Healthy recipes for adults over 60

Simple, protein-forward meals and snacks from my weekly letters. 97 recipes and counting.

Breakfast

A square of baked oatmeal topped with a strawberry and blackberry, drizzled with syrup

Breakfast

Apple Cinnamon Protein Oat Bake

A protein-packed baked oatmeal casserole with apple, cinnamon, eggs and vanilla protein powder for a steady-energy start to your day.

4–6 servings

Baked egg muffins flecked with spinach in a well-used muffin tin

Breakfast

Black Bean & Spinach Egg Muffins

Make-ahead egg muffins with black beans and spinach — an easy grab-and-go breakfast with a solid dose of morning protein.

3 servings (6 muffins)

Close-up of golden homemade granola with oats, sliced almonds and dried berries

Breakfast

Easy Protein-Packed Granola

Homemade oat and nut granola with protein powder, chia or flax, cinnamon and honey — great sprinkled over Greek yogurt.

About 5 cups

A baked egg casserole with spinach, red pepper and zucchini in a white dish, with one square cut out

Breakfast

Garden Veggie Egg Bake

Eggs whisked with cottage cheese or Greek yogurt, baked with spinach, bell pepper, zucchini and cheese — a simple, protein-rich veggie bake.

4 servings

A white bowl of oats and milk topped with fresh blueberries and a mint leaf on a wooden table

Breakfast

High Protein Overnight Oats

Oats, Greek yogurt, protein powder, milk and chia seeds soaked overnight and topped with blueberries, for a make-ahead breakfast with about 65g protein.

1 serving

A berry smoothie in a clear cup with a pink straw, topped with blueberries

Breakfast

Morning Protein Smoothie

Greek yogurt, milk, berries, banana, spinach, flax and nut butter blended into a quick breakfast with about 25–30 grams of protein.

1 smoothie

Scrambled eggs with cherry tomatoes, herbs and crumbled feta on a white plate

Breakfast

Simple Veggie & Egg Skillet

Eggs cooked right in the pan with bell pepper, spinach and tomatoes — a quick, protein-and-fiber skillet meal with no prep ahead needed.

1–2 servings

A golden spinach and tomato frittata in a cast iron skillet

Breakfast

Spring Veggie Frittata with Fresh Herbs

Eggs baked with asparagus, spinach, cherry tomatoes, red onion, fresh herbs and optional feta in one skillet. An easy protein-rich spring meal.

4–6 servings

Three sweet potato toasts topped with avocado, cream cheese and cherry tomatoes on a gray plate

Breakfast

Sweet Potato Toast

Toasted sweet potato slices make a fun, gluten-free, fiber-rich swap for bread. Top with avocado, eggs, nut butter or hummus.

4 slices

A stack of golden baked egg muffins with red peppers and green onions

Breakfast

Vegetable Egg Muffins

Eggs baked in a muffin tin with spinach, bell peppers and onions — an easy make-ahead breakfast or snack with about 7g of protein each.

An egg dish filled with wilted spinach and diced tomatoes on a white plate

Breakfast

Veggie & Egg Scramble with Avocado

Eggs scrambled with spinach, tomatoes and peppers, topped with avocado — a savory, protein-rich breakfast that keeps blood sugar steady.

1 serving

Lunch

A quinoa bowl with roasted sweet potato, chickpeas, cauliflower, greens, avocado and radishes under a creamy drizzle

Lunch

Autumn Harvest Bowls

Quinoa or brown rice topped with cinnamon-roasted sweet potato and Brussels sprouts, sautéed greens, apple and pecans, with a maple cider dressing.

4 servings

Lettuce wraps filled with diced avocado and chopped vegetables on a white platter with lime wedges

Lunch

Avocado and Chicken Salad Lettuce Wraps

Shredded chicken tossed in a mashed avocado, olive oil and lime dressing, spooned into lettuce cups — about 25g of protein per serving.

2–3 servings

A salmon fillet on mixed greens with avocado slices and cherry tomatoes

Lunch

Avocado and Salmon Salad

Mixed greens topped with salmon, avocado and tomatoes, dressed with olive oil and lemon — a quick salad rich in omega-3s and healthy fats.

1 serving

Overhead view of a bowl of shredded chicken, white beans, cherry tomatoes, spinach and crumbled feta

Lunch

Chicken & White Bean Power Bowl

An easy protein bowl of chicken, white beans, tomatoes and greens in a lemon-garlic dressing, ready in under 10 minutes.

2 servings

A white bowl of creamy chicken salad with celery, lined with green lettuce leaves

Lunch

Chicken Salad with Fresh Greens

A simple chicken salad with celery, lemon and Dijon, made with mayo or Greek yogurt and served over fresh garden greens, in a sandwich or with crackers.

4 servings

A close-up of a bowl of creamy pureed soup garnished with small broccoli florets

Lunch

Creamy Broccoli & White Bean Soup

A dairy-free, calcium-rich soup of broccoli, white beans, tahini and fortified almond or oat milk, blended until smooth and creamy.

4 servings

A bowl of smooth tomato soup garnished with fresh basil leaves

Lunch

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

A simple five-ingredient soup of onion, crushed tomatoes, broth and basil, blended smooth if you like — nourishing and easy for a cold day.

4 servings

A white bowl of creamy chicken salad with diced pickles and celery on lettuce leaves

Lunch

Dill Pickle Chicken Salad

Tangy chicken salad made with Greek yogurt, chopped dill pickles and a splash of pickle juice. Serve it in lettuce cups, on toast or in a wrap.

4 servings

Overhead view of a bowl of leafy salad with edamame, cherry tomatoes and dried cranberries on a rustic red table

Lunch

Edamame Power Salad

A fresh, protein-packed edamame salad with tomatoes, cucumber, avocado and a sesame-soy dressing — a great side or light meal.

4 servings

A grilled tortilla wrap filled with seasoned chicken, lettuce, tomato and a creamy white sauce

Lunch

High-Protein Chicken Ranch Wrap

Rotisserie chicken, Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning in a high-protein tortilla with fresh vegetables — about 40 grams of protein in 10 minutes.

2 wraps

A baked cottage cheese pizza bowl topped with melted mozzarella, pepperoni slices and a basil leaf

Lunch

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Cottage cheese baked with marinara, mozzarella, turkey pepperoni and Italian seasoning. All the flavor of pizza with about 25 grams of protein per serving.

2 servings

Golden pan-fried salmon cakes topped with fresh cilantro on a wooden plate

Lunch

Lemon-Dill Salmon Cakes

Simple canned-salmon cakes with lemon, dill and Dijon — crisp outside, tender inside, and rich in omega-3s for brain and eye health.

6 small cakes

A glass bowl of chickpea salad with tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and red onion

Lunch

Rainbow Chickpea Crunch Salad

A protein-packed, no-cook salad of chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, pepper and avocado, tossed in a zesty lemon Dijon dressing.

4 servings

A seared salmon fillet on a salad of greens, peach slices, corn, cucumber, feta and pecans

Lunch

Summer Salmon, Corn & Peach Salad

Pan-seared or grilled salmon over greens with corn, fresh peach, cucumber, feta and nuts, finished with a simple honey-Dijon lemon dressing.

2 servings

A plate of spinach salad with sliced strawberries, crumbled cheese, red onion and nuts

Lunch

Summer Strawberry Avocado Crunch Salad

Mixed greens with strawberries, avocado, walnuts, feta and chicken or chickpeas in a honey-balsamic dressing. A satisfying warm-weather salad.

2 servings

A stacked turkey and avocado sandwich on whole grain bread with tomato and red onion, next to a halved avocado

Lunch

Turkey Avocado Power Sandwich

Whole grain bread layered with turkey, avocado and greens — a quick sandwich with protein, healthy fats and fiber for steady energy.

1 sandwich

Dinner

A bowl of hearty vegetable soup with carrots, celery and potatoes, topped with fresh parsley

Dinner

Christmas Soup for Sharing

A simple chicken or white bean vegetable soup that's less about cooking skills and more about creating a reason to sit, talk and be together.

4 servings

A stoneware bowl of tomato lentil soup with fresh parsley on a wooden table

Dinner

Cozy Lentil Soup

A cozy lentil soup with carrots, celery, tomatoes, cumin and smoked paprika, finished with lemon juice for a warm, healthy dinner.

6 servings

Meatballs in a creamy sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and wilted spinach in a shallow bowl

Dinner

Creamy Tuscan Meatballs

Baked turkey or beef meatballs simmered in a creamy coconut milk sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach — about 30–35 grams of protein per serving.

4–5 servings

A plate of golden baked meatballs flecked with fresh parsley

Dinner

Easy Baked Meatballs

Simple oven-baked meatballs made with ground beef, turkey or chicken, Parmesan and almond flour — great to make in bulk and freeze.

4 servings

Two grilled fish tacos with shredded cabbage slaw, cilantro and lime wedges on a white plate

Dinner

Easy Fish Tacos

Chili-cumin seasoned white fish in warm tortillas with coleslaw, avocado and a quick Greek yogurt lime sauce, ready in about 20 minutes.

4 servings

A steaming bowl of meatball soup with carrots, celery and fresh dill

Dinner

Easy Healthy Meatball Soup

A quick soup of turkey or chicken meatballs, carrots, celery and greens in turmeric-spiced broth — warm, hydrating and full of protein.

4 servings

A baking dish of chicken topped with bubbling melted cheese and peppers

Dinner

Easy Salsa Chicken

Chicken breasts baked under salsa and melted cheddar. About 5 minutes of prep and 30 minutes in the oven, or let the slow cooker do the work.

4 servings

A wooden bowl of red curry soup with chicken, mushrooms and fresh basil leaves

Dinner

Easy Thai Chicken Soup

Chicken broth and coconut milk simmered with red curry paste, lime, mushrooms, shredded chicken and greens — a 25-minute soup with 24g of protein.

4 servings

Close-up of sliced chicken with broccoli florets, zucchini and red and yellow bell peppers

Dinner

Garlic Butter Chicken & Veggies

Diced chicken sautéed with garlic, broccoli, bell peppers and zucchini — a quick, delicious skillet meal with about 40 g of protein per serving.

2 servings

A cast-iron skillet of ground beef with shredded cabbage, carrots and sliced green onions

Dinner

Ginger Beef and Cabbage Skillet

Lean ground beef, cabbage and carrots in a one-skillet dinner with garlic, fresh ginger and coconut aminos. Takeout-style flavor in about 25 minutes.

4 servings

Seasoned grilled chicken with broccoli in a baking dish

Dinner

Grilled Chicken and Quinoa Bowl

A quick, balanced high-protein dinner bowl with grilled chicken, quinoa and steamed broccoli — about 34 grams of protein.

1 serving

A bowl of golden lentils cooked with spinach on a striped kitchen towel

Dinner

High-Protein Lentil & Chicken Bowl

Lentils, cumin-turmeric chicken and sautéed greens in one bowl, with about 35–40g of protein per serving plus plenty of fiber.

4 servings

Two golden seared chicken breasts in a lemon butter sauce with a charred lemon slice, thyme and chopped parsley

Dinner

Keto Lemon Chicken

Tender chicken breasts in a tangy lemon, garlic and thyme pan sauce with no added sugar — a quick, flavorful dinner ready in about 20 minutes.

2 servings

A golden-seared salmon fillet with garlic, rosemary and lemon in a pan

Dinner

Lemon Garlic Sheet Pan Salmon & Veggies

Salmon roasted on one pan with broccoli, carrots and bell pepper in lemon, garlic and olive oil — a quick, protein-packed dinner with easy cleanup.

2–4 servings

Grilled chicken breast with lemon slices, rosemary and grilled vegetables on a wooden board

Dinner

Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Chicken breasts marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano and thyme, then grilled. A quick, healthy, high-protein weeknight dinner.

4 servings

A bowl of rice topped with grilled chicken, salsa, black beans, corn, shredded cheddar, red onion and cilantro

Dinner

Mexican Protein Bowl

Quinoa or rice topped with grilled chicken, black beans, pico de gallo, avocado, corn and Greek yogurt — about 43 grams of protein.

1 serving

Herb-roasted chicken thighs on a platter with baby potatoes, carrots, red onion and a lemon wedge

Dinner

One-Pan Lemon Herb Chicken & Vegetables

Chicken, baby potatoes, carrots and green beans roasted on one sheet pan with lemon, garlic and herbs — a simple, protein-rich dinner with easy cleanup.

3–4 servings

A bowl of quinoa topped with salmon, fried eggs, sliced avocado, mushrooms and spinach

Dinner

Salmon & Mushroom Power Bowl

Baked salmon, sautéed mushrooms and greens, eggs, avocado and quinoa in one bowl, packed with vitamin D, protein, healthy fats and fiber.

2 servings

Sliced roasted chicken breasts on a sheet pan with roasted carrots, red peppers, red onion and broccoli

Dinner

Sheet Pan Chicken & Veggies

Chicken, broccoli, carrots, bell pepper and red onion roasted on one sheet pan with garlic and paprika — balanced, easy to batch cook, minimal cleanup.

2–4 servings

A white bowl of rotini pasta with cherry tomatoes, broccoli, carrots, cucumber and black olives

Dinner

Simple Chickpea Pasta

An easy, high-protein chickpea pasta with garlic, olive oil and vegetables — about 18–22 grams of protein per serving without a large portion of meat.

2 servings

A bowl of orange soup topped with fresh cilantro and green onion

Dinner

Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Soup

A creamy blended sweet potato soup with peanut butter, ginger, cumin and a little chili heat, finished with lime and cilantro.

4 servings

Meatballs in a golden sauce with white rice and broccoli

Dinner

Thai Meatballs with Coconut-Peanut Sauce

Baked chicken or turkey meatballs with ginger, garlic and cilantro, drizzled with a quick coconut-peanut curry sauce. Serve over rice or in lettuce.

4 servings

A cast-iron skillet of ground turkey and diced sweet potato with spinach, topped with cilantro, pumpkin seeds and avocado slices

Dinner

Turkey & Sweet Potato Skillet

A simple, hearty one-pan meal of ground turkey, sweet potatoes, onion and spinach with smoked paprika and cumin — plenty of protein and fiber.

4–6 servings

A small pot of vegetable soup with a spoon, next to a fresh tomato

Dinner

Turkey and Vegetable Soup

A simple soup of leftover turkey, carrots, celery, onion and greens in broth with garlic and thyme — a healthy way to use up holiday leftovers.

Side

A plate of mixed greens topped with blueberries, raspberries, sliced strawberries, walnuts and crumbled cheese

Side

Blueberry Walnut Salad with Coconut

Mixed greens with fresh blueberries, walnuts and toasted coconut in a simple lemon and olive oil dressing — refreshing and nutrient-packed.

A dark bowl of broccoli salad with shredded cheddar, red onion and bacon

Side

Broccoli Crunch Salad

Chopped broccoli, carrots, sunflower seeds and nuts in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing. Fiber, protein and healthy fats with no added sugar.

About 6 cups

A small white pitcher of golden vinaigrette beside halved lemons on a wooden board

Side

Lemon Dijon Vinaigrette

A simple homemade lemon Dijon vinaigrette with olive oil, garlic and a touch of honey — a healthier swap for store-bought dressing.

About ¼ cup

A sheet pan of roasted Brussels sprouts, sweet potato cubes, broccoli and red onion topped with chopped nuts

Side

Maple-Balsamic Roasted Vegetables

Brussels sprouts, sweet potato, broccoli and red onion roasted until browned, then tossed in a maple-balsamic Dijon glaze.

4 servings

A bowl of chopped tomato, cucumber and pepper salad topped with a block of feta and herbs

Side

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad

Chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, peppers, olives and feta tossed in a lemony red wine vinaigrette. A refreshing side or light meal.

4 servings

Snack

A glass jar of oats topped with fresh blueberries and chopped walnuts

Snack

Blueberry Walnut Brain Bowl

A quick, brain-friendly breakfast or snack of oats or Greek yogurt topped with fresh blueberries, crunchy walnuts and chia or flaxseeds.

1 serving

Round no-bake energy bites in a dark ceramic bowl

Snack

Chocolate Almond Bites

No-bake bites of coconut, almond butter and cocoa with no added sugar — roll, chill and keep on hand for an easy post-workout snack.

About 18 bites

Chocolate-dipped stuffed dates topped with chopped nuts on parchment paper

Snack

Chocolate Date Bites

Medjool dates stuffed with peanut butter and protein, dipped in dark chocolate — a healthier treat for when a sweet craving hits.

10 servings

A small bowl of spice-coated roasted nuts on a white table

Snack

Cinnamon-Spiced Roasted Nuts

Mixed nuts roasted with cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and vanilla — a protein-rich, low-sugar holiday snack that also makes a thoughtful gift.

2 cups

A bowl of cottage cheese topped with halved cherry tomatoes and chopped nuts

Snack

Cottage Cheese Crunch Bowl

A savory high-protein, low-sugar snack of cottage cheese topped with pumpkin or sunflower seeds, cucumber or cherry tomatoes and a drizzle of olive oil.

1 serving

A bowl of flaked tuna salad over fresh greens

Snack

Cucumber Tuna Boats

Hollowed-out cucumber halves filled with a quick tuna salad made with mayo or Greek yogurt. A low-carb, high-protein snack that's easy to prepare.

2 boats

A slice of seeded bread spread with cottage cheese and topped with fresh herbs and cracked pepper

Snack

Egg & Herb Cottage Cheese Toast

Whole-grain toast topped with cottage cheese, sliced boiled egg, fresh herbs and cracked pepper — a protein-rich recovery snack ready in minutes.

1 serving

A plate of creamy hummus topped with chickpeas, olive oil and paprika

Snack

Homemade Hummus

Creamy homemade hummus made with chickpeas, lemon, garlic, yogurt and olive oil, finished with smoked paprika and fresh parsley.

About 2 cups

Round oat energy bites studded with dried berries on a white plate

Snack

No-Bake Walnut Energy Bites

No-bake oat bites with walnuts, dried blueberries, flaxseed and almond butter, sweetened with a touch of honey or ripe banana.

About 12 bites

A terracotta bowl of orange red pepper dip with a piece of bread, beside fresh red peppers on a wooden table

Snack

Roasted Red Pepper & Feta Dip

A creamy blended dip of roasted red peppers, feta, lemon and smoked paprika — simple ingredients, big flavor, and a little protein.

About 1½ cups

Dessert

Purple berry and creamy vanilla popsicles swirled with strawberry on parchment with fresh blueberries

Dessert

Berry Vanilla Protein Popsicles

Greek yogurt, vanilla protein powder and frozen berries blended and frozen into popsicles. An easy, high-protein summer treat to make with the grandkids.

About 6 popsicles

A stack of fudgy chocolate brownie squares on a white plate

Dessert

Flourless Black Bean Brownies

Fudgy flourless brownies made with black beans, cocoa and monk fruit — no refined sugar, high in fiber and a healthier sweet treat.

9 brownies

Reindeer treat pops on wooden sticks with pretzel antlers, candy eyes and red candy noses

Dessert

Reindeer Rice Krispie Pops

Rice Krispie treat pops with pretzel antlers, candy eyes and a red candy nose — a quick, kid-friendly holiday recipe to make with the grandchildren.

8–10 pops

Drink

A tall glass of creamy purple blueberry smoothie on a white background

Drink

Blueberry Almond Protein Smoothie

A yummy, nutrient-dense smoothie with blueberries, banana, protein powder, almond butter and chia or flax for a strong protein base.

1 smoothie

Two glass mason jars of green smoothie with striped paper straws, a halved avocado and fresh mint on a wooden table

Drink

Coconut Avocado Pineapple Smoothie

A creamy, tropical smoothie with avocado, pineapple, banana, lime, chia and a hidden handful of spinach — no added sugar.

1 smoothie

A glass bottle of green smoothie with a polka-dot paper straw

Drink

Creamy Banana Almond Smoothie

A creamy banana, almond milk and almond butter smoothie with chia, cinnamon and spinach — high in magnesium to help you wind down for sleep.

1 smoothie

Two tall glasses of sparkling water with cucumber slices, lime and mint over crushed ice

Drink

Cucumber Lime Mint Spritzer

Cucumber, lime and fresh mint in sparkling water — a crisp, hydrating pitcher drink that's easy to keep in the fridge for a warm afternoon.

1 pitcher

Two mason jar glasses of iced water with cucumber and lemon slices and fresh mint

Drink

Cucumber Mint Citrus Refresher

Cold water or coconut water infused with cucumber, lemon or lime and fresh mint. An easy, hydrating drink with an optional pinch of salt for electrolytes.

2 servings

A tall glass of iced water with lemon and lime slices and fresh mint

Drink

DIY Citrus Mint Electrolyte Water

Homemade electrolyte water with lemon, coconut water, fresh mint and a pinch of sea salt — a refreshing, no-added-sugar way to stay hydrated.

About 4½ cups

A frothy golden turmeric drink in an amber glass with cinnamon sticks and star anise

Drink

Golden Turmeric Smoothie

A creamy banana smoothie with turmeric, cinnamon, ginger and a pinch of black pepper — a simple, tasty way to add anti-inflammatory foods to your day.

1 serving

A mug of hot cocoa topped with mini marshmallows on a wooden table

Drink

Hot Cocoa With Stevia

A warm, low-sugar hot cocoa made with unsweetened cocoa, almond milk and stevia, with an optional scoop of protein or collagen powder.

2 cups

A tall glass of creamy shake with a metal straw, dusted with cinnamon, beside cinnamon sticks and vanilla pods

Drink

Protein Power Smoothie

Protein powder, Greek yogurt, nut butter and frozen banana blended into a creamy, 40–50 g protein smoothie for a meal replacement or recovery.

1 smoothie

A ladle pouring clear golden broth back into a large pot

Drink

Simple Bone Broth

A simple homemade bone broth with vegetables and apple cider vinegar — a delicious way to get extra collagen, on the stovetop, slow cooker or Instant Pot.

About 8 cups

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