Think “fast food” equals junk? These recipes—a delicious array of globally influenced cuisine that can be on your table in as little as 20 minutes—prove otherwise. “I tell my clients that luxurious food doesn’t have to take all day to prepare,” says nutritionist and chef Adam Kelinson, author of The Athlete’s Plate, who developed these meals. And while it may take a little extra time up front to make sure you have fresh ingredients on hand, the results are worth it. Ingredient quality is key, he says; he recommends buying local and organic whenever possible. “And it doesn’t have to take as much time as you might think,” adds Kelinson, who also is the founder of Organic Performance, a consulting and chef service based in Bridgehampton, NY. Try one of these high-protein, low-carb meals the next time you’re in a hurry or whenever you want something quick, tasty, and satisfying.
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Moya McAllister
Summer Roll Kimchi Salad and Sesame Chicken
This salad is perfect for lunch, a quick supper, or even as a breakfast after an early-morning workout. The coconut oil may contain cholesterol-free saturated fats, but these fats in moderation are necessary for testosterone production to help build lean muscle; and chicken breasts are the perfect lean protein. Swap other ingredients depending upon what’s fresh at the market. Or sub microgreens or arugula for the mung bean sprouts if desired.
There are a number of components to this dish, but it comes together really easily. To help keep things moving, get out all your ingredients ahead of time.
Sweet bay scallops pair perfectly with roasted asparagus and crisp, fresh microgreens. If you can’t find the bok choy and radish microgreens (essentially, a young vegetable somewhere between sprouts and baby greens), you can substitute arugula or other sprouts. Tamari can also sub in for the Nama Shoyu (a raw, unpasteurized soy sauce).
No matter where you live, there are many great types of locally caught fish you can use for these tacos. Feel free to use almost any that you can find from the fish department near you, whether that’s striped bass, monkfish, squid, or bluefish. Indulge with a nice cold beer or margarita alongside this favorite dish.
You can really taste the flavors of spring and early summer with sweet garden peas and pea shoots. The warm coconut curry offers an ideal counterpoint. Most specialty grocery stores now carry different forms of curry.
