Simple High-Protein Meal Ideas for Busy Women

Because “I don’t have time” shouldn’t mean “I don’t eat well.”

If you’ve ever found yourself staring into the fridge, starving after a long day, wondering what on earth to eat that’s not toast or a random handful of cereal — this one’s for you.

Getting enough protein is one of the most important things you can do to support fat loss, build strength, and stay energised. But when you’re juggling work, kids, training, and life... cooking gourmet meals isn’t always realistic.

So let’s keep it simple.

Here are my go-to high-protein meals that are quick, tasty, and don’t require a culinary degree:

🥣 1. Greek Yoghurt Power Bowl (5 mins)

  • ¾–1 cup high-protein Greek yoghurt

  • 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or choc works great)

  • Berries or chopped fruit

  • Sprinkle of chia seeds or nuts for crunch

Why it works: 35–40g protein, sweet without the crash, and zero cooking involved.

🍳 2. 3-Egg Scramble with Veg & Cheese (10 mins)

  • 3 eggs

  • Handful of chopped veggies (whatever’s in the fridge)

  • Sprinkle of cheese or a dollop of cottage cheese

Tip: Add a slice of wholegrain toast or wrap it in a tortilla for on-the-go.

🥗 3. Rotisserie Chicken Salad (5 mins)

  • Pre-cooked rotisserie chicken (skin off if you want to keep it lean)

  • Bagged salad mix

  • Cherry tomatoes, cucumber, avocado

  • Drizzle of olive oil and balsamic

Protein hack: Add boiled eggs or a sprinkle of hemp seeds for even more protein.

🥤 4. “I’m Running Late” Smoothie (3 mins)

  • 1 scoop protein powder

  • 1 banana or handful of frozen berries

  • 1 tbsp peanut butter

  • ¾ cup milk (or almond/soy)

  • Ice

Perfect for: Breakfast, post-workout, or when you realise you haven’t eaten in 6 hours.

🥪 5. High-Protein Wrap (7 mins)

  • High-protein wrap or pita

  • Lean turkey or chicken slices

  • Hummus, baby spinach, grated carrot

  • Optional: slice of cheese or boiled egg

Make it a meal: Pair with a protein yoghurt or some edamame for extra staying power.

🧊 6. Freezer-Friendly Favourites

Batch cook some protein-rich options when you do have time:

  • Turkey or beef meatballs

  • Chicken thigh fillets

  • Slow-cooked beef or pulled pork

  • Lentil and veggie soup with added shredded chicken

Portion them up and freeze. Your future self will thank you.

Final Thoughts

Eating well doesn’t need to be fancy — it just needs to be doable.

If you’re consistently falling short on protein, it might be time to simplify your approach. Focus on easy wins. Keep your fridge and freezer stocked with staples. And don’t be afraid of repeating meals during busy weeks. Boring can be effective.

PS: Don’t forget to drink your water and eat some fibre too — protein’s best friends.

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