Part of a healthy, fitness-oriented diet is a lean protein source. And, one of the best choices for a lean protein source is chicken. Just one problem. Eating a lot of chicken gets boring. So, rather than one more round of grilled or baked chicken, try one of these fat burning ways to prepare chicken!
Why Chicken? A 3 oz. cooked chicken breast contains about 142 calories and 3 grams of fat. Yet, this same chicken breast also has 26 grams of protein, which is more than half of the day’s recommended allowance. And with less than half a gram of saturated fat and B vitamins, you get a low-fat food which also helps you to metabolize food and provides an energy boost.
Marinate Your Chicken – When you marinate your chicken prior to cooking, you add moisture, which helps keep your chicken from drying out while cooking. And, you add a lot of flavor! For a simple marinate, mix some olive oil with ¼ cup of lemon juice, ¼ cup of white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley and and 1 tablespoon of dried basil, and ½ teaspoon of each of the following: dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, cracked black pepper, and a dash of chopped garlic. Next, place about a pound of chicken breasts into the marinade for at least 20 minutes. Finally, grill, or bake in the oven at 425 degrees for 15 minutes or until juices run clear.
Skewer Your Chicken – Cut up your chicken breast into 1″ medallions. Then, chop up vegetables like peppers, onions and zucchini, then alternate them with the pieces of chicken breast on skewers – then grill or bake until cooked.
Stuff Your Chicken – Flatten chicken with a meat mallet, Then spread olive oil, some fresh basil, some Parmesan cheese, and a little garlic on top. Fold in the sides and secure with toothpicks. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked through.
So, try these new ways to prepare chicken for your post workout meal – getting more chicken in your diet can help your overall diet goals, provide energy for your next workout, and help your muscles rebuild after your last workout as well!
