet treat.
Sourdough Protein Breads
High Protein Snacks & Dips
Easy High Protein Sourdough Bread
Bake a delicious, easy high-protein sourdough loaf! Get more protein, better digestion & a classic open crumb. Your new go-to recipe!
High Protein Sourdough Focaccia
High-protein sourdough focaccia! Nearly double the protein, super easy to make, no special equipment needed. Perfect for muscle building!
Sourdough Protein Challah Bread Sticks
High-protein sourdough challah breadsticks. A modern creation with a soft interior, crunchy seeded crust, and a healthier twist.
High Protein Sourdough Sandwich Bread
Enjoy soft, high-protein sourdough sandwich bread! With ~9g protein/slice (18%!), it’s delicious, gut-healthy & easy. Perfect for any sandwich!
German Black Bread with Protein (Sourdough Schwarzbrot)
Authentic German Black Bread meets modern nutrition. A high-protein, sourdough Schwarzbrot that’s hearty, high-fiber, and gut-friendly.
Strawberry Yoghurt Protein Bars
Delicious Strawberry Yoghurt Protein Bars offer a guilt-free snack with protein, fresh fruit, and dark chocolate. Perfect post-workout fuel.
Apricot Almond White Chocolate Bark
Make this Apricot Almond White Chocolate Bark! It’s crunchy, tangy & healthy-ish with apricots, almond butter & nuts. Just 10mins work.
Cottage Cheese Fried Pickle Dip
This Cottage Cheese Fried Pickle Dip tastes like the viral version but is healthier, protein-rich, and finished with a crunchy pretzel topping. So addictive.
Seeded Protein Crackers with Sourdough Discard
Healthy, protein-packed seeded crackers! Easy, one-bowl recipe with sourdough discard for a great tang. Over 3g protein per cracker.
Whipped Red Pepper Tofu Dip
The creamy, high-protein, vegan dip you need! Tastes like whipped feta with Muhammara, ready in 5 min. Perfect for dipping or spreading.
The Sustainability Secret
The biggest lie in the diet industry is that you “finish” a diet. If you return to your old habits, the weight returns too. The secret to my 70lb loss was finding a way to eat that I actually enjoy—one that includes chocolate cake, sourdough, and large, satisfying meals.
I found my balance. What would yours look like?
Let me know in the comments!
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