Published Jan 8, 2024

I Used To Be a Breakfast-Skipping, Takeout Queen—Here’s How I’m Adopting Healthier Habits in 2024

In 2024, this W+G editor vowed to work toward healthier habits. Here's how this easy-to-make meal kit service is helping her reach her goals.

I Used To Be a Breakfast-Skipping, Takeout Queen—Here’s How I’m Adopting Healthier Habits in 2024

In 2024, this W+G editor vowed to work toward healthier habits. Here's how this easy-to-make meal kit service is helping her reach her goals.

Published Jan 8, 2024

In Partnership With

HelloFresh

Written by

Well+Good Editors

Photo: HelloFresh & W+G Creative

Published Jan 8, 2024

In Partnership With

HelloFresh

Written by

Well+Good Editors

To sleep or not to sleep? That is the question that rattles through my brain every morning when my alarm goes off—and nine times out of 10, I’m pressing the snooze button twice so I can get an extra twenty minutes at the expense of making myself breakfast. My sleepy-girl habits aren’t limited to my morning snooze sesh either—they also extend to how I approach grocery shopping, which means I usually end up eating a quintessential girl dinner of mismatched snacks or (more likely) grabbing takeout. But, I’m trying to take a more proactive approach to 2024, aka less snoozing and more eating nutritious, home-cooked meals.

The thing is, grocery shopping is still not my favorite task, which is why HelloFresh is basically a heaven-sent solution for my new year’s goals. The meals cost 25 percent less than takeout, don’t require me to be a chef (which I certainly am not), give me pre-portioned ingredients (which helps to reduce food waste), and include nutritious options that fit my flexitarian lifestyle. Plus, everything gets delivered to my door so I can skip the extra trip to the grocery store, and the pre-made breakfast options from HelloFresh Market are clutch for allowing me to still maximize my sleep, even if I am (trying to) break up with the snooze button. (Shoutout to the microwaveable turkey sausage egg bites I got for free in my latest box through the free breakfast for life promo.)

“HelloFresh’s wide variety of foods can help diversify the nutrients you consume each week,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and nutrition associate at HelloFresh Meghan Dillon, RDN. “When grocery shopping, it can be expensive and require quite a bit of effort to plan for and purchase different items for the week. HelloFresh addresses both of those barriers by providing many options and the capability to customize sides or proteins for some meals.”

And options there were. The first week I tried the meal kit service, I had fun sorting through all of the meals of the week (over 45!), and it was hard to pick which ones I wanted when so many of them fit or could be customized to my diet criteria and taste buds. Most of my meals were on the lower end of cook time, with chicken or veggies being my main protein.

I’ll admit it: When my first box arrived, I was still skeptical about how challenging it would be to make these recipes that looked like they belonged on a restaurant’s menu. That is, until I breezed through making my first delicious meal of smashed black bean tacos topped with an easy slaw, pickled onions, and red pepper crema (seriously, I’m not a chef, but I felt like one).

“HelloFresh’s recipe cards are tried and true,” Dillon says. “The step-by-step instructions are extremely easy to follow, helping even the most novice home chef impress their guests.” As someone who rarely attempts to make anything other than sheet pan dinners or pasta, I can confirm that the instructions were clear and made cooking this scrumptious meal simple.

The smell of the tacos alone had my roommates leaving their room to ask what was being prepared—after they got over their initial shock of me actually cooking instead of working the microwave, that is.

For the rest of the week, I found myself settling into a relaxing routine of finishing work, cooking myself a HelloFresh meal—which, despite some dishes, I actually really enjoyed doing—and then boxing up the extra portion for my lunch the next day. Every recipe I tried was different enough from the others to keep me interested, while still being just as yummy as the last. My top three meals of the week? The smashed black bean tacos (obviously), spicy coconut curry chicken noodle soup, and cranberry-apple kale salad with garlic ciabatta. My stomach’s growling just thinking about them.

In the past, one of my least favorite parts of cooking for myself was the leftover produce because I hate food waste. But, HelloFresh helps cut down on your food waste by giving you pre-portioned ingredients, so you’re left with little to no food waste after cooking. In fact, Dillon says research has shown that customers waste 21 percent less food using HelloFresh, as compared to cooking your own meal from scratch with ingredients bought at a grocery store.

An added bonus to my newfound dinner routine was the easy-to-make breakfast options I could add to my mornings, including waffles, turkey sausage egg bites, La Colombe triple lattes, and cinnamon crumb muffins—all of which I can pop into the microwave, meaning I could start my day off right with a little extra sleep and a filling breakfast.

All of the options were delicious, but if you’re looking for something you can throw in the microwave and still thoroughly enjoy, I’d suggest the turkey sausage egg bites or waffles, which I’ll certainly be ordering in the future. Who would’ve thought that all it would take was HelloFresh to get me to start eating breakfast, ditch takeout, and kickstart healthier habits.

Want to try HelloFresh for yourself? Sign up now and get 16 free meals and free breakfast for life! Additional restrictions may apply. See https://www.hellofresh.com/about/termsandconditions for more details.

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Food Cooking

Published Feb 10, 2025

11 Ingredients to Try If You’re Out of Eggs

Those little protein powerhouses don’t come cheap these days.

11 Ingredients to Try If You’re Out of Eggs

Those little protein powerhouses don’t come cheap these days.

Published Feb 10, 2025

Written by

Korin Miller

Photo Credit: Getty Images

Published Feb 10, 2025

Written by

Korin Miller

Most people have a love-hate relationship with eggs right now. The breakfast staple is hard to find at many stores but, even when you manage to track a carton down, the sky-high prices are enough to make even the most devoted egg fan rethink their choices.

Data from the U. S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) shows a clear uptick in prices over time, with wholesale prices (what the store pays egg suppliers) in New York jumping 52 cents to $7.24 per dozen in December alone. In California, a dozen eggs will now set you back almost $9. Exact prices vary by location, but a USDA report from this week shows that egg prices are continuing to rise. With bird flu continuing to swirl in flocks, you can expect those prices to stay up for a while.

If you like to have your eggs scrambled, boiled, or fried, you may decide to buck up and pay more for a dozen while being mindful of how often you eat them. But if you tend to use eggs in baking, it can be helpful to know there are other options that give you the same taste and texture you’re after without blowing a ton of money. With that in mind, I tapped three dietitians for their advice on the best egg substitutes, plus how to use them so you don’t end up feeling deprived.

What is the best way to use egg substitutes?

Many substitutes aren’t designed to replace eggs that you’d eat as a main attraction on your plate. Instead, they’re best used in a baking recipe, although each has its own niche. “Eggs in recipes not only add protein and nutrients, but moisture and also act as a binder to hold other ingredients together as they cook or bake,” says Nancy Oliveira, RD, manager of nutrition and wellness services at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “They also help to trap air which causes baked goods to rise and become fluffy.” In order to work, substitutions need to have similar properties, Oliveira says.

“Before you replace eggs in a recipe, you need to know what they were there for,” Christy Brissette, RD, dietitian and owner of 80 Twenty Nutrition. “Was it to help it rise when baking, to bind it together, or was it adding moisture?”

If you’re baking something that needs to rise, Brissette suggests adding ½ tsp of baking powder along with your egg-replacing ingredient, if it isn’t already in the recipe. “For baking, mashed banana, applesauce, mashed avocado, puréed pumpkin, pureed sweet potato or silken tofu help bind the ingredients together and add moisture,” she says. Just add ¼ cup to replace one large egg in a recipe. Brissette warns that some of these ingredients can alter the flavor of the final product, so choose your substitutions carefully.

If you need something to bind your ingredients together, Brissette suggests using ground flax seeds or whole chia seeds. Mix 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds or chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and let sit for five minutes. “This will form a gel that you can then add to your wet ingredients,” Brissette says, noting that this hack also adds more fiber to your dish. “These options work well in recipes for quickbreads such as pancakes, muffins, and zucchini bread,” she says. The flavor of this combination is neutral, Oliveira says, and “you get a boost of omega-3 fatty acids, too.”

In recipes like burgers or meatballs, the egg acts to bind the ingredients together so they don't fall apart, Brissette says. “If I don't have eggs on hand, I'll use oats, cooked rice, or breadcrumbs with a bit of water,” she says. “You can also sub in mashed sweet potato or mashed potato or squash to help it bind and add some moisture.”

Aquafaba—or the liquid that’s left over in a can of chickpeas—is a great option as a binder in baked goods or vegan mayonnaise, per Brissette. “You can even use it to replace egg whites in recipes like meringue and macaroons,” she says. “Just whip it up in a mixer with some cream of tartar for three to five minutes to form stiff peaks.” Aquafaba doesn’t contain a lot of nutrients but it’s easy and many people already have cans sitting around. “It’s great to repurpose the liquid that we would normally toss out,” she adds.

Overall, using egg swaps in your recipes may take a little trial and error. But, once you find one that works for you, it could end up saving money in the long run—and adding in extra nutrition in the process.

What are the best egg substitutes?

There are a lot of creative hacks for swapping out eggs in a recipe and each has its own special use in cooking. “The best substitute depends on the specific dish being prepared,” says Stephani Johnson, DCN, RDN, professor in the Department of Clinical and Preventive Nutrition Sciences at Rutgers University.

These are some of the biggies to keep in mind—and in your home:

Mashed soft fruit, like banana, pumpkin purée, avocado, applesauce, or yogurt
Soft tofu
Ground flaxseeds or chia seeds mixed with water
Vinegar and baking soda
Aquafaba, or chickpea liquid
Oats and water
Cooked rice
Bread crumbs and water
Mashed potato or mashed sweet potato
Commercial egg replacers (these are usually made from potato and tapioca starch with added leavening agents like baking soda, Johnson says)
Mayonnaise (it contains egg, plus provides great moisture for baked goods)

How to get 12+ grams of protein elsewhere

Two eggs deliver about 12 grams of protein. And, if you’re limiting your egg use or skipping it entirely, it’s fair to wonder how else to get in that much protein. “There are many other ways to obtain 12 grams of protein beyond eating two eggs, including plant-based and alternative protein sources,” Johnson says.

Those include:

2 ounces of animal meat, ~14 grams of protein
⅔ cup Greek yogurt, 12 grams of protein
3 tablespoons of peanut butter, 12 grams of protein
½ cup cottage cheese, 13 grams of protein
1 ½ cups of milk, 12 grams of protein

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Food Cooking Recipes

Published Feb 7, 2025

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes That Are Actually Good

Discover 15 cottage cheese recipes that are *actually* good, and good for you.

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes That Are Actually Good

Discover 15 cottage cheese recipes that are *actually* good, and good for you.

Published Feb 7, 2025

Written by

Christina Manian, RD

Published Feb 7, 2025

Written by

Christina Manian, RD

In a world still obsessed with protein, cottage cheese couldn’t be hotter. And the hype isn’t unfounded: This dairy product contains an impressive 12 grams of the macronutrient in just one, half-cup serving. Plus, we can’t forget about all of the other alluring nutrients this small curd cheese boasts, including B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and even probiotics (depending on the brand). These combined can support energy metabolism, bone health, and a thriving gut microbiome.

All of these noteworthy health perks of cottage cheese have thrown it into the spotlight of influencers, bloggers, and food writers alike. As a result, the internet is full of recipes featuring the savory cheese that will have you thinking, ‘there’s no way that can taste good.’ And I can tell you from experience that not all of these creative recipes are actually all that tasty.

However, there are plenty of diamonds in the rough and we’ve done the hard work to discover some of the most delicious cottage cheese dishes worth trying at home. From cookies and breads to smoothies and pasta sauce, you’d be shocked to discover just how many ways cottage cheese can be integrated into both sweet and savory dishes. Read on to discover 15 cottage cheese recipes that are *actually* good, and good for you.

1.
Dill Pickle Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

For a quick lunch that can be meal prepped on the weekend, look no further than this tangy dill pickle cottage cheese egg salad. As an already high-protein dish, this egg salad is boosted up even more with the addition of cottage cheese, ensuring you’ll stay full through the afternoon. Plus, it offers plenty of intrigue with bold flavoring agents like dill pickles, honey mustard, and green onions.

Get Oh Snap Macro's recipe here

1.
Blended Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip

With the Big Game (and other hosting occasions) coming up, this simple two-ingredient dip recipe couldn’t be easier (or more delicious) for entertaining a crowd. All you need is cottage cheese, ranch seasoning, and a blender to make this dip in seconds. For added nutrition, serve this dip with crudité veggies as they add a welcome dose of fiber and micronutrients to your high-protein dip platter.

Get Lauren Twigge's recipe here

1.
Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of gooey mac and cheese on a cold winter day? And while certainly yummy, this comfort meal isn’t usually categorized as something that can help us meet our protein goals. Thankfully, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Not only does it utilize high-fiber macaroni but this dish excels with the help of cottage cheese and B12-rich nutritional yeast.

Get Nourished by Nic's recipe here

1.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Protein pancakes have been all the rage in recent years but they often employ the use of protein powders—many of which can have weird aftertastes that I try to avoid. This pancake recipe, however, ups its protein content through the use of ingredients like cottage cheese and eggs to produce a hearty and tasty final product—with less than 10 ingredients, to boot!

Get Mom Dish's recipe here

1.
High Protein Overnight Oats with Cottage Cheese

Staying on the breakfast train, overnight oats are a weekday morning lifesaver as they can be made the night (or several nights) before, helping you to get out the door quickly, easily, and well-nourished. This overnight oats recipe is unique in that it ups the satiety factor of the fiber and protein already found in oats with the help of protein-rich cottage cheese. You’ll be sure to feel full until lunchtime after enjoying this simple four ingredient breakfast.

Get Chelsea Joy Eat's recipe here

1.
Buffalo Chicken Dip

While often thought of as a guilty pleasure, there are plenty of ways to indulge your love for all things buffalo chicken, including this dip. Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, plus mozzarella and cheddar cheese come together to produce a dip that tastes just as good as the traditional sour cream-forward options. Serve alongside celery sticks for a nod to the classic pairing.

Get Well Plated's recipe here

1.
Egg Bites

You may know of a famous egg bite from a large chain coffee shop that has taken the fast casual breakfast market by storm. Well, save yourself some money by making batches of protein-filled bites at home. This recipe combines cottage cheese with eggs, spinach, bell pepper, and green onion for a flavorful on-the-go breakfast that can be made during your usual meal prep. Plus, it’s a great go-to for utilizing any veggies that are close to expiration!

Get Love & Lemons' recipe here

1.
Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

Among the strange cottage cheese recipes that have emerged on the internet, cookie dough tops the list. However, it’s actually pretty tasty if you choose the right recipe, like this one from Eating Bird Food. The recipe is not only high in protein, thanks to the cottage cheese and protein powder it contains, but is also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with allergies.

Get Eating Bird Food's recipe here

1.
Cottage Cheese Waffles

Though delicious, breakfast favorites like pancakes and waffles aren’t necessarily the best way to start the day as they’re simple (or refined) carbohydrate-forward and typically lacking the protein we need, which often leaves us feeling hungry soon after enjoying them. Well, this cottage cheese waffle recipe pretty much solves that problem, as the protein from the eggs and cottage cheese it contains is sure to leave you feeling satisfied for far longer than standard recipes. Plus, they’re waffles.

Get Jar of Lemons' recipe here

1.
Caesar Dressing

When cottage cheese is blended, what results is a creamy, thick, savory delight that can be used as a sauce, or even a salad dressing, like in this Caesar dressing finished with Mexican-style spices. Not only will this dressing add protein and staying power to your final dish, but it will take the flavor of your everyday salad to the next level thanks to nutrient-dense seasonings like garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and lime juice.

Get Gentle Tummy's recipe here

1.
Easy Cottage Cheese Cheesecake

Blended cottage cheese is the perfect base for sweet recipes, too, like in this protein-forward take on cheesecake. Not only does this dish skirt the inclusion of cream cheese altogether with its use of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, but there’s very little added sugar to speak of.

Get The Pancake Princess' recipe here

1.
Tomato Garlic Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

One place you may never have expected to see this trendy ingredient is in pasta sauce. And while this recipe in particular may give you pause with its inclusion of unlikely ingredients like coconut aminos and honey, it’s actually incredibly flavorful. The savory, creamy taste of this one-of-a-kind sauce full of protein and plant compounds will have you going back bite after bite.

Get Oh Snap Macros' recipe here

1.
Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Smoothie

Forget protein powder, cottage cheese is the new way to boost the protein content of your daily smoothie. Not only is it a whole food option, but the inclusion of cottage cheese adds a healthy dose of creaminess to the mix, hence this recipe’s cheesecake description. You’ll be sure to feel plenty satisfied after enjoying this one, too, thanks to the fiber-rich flaxseed and frozen strawberries it contains.

Get Nourished by Nic's recipe here

1.
Tomato Basil Cottage Cheese Toast

If you love loaded toasts (like myself), then it’s time to start integrating cottage cheese into your rotation as a calcium and protein-filled topping. This recipe is reminiscent of both pizza and bruschetta with its use of tomatoes, basil, and garlic. For added nutrition, opt for whole grain bread and for a boost of flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze.

Get Mom Dish's recipe here

1.
Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Finally, we have cottage cheese ice cream (yes, you read that right). While this dish sounds a bit odd, substituting heavy cream and milk for full-fat cottage cheese and protein powder yields a dessert recipe that’s not only tasty but plenty nutritious with notable amounts of protein, B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and even probiotics! It’s just an added bonus that it utilizes honey and whole strawberries for natural sweetness.

Get Chelsea Joy Eat's recipe here