15 High-Protein Recipes When You're Just Not Hungry
One of the biggest challenges on GLP-1 medications? Getting enough protein when your appetite has vanished. Your body still needs 60-80g of protein daily to maintain muscle while losing weight.
These recipes deliver maximum protein in minimal portions. Each serving packs 20-30g of protein without overwhelming your smaller stomach.
Savory Options
1. Egg White Veggie Scramble
Protein: 26g | Serving: 1 cup
Sauté 1 cup egg whites with spinach, diced tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta. Takes 5 minutes, keeps you full for hours.
Variation: Add diced turkey sausage for an extra 10g protein.
2. Greek Yogurt Power Bowl
Protein: 28g | Serving: ¾ cup
Mix plain Greek yogurt with hemp seeds, a drizzle of honey, and fresh berries. Probiotic and protein-packed.
Tip: Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for better satiety.
3. Mini Chicken Lettuce Wraps
Protein: 24g | Serving: 2 wraps
Diced chicken breast tossed with avocado, lime, and cilantro. Served in butter lettuce cups. Light but satisfying.
4. Cottage Cheese & Smoked Salmon
Protein: 32g | Serving: ½ cup cottage cheese + 3oz salmon
Layer cottage cheese with flaked smoked salmon, everything bagel seasoning, and capers. Fancy but effortless.
5. Protein-Packed Bone Broth
Protein: 20g | Serving: 2 cups
Simmer with shredded chicken, vegetables, and collagen powder. Warm, comforting, and easy to sip slowly.
6. Tuna Avocado Boats
Protein: 25g | Serving: 1 avocado half
Mix canned tuna with Greek yogurt instead of mayo. Stuff into avocado halves. Keto-friendly and delicious.
7. Shrimp & Zucchini Skewers
Protein: 24g | Serving: 4-5 skewers
Grilled shrimp threaded with zucchini ribbons. Brush with garlic butter. Restaurant-quality at home.
Sweet Options
8. Protein Smoothie (Small)
Protein: 30g | Serving: 8 oz
Blend protein powder, unsweetened almond milk, frozen berries, and spinach. You won't taste the greens, promise.
Pro tip: Make it thicker and eat with a spoon—"slows" the meal.
9. Chia Seed Protein Pudding
Protein: 22g | Serving: ½ cup
Mix chia seeds, protein powder, and almond milk. Let sit overnight. Topped with crushed almonds.
10. Mini Protein Pancakes
Protein: 20g | Serving: 2 small pancakes
Blend banana, 2 eggs, and protein powder. Cook silver dollar-sized. Top with Greek yogurt instead of syrup.
11. Peanut Butter Protein Bites
Protein: 8g per bite | Serving: 3 bites
Mix peanut butter, oats, protein powder, and a touch of honey. Roll into balls. Perfect for when even a meal feels like too much.
Quick Emergency Meals
12. Rotisserie Chicken + Greek Yogurt
Protein: 35g | Serving: 4oz chicken + ½ cup yogurt
Shredded rotisserie chicken mixed with plain Greek yogurt (instead of mayo), herbs, and celery. Zero cooking required.
13. Sardines on Whole Grain
Protein: 23g | Serving: 1 can sardines + 1 slice bread
Mash canned sardines (in olive oil) onto whole grain toast with lemon juice and cracked pepper. Sounds fancy, couldn't be easier. Rich in omega-3s too.
14. Edamame in the Pod
Protein: 18g | Serving: 1 cup
Steam frozen edamame, sprinkle with sea salt. Eat straight from the pod—it's meditative and slows you down. A perfect desk-side snack.
Tip: Buy the pre-shelled ones if you're feeling lazy.
15. Turkey & Cheese Roll-Ups
Protein: 20g | Serving: 3 roll-ups
Spread cream cheese on sliced turkey breast. Add pickle or bell pepper strips. Roll up like sushi. No cooking, completely satisfying.
The Bottom Line
You don't need to eat massive meals to hit your protein goals. Small, strategic portions throughout the day work just as well—and are much more comfortable with a GLP-1-modified appetite.
Weekly prep tip: Make 3-4 protein bites or hard-boil a dozen eggs on Sunday. Having high-protein options ready prevents the "I don't know what to eat" trap that leads to skipping meals entirely.
Remember: Something is better than nothing. Even a small protein snack beats an empty stomach.
Tried any of these recipes? Tag us @GLPGrub or share your favorites in the comments below.