17 High-Protein, Low-Calorie Foods That Are Actually SO Good

Sep 28, 2023

A number of different, colorful food that is high in protein sits on top of a white surface.

If you've ever dreamt of a plate piled high with scrumptious goodness, only to be rudely awakened by the reality of sky-high calorie counts, you're in for a refreshing revelation. Turns out you can have your cake (figuratively speaking, of course) and eat it too! In our quest for high-protein, low-calorie foods that not only satisfy our taste buds, but keep us full too, we've discovered 17 delicious food items that will allow you to indulge in your favorite eats without feeling like you're betraying your wellness goals.

Whether you're a fitness enthusiast looking to support your gym goals or simply someone who believes that good food should make you feel as awesome as it tastes, this guide is your secret weapon. Prepare to meet your new culinary sidekicks — as these foods are not just delicious, they're your ticket to a healthier, happier you! Let's dive headfirst into the world of high-protein, low-calorie foods and make healthy eating a delicious adventure!

What food is high-protein AND low-calorie?

Image via Jacqueline Howell/Pexels

Chicken Breast: Skinless, boneless chicken breast is a lean source of protein with very few calories. It's versatile and can be grilled, baked, or poached.
Fish (Various Types): Many fish like cod, haddock, and tilapia are low in calories and rich in protein. Fatty fish like salmon also provide healthy fats.
Tofu: Tofu, made from soybeans, is a plant-based protein source that's low in calories. It absorbs flavors well and can be used in various dishes.
Tempeh: Another soy-based option, tempeh is fermented and has a nutty flavor. It's high in protein and low in calories.
Egg Whites: Egg whites are almost pure protein and very low in calories. They can be used in omelets, scrambles, and baking.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is higher in protein compared to regular yogurt. Opt for plain, non-fat or low-fat versions to keep calories down.
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is rich in protein and can be eaten on its own or added to salads and dishes.
Lean Beef: Lean cuts of beef like sirloin or tenderloin are lower in calories compared to fattier cuts. They're still protein-packed.
Lentils: Lentils are a plant-based protein source that's high in fiber and low in calories. They're great for soups and stews.
Chickpeas: Chickpeas are versatile legumes that can be used in salads, curries, or roasted for a crunchy snack. They're a good source of protein and fiber.
Seitan: Seitan, often called wheat meat, is made from gluten and is very high in protein. It's commonly used in vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Shrimp: Shrimp are a low-calorie seafood option packed with protein. They cook quickly and can be used in a variety of dishes.
Low-Fat Cheese: Some varieties of low-fat cheese, like mozzarella or cottage cheese, offer protein without excessive calories.
Edamame: These young soybeans are a good source of plant-based protein and make for a healthy snack or addition to salads.
Quinoa: Quinoa is a grain that's relatively high in protein and can be used as a base for salads, bowls, or as a side dish.
Spinach: Among vegetables, spinach is relatively high in protein and extremely low in calories. It's great for salads and sautéed dishes.
Broccoli: Broccoli is a low-calorie vegetable with a fair amount of protein, making it a healthy side dish or addition to stir-fries.

What recipes can I make that include high-protein, low-calorie foods?

Spicy Baked Salmon Recipe with Sweet Chili Sauce

Image via Cilantro Parsley

On average, one cooked portion of salmon typically contains 22-25 grams of protein. This makes it an excellent source of high-quality protein, along with plenty of other nutritional benefits. We love the balanced flavors of this Spicy Baked Salmon Recipe with Sweet Chili Sauce. It's become a go-to recipe whenever we're craving a burst of bold and sweet flavors.

Nut Roast

Image via Two Spoons

This meat-free, meatloaf alternative is such an original idea. We love how this recipe takes ordinary ingredients like nuts and vegetables and turns them into a protein-packed feast. It's a testament to the tastiness of plant-based cooking.

Best Grilled Chicken Breast

Image via The Endless Meal

It's time to bid adieu to dry and dull chicken! This recipe is like a magic spell that turns your chicken breasts into succulent pieces of grilled perfection.

Beef Bourguignon

Image via Culinary Hill

While it may seem like an elegant French dish, Beef Bourguignon is secretly a protein powerhouse, with melt-in-your-mouth beef that's sure to satisfy your inner carnivore.

Chinese Chicken and Broccoli

Image via TakesTwoEggs

A single serving of broccoli may only pack 2-3 grams of protein, but paired with chicken it becomes a robust plate of protein. This dish is a champion in the low-calorie, high-protein department. It's proof that you can enjoy the best of both worlds without compromising on your health goals.

Low Carb Chicken Mushroom Soup

Image via A Spicy Perspective

While it may seem decadent, this soup is low in carbs and high in flavor. It's a delightful reminder that you don't have to compromise on taste when embracing a low-carb lifestyle.

Easy Shrimp Stir Fry with Vegetables

Image via Bowl of Delicious

When the hunger strikes and time is of the essence, we turn to our trusty Shrimp Stir-Fry recipe for a whirlwind trip to flavor town. It's a dinner experience that never fails to put a smile on our faces.

Black Bean Quinoa Enchilada Bake

Image via Two Peas & Their Pod

We're all about savoring delicious meals without guilt, and this Black Bean and Quinoa Enchilada Bake is our culinary superhero. It's like a flavor-packed fiesta that keeps any nutrition goals in check.

Lemon Quinoa Cucumber Salad Recipe

Image via Veggie Society

As folks who enjoy refreshing salads that burst with flavor, discovering this Lemon Quinoa Cucumber Salad felt like finding a cool oasis on a hot day. It's now a must-have in our summer recipe collection.

High Protein Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

Image via Live Eat Learn

Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough? You heard that right! High protein low calorie foods can also apply to your dessert and this recipe is like a sneaky, guilt-free treat that winks at your sweet tooth while keeping things light.

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15 Light Summer Meals You’ll Have On Rotation All Season Long

After all of summer's daylong adventures spent outside in the heat, the very last thing you want to do is fire up the oven for dinner. These 15 light summer meals come to the rescue with fresh ingredients, minimal prep work and cook time, plus the perfect serving sizes so you don't feel weighed down one bit.

Niçoise Salad

Salads are perhaps the most expected light summer meals, but this one totally defies expectations by being packed with tons of nutritious goodies like tomatoes, green beans, olives, egg, and tuna. (via Brit + Co)

Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

The trick to making these gorgeous Mediterranean chicken skewers is letting the marinade, well, marinate for up to 24 hours. This period of letting the flavors soak in is the most labor-intensive part of this recipe – the actual grilling part will only last 10-12 minutes! Serve with some fresh veg to really get in the groove. (via Brit + Co)

Greek Salad

This no-cook salad makes the ultimate side dish for backyard get-togethers! It's bursting with flavor from crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, red onion, bell pepper, salty olives, and feta cheese. The tangy dressing is a simple mix of olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper – all measured to your liking. (via Brit + Co)

Pineapple Al Pastor Tacos

Pineapple is the prime fruit for summer, so we'll take any excuse to incorporate it into our recipes! A strong, flavorful al pastor marinade generously coats some chicken before getting quickly grilled and layered with pineapple salsa in this light summer recipe. Goes exceptionally well with an ice-cold beer or tequila cocktails! (via Brit + Co)

California Black Bean Burgers

All you need to craft these uber-fresh (and way better than store-bought) veggie burgers is a food processor and the hearty mix of beans, grains, and spices. Forewarning, you will need to use the oven to cook 'em, albeit at a low temperature of 250°F. (via Brit + Co)

Vegan Chickpea Cranberry Lettuce Wraps

Sometimes chowing down on meat feels like too hard a chore, especially in the scorching-hot summer. That's where vegan recipes like this one come in! No cooking is required for the chickpea-cranberry filling that gets stuffed into crisp romaine wraps. These make an excellent light lunch or even mid-day snack! (via Brit + Co)

Honey-Lemon Chicken Thighs

Although these chicken thighs require a good amount of time in the skillet, you could easily save yourself the time and effort by meal prepping a ton of pieces to eat on throughout the week. The honey-lemon flavors are *not* to be missed, and once cooked, you can enjoy this protein hot or cold. (via Brit + Co)

Spring Mix Salad with Lemon Baked Tofu

This crunchy salad is topped with perhaps the tastiest baked tofu bits around. They get wonderfully seasoned with ginger, lemon, miso, mustard, and other spices, all while supplying a good serving of plant-based protein. The salad bed itself is also bulked up with quinoa, avocado, and edamame. (via Brit + Co)

Instant Pot Creamy Chicken Pasta

If you're hungry for something a bit heartier, the Instant Pot can be a big helper in achieving satisfying summer meals since it's relatively hands-off. This one-pot pasta dish is pressure cooked to cheesy perfection for only 5 minutes, and delivers a delicious garlicky, umami-y flavor you'll wanna eat again and again. (via Brit + Co)

Watermelon Feta Mint Salad

Watermelon, cucumber, feta cheese, and fresh mint is an underrated combo that you just *have* to try out this season. This salad recipe makes a great side for any and all light summer meals, or you could simply serve it as the main course just as easily! (via The Edgy Veg)

Vegan Summer Rolls

Any food served in wrap form gets our stamp of approval, and these vegan rolls stuffed with miso-glazed tofu pieces and plenty of colorful veggies are simply ahh-mazing. They are also super adaptable based on you and your family's personal preferences. (via Crowded Kitchen)

Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Make some bomb Caesar salad, toss some freshly-cooked pasta in that bad boy, and boom – you've got yourself one of the easiest, tastiest light summer meals out there. You don't necessarily need to craft your own dressing, either, if you don't want to. Just go with the best store-bought stuff to save yourself some time this summer, and it'll be just as good! (via Completely Delicious)

Asian Noodle Salad in Peanut Dressing

You certainly won't miss out on your daily serving of veggies with this Asian-inspired noodle salad! The best part is the carrots, radishes, and cabbage are all thinly sliced and julienned so they kind of hide in between and blend in with the egg noodles. The peanut sauce that drenches every inch of this dish is to die for. (via Vikalinka)

Quinoa, Cherry & Goat Cheese Salad

Recipes that have both savory and sweet elements to them are fantastic for switching up your usual meal routine. This summer-ready quinoa salad brimming with cherries, goat cheese, and mint is just the thing you need for a healthy and fun-to-eat lunch or dinner this season! (via Averie Cooks)

Tuscan Bean Salad

Bean salads are a nice summer lunch staple to hang onto since they're heavy on protein content. You won't need to turn on a single appliance to make this one that assumes the best Tuscan flavors – cannellini beans, tomatoes, parsley, and onion are tossed together and served with a perfectly zesty dressing. If you wish to bulk up your bite even more, consider adding sliced salami or diced chicken to the mix! (via Earthly Provisions)

Chicken Pesto Pasta Salad

This pasta salad is worthy of any summer BBQs, potlucks, or dinner parties you have in the pipeline. It's definitely on the more filling side, but still light enough for the season since you can serve it cold. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

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Lead image via Crowded Kitchen.

George And Amal Clooney's Courtship Included...Letters From His Dog?

George and Amal Clooney are one of the celebrity couples I’d personally be upset over if they ever break up. Like...my heart just wouldn’t be able to handle it because their love story is one for the books — not to mention all the power couple fashion moments we'd miss out on!

I was introduced to George Clooney’s work via Quentin Tarantino’s movieFrom Dusk ‘Til Dawn (thanks, dad) and have always found him to be a force of nature, but I didn’t take him for the ‘settling down’ type. Imagine my surprise when the man who once claimed he’d never get married eventually found himself smitten with Amal Alamuddin, an intelligent Human Rights Lawyer.

Since their fateful first meeting at George’s home years ago, the two have gone on to get married, have children, and even established the Clooney Foundation for Justice together. If you can’t get enough of their relationship either, here’s a full timeline of their love story!

George and Amal Clooney's Full Relationship Timeline

Image via Andrew Goodman/Getty Images for Celebrity Fight Night

July 2013: George And Amal Clooney’s First Introduction

In 2018, George sat down with David Letterman on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction to recount various moments from his life, including when he first met Amal. He remembers being at home at Lake Como when one of his friends asked if they could bring a plus one with them.

To make things even wilder, his own agent let him know his bachelor days would soon be over. “I got a call from my agent who called and said, ‘I met this woman who’s coming to your house who you’re gonna marry,’” he said.

Once he met Amal and began talking to her, it was apparent they had chemistry that resulted in them exchanging emails. George told The Hollywood Reporter, “I thought she was beautiful, and I thought she was funny and obviously smart…Then she sent some pictures from when she was here, and we were writing each other, emailing, talking, mostly about what was going on in each other’s lives, and over a period of time it became clear we were more than just friends.”

I’m being dramatic, but I think this dispels the idea that it’s impossible to find love if you don’t leave home.

Image via Cindy Ord/Getty Images

October 2013: George and Amal Have Their First Date

George also told The Hollywood Reporter about how their first official date came to be. He was in London overseeing the music for Monuments Men and decided to invite Amal for a visit. “Then we went for dinner…and when we came out, there were 50 paparazzi there. But she handled it like a champ. And pretty quickly, things escalated once I was in London,” he said

While they dated and got to know each other, they told CBS that they wrote each other letters. While they described that courtship, Amal added that some of the letters George wrote to her came from...his dog? Talk about bringing someone into your inner world! TBH, I'm more than here for it — let your sweet, goofy flag fly, George!

Image via Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Turner

April 2014: George and Amal Get Engaged

I always say there’s no denying when you’ve fallen in love with someone, and that couldn’t be more true for George and Amal Clooney who got engaged after six months of dating. Seriously, the way George proposed is something out of a romantic fairytale because he planned it. Not only that, but he cooked for her and sent her on a short scavenger hunt — except she didn’t know she was supposed to be looking for a ring.

He revealed even more details about the moment during his interview with The Hollywood Reporter. “I did all the stuff, got down on my knee and did all the things you’re supposed to do. I had a playlist with my Rosemary [Clooney] songs on it, and I was waiting for this song, ‘Why Shouldn’t I,’” he said.

Needless to say, Amal happily accepted his proposal! Ironically,I’m starting to realize there’s not always a set timeline for people to get engaged or married after dating. Some people only date for a few months while others date for years before deciding to get married. It’s all very personal.

Image via Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for BFI

September 2014: George And Amal Clooney Get Married

It wouldn’t be right if the couple didn’t get married in Italy, the country where they first met. Of course they were free to get married wherever they wanted, but leave it to the Clooneys to keep the romance going.

People reported the lovely couple wed at the Aman Canal Grande resort and guests like Matt Damon, Emily Blunt, and John Krasinski were in attendance.

Image via Jason Merritt/Getty Images

January 2015: George and Amal Grace the Red Carpet Together

For the first time ever, George and Amal Clooney made an appearance on the red carpet at the beginning of 2015. They attended the Golden Globes together where George received the famed lifetime achievement award.

Towards the end of his speech, George praised Amal in only a way that a man truly in love with his wife could. He said, "You make every single day — every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday — feel as special as tonight..."

Image via Duncan McGlynn/Getty Images

Late 2016: George and Amal Found the Clooney Foundation for Justice

By 2016, George and Amal Clooney decided to found the Clooney Foundation for Justice — an organization that aims to shed light around social injustices found across the globe. They've prioritized spending their own money to help those in need without a second thought and have even donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Image via Clemens Bilan/Getty Images

February 2017: PEOPLE confirms George and Amal are expecting twins

Almost three years after getting married, a source close to George and Amal Clooney revealed the two were expecting a baby together. They told People, "They’re all very happy," referring to the couple's family.

George later revealed to The Hollywood Reporter that he was shocked when he discovered the couple would actually become parents to twins. He recalled their experience in the ultrasound room. "He goes, 'Well, there's one.' And I said, 'Great.' And then he goes, 'And there's the second one.' And I was like, 'What?' We just sat there, staring at that piece of paper they give you, and I kept thinking there was a mistake," he said of the exchange between the doctor and the couple.

Image via Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images

June 2017: George and Amal Clooney Welcome Their Twins

People also reported the birth of George and Amal Clooney's twins — Alexander and Ella — during the summer of 2017. "This morning Amal and George welcomed Ella and Alexander Clooney into their lives. Ella, Alexander and Amal are all healthy, happy and doing fine. George is sedated and should recover in a few days," they revealed in lighthearted joint statement.

September 2017: George and Amal Clooney Make Their First Appearance After Becoming Parents

Later that year, George and Amal Clooney graced the red carpet at the Venice Film Festival in support of George's film Suburbicon. George — an ever dapper gentleman — wore a classic black tuxedo while Amal wore a lilac Versace gown.

Image via Gareth Fuller - WPA Pool/Getty Images

May 2018: George and Amal attend Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's wedding

Things were quiet for the couple until the spring of 2018. They attended Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's highly publicized wedding. They were just a few of the celebrities that were seen in the crowd.

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

February 2022: George and Amal accept the Catalyst Award together

A couple of years later, George and Amal Clooney were the proud recipients of the joint Catalyst Award from the Elevate Prize Foundation. The amazing work they'd been doing in connection with the Clooney Foundation for Justice hadn't gone unnoticed and they were praised for their amazing philanthropic work.

While accepting the award, George gave a moving speech about their foundation's purpose. "One of the Elevate Prize Foundation's core values is human safety and freedom...Our goal at the foundation is to free the innocent and punish the guilty. I think we're both inspired by the young people out there challenging injustice in their communities, a new generation that won't accept the status quo," he said.

Image via Joe Maher/Getty Images

September 2022: George and Amal attend London premiere of Ticket to Paradise

The couple then attended the London premiere of Ticket to Paradise where they looked refreshed and glowy. This is my attempt to be appropriate, but they truly looked smoking h-o-t!This time George wore a three-piece suit while Amal stunned in beautiful slip dress.

Image via Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

October 17, 2022: George and Amal attend Ticket to Paradise Los Angeles premiere

They then attended the L.A. premiere of Ticket to Paradise where George looked debonair in a grey suit. Amal wore a gorgeous Alexander McQueen number that was an appropriate nod to the film's paradise theme.

Image via Mike Coppola/Getty Images

December 3, 2022: George and Amal Attend The Kennedy Center Honors

George and Amal Clooney attended the Kennedy Center Honors where he, along with honorees, received a nod for lifetime achievements. They were a picture of perfection on the red carpet, especially Amal. She dazzled in a lovely Valentino gown that looked amazing on her frame.

Image via Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images

August 31, 2023: The Couple Attend The DVF Awards in Venice

While attending the DVF Awards in Venice, Amal received the DVF Leadership Award. During her acceptance speech, Amal thanked George for being by her side. People reports she said, "Venice is the place where almost nine years ago we were married. I just wanted to say, you, my love, like this city, take my breath away, and you make our lives magical. It is sometimes hard to believe you exist, so thank you for being the brightest light in my life.”

September 28, 2023: George and Amal host The Albies

Before the end of 2023, People reported George and Amal Clooney hosted their foundation's second annual Albies at the New York Public Library to continue highlighting the importance of securing human rights for all.

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Header image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

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19 Decadent Desserts That Are So Good, You Won’t Need Tupperware

If you’re the kind of person that hurries through dinner to quickly scurry to the dessert portion, enjoys homemade baking, or has a sweet tooth for the finer treats in life, then this one’s for you. The beauty of desserts is that there is so much room for variety and creativity in flavoring — from a classic vanilla cupcake to an indulgent, hard-to-perfect Boston creme pie.

Despite the large range of options, it can be easy to stick with what you like, run out of ideas, and become bored with your go-to dessert recipes. That’s why we put together a list of the most decadent desserts to make on a random Tuesday night or bring to your next dinner party. Here are 19 of our sweetest picks!

Strawberry Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake

Strawberry lovers are going to be all over this dessert. The strawberry rhubarb upside-down cake lets the fruit shine and is drizzled with a caramelized topping. (via Completely Delicious)

Chocolate Bourbon Chai Latte Cupcakes with Butter Pecan Frosting

How can you take your cupcakes to the next level? Bourbon. Chai spice. And brown sugar pecans. These chocolate bourbon chai latte cupcakes with butter pecan frosting are a fun alternative to pecan pie and add a little spice kick to your dessert. (via Half Baked Harvest).

Brown Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

The recipe name alone, brown butter oatmeal chocolate chip cookies, is enough to get us on board. Sprinkle some sea salt on top to achieve that salty and sweet combination! (via Half Baked Harvest).

Dulce De Leche Cheesecake

When in doubt, add caramel to your favorite baked goods. A dulce de leche cheesecake offers a sweeter take on the classic cheesecake, due to the canned dulce de leche (aka caramelized milk). Graham crackers or crumbs will work for this one! (via Women Scribbles)

Lemon Raspberry Cookies

For the citrus dessert lovers out there, you’ll have to add these lemon raspberry cookies to your baking list. The ingredients call for all the stops in lemon flavoring: lemon zest, lemon extract, and an additional sweet lemon glaze. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cupcakes With Chocolate Ganache

Being gluten-free doesn’t mean you need to give up decadent chocolate desserts. The gluten-free chocolate cupcakes with chocolate ganache consist of dark chocolate, chocolate chips, and unsweetened cocoa powder (no flour!) making it naturally gluten-free and delicious. (via The Bossy Kitchen)

Cranberry Mini Vegan Cheesecakes

When you think of desserts, you think cheesecake. These cranberry mini vegan cheesecakes fit precisely in a 12-slot muffin tin and carry a date-walnut crust. (via Salt & Lavender)

Brown Butter Banana Bread

Stray from the original banana bread to this brown butter banana bread that can be made in an hour. Brown butter adds a nutty flavoring that presents a deeper taste than regular melted butter! (via The Endless Meal)

Key Lime Donuts

This key lime donut recipe lends a twist to the traditional glazed donut. You’ll need the juice and the zest of key limes to really make that flavor shine. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have a donut cutter, you can use pantry items like a canned goods jar to get that circle shape! (via Cozy Cravings)

Salted Caramel Brownies

Upgrade basic brownies with some much-needed salted caramel. This salted caramel brownie recipe boasts a rich dark chocolate with pools of salted caramel throughout. It’s as indulgent as you can get in two hours! (via Butternut Bakery)

Perfect Vanilla Cupcakes

You can’t go wrong with a traditional, homemade vanilla cupcake. These perfect vanilla cupcakes went through some serious rounds of testing and are inspired by the nostalgic box cake mix you see on grocery store shelves. The vanilla bean buttercream is mouth-watering! (via Butternut Bakery)

Lemon Bars

During the spring and summer months, you’ll find yourself gravitating towards these lemon bars. You can bake them in under an hour, with the shortbread base only containing three ingredients: butter, flour, and sugar. (via Vikalinka)

Snickerdoodle Mini Muffins

No, muffins aren’t just for breakfast. They’re for snacks, desserts — and this snickerdoodle mini muffin recipe is for your cinnamon and sugar cravings. They are a bite-sized reminder of the classic snickerdoodle cookie! (via Averie Cooks)

Honey Soaked Almond Cake

The secret to this honey soaked almond cake is super-fine almond flour, lending a top-notch texture for the perfect baked good. The simple honey topping is what takes this cake to the next level. (via The Original Dish)

Blueberry Lavender Ice Cream with Hazelnut

What says decadent dessert more than ice cream? This blueberry lavender ice cream with hazelnut recipe elevates from the usual chocolate or vanilla flavorings, and is completely refreshing. Topping it with a hazelnut crumble is optional! (via The Original Dish)

Mini Peach Rhubarb Cobblers

If you’re looking for guests (or yourself!) to grab and go, these personalized mini peach rhubarb cobbers are the ideal treat — especially in the summer. Make sure to pick out the juiciest of peaches for the best results. (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Cranberry Swirl Almond Pound Cake

Pound cake is one of those ‘sure thing’ desserts that you know everyone will love. This cranberry swirl almond pound cake is easier to whip up than it looks, with one of the key ingredients being almond extract! (via Whole and Heavenly Oven)

Chocoflan Impossible Cake

This chocoflan impossible cake is a fun take on a Mexican delicacy: vanilla flan. It’s dense, rich, and the ideal treat for chocolate lovers. Snag your go-to bundt pan and cajeta (essentially homemade goat’s milk caramel) from the Mexican food section of your grocery store. (via A Spicy Perspective)

One Hour Cinnamon Rolls

Nothing says baking like a homemade cinnamon roll. Skip the hassle of overnight dough rising with these one-hour cinnamon rolls. Trust us, the pastry is not just for breakfast, you can make them for dessert too! (via Amanda Wilens)

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Header image via The Original Dish

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Desperate For Long Nails? How To Finally Make Your Nails Grow Faster

Nails breaking constantly? Wishing you didn't have to rely on tips at the salon? Desperate for that long nail look? You’re not alone. Despite it being used as an annoying and vapid phrase women would say in TV shows, breaking a nail is very painful and can ruin a (usually expensive) manicure. But don’t fret — we’ve rounded up five simple ways to get your nails to grow longer and stronger.

What causes weak fingernails?

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

Cuticle oil
Biotin
Diet
Nail protection
Avoid picking and peeling

Here's why each factor is important, plus how you can go about successfully achieving them.

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

Photo via Cora Pursley/Dupe

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

“Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Photo via Daniella Cappellari/Dupe

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Photo via Sash Gabriel/Dupe

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.

Looking for more beauty tips and inspo? Be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter for more!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Laura Walt/Dupe

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Yulin Kuang’s Debut Novel “How To End A Love Story” Is Summer's Hottest Book Club Pick

I've got a thing for Reese Witherspoon's book club which is why I couldn't wait to get my hands on Yulin Kuang's debut novel How to End a Love Story. Chosen as Reese's Book Club's May Pick, it features a romance that almost shouldn't make sense. I mean, when's the last time you realized you trauma bonded with someone? Except Helen Zhang and Grant Shepard's character arcs as well as the entire plot of How to End a Love Story doesn't even feel like that.

Instead, Yulin uncannily peels back the layers of what it means to be a layered human being who happens to be carrying trauma, talent, success, imposter syndrome, and burning desire in their hearts. Even that doesn't scratch the surface of who Helen and Grant are. Trying to capture their essence feels like I'm stumbling over my words which points to how great this novel is and that means Yulin's goal has been accomplished.

Though she loves perfectly executed rom-coms and is fortunate to be working on them in the filmmaking space, she doesn't consider How to End a Love Story as one. "...I was searching for something more aligned with the Brontë sensibility of romance in the writing of this book. Less warmth and charm, more id-level storytelling and unchecked carnal desire," she explains.

Yulin Kuang's Journey To "How To End A Love Story"

Image via Zach Wallnau

Some people seem to be born knowing they're destined to right, but some of us stumble into it and realize, "Hey, I'm pretty good at this." For Yulin, her journey to her debut novel How to End a Love Story takes the latter route. Her first dream, you make ask? To be an Olympic figure skater.

"...that didn't pan out so I turned to storytelling," Yulin admits. That pivot led her to set her sights on becoming an author as she began honing her creative writing skills via your classic marble composition notebooks. If you're still wondering if she kept some of them, the answer is yes!

The screenwriter and author then found herself drawn to other aspects of writing and film. She says, "I eventually fell in love with screenwriting and directing while in undergrad at Carnegie Mellon, and I spent my first decade post-grad concentrating on my filmmaking career."

Yulin Kuang's Approach To Filmmaking

It's a reason why her hard work and the stars aligned for her to adapt Emily Henry's Beach Read and People We Meet on Vacation.

When I ask what helps her approach the book-to-film trajectory, she credits writing fan fiction. This feels similar to Christina Lauren's own experience, further proving that fan fiction deserves the utmost praise for helping some of the best literary and film minds who ultimately birth what I could only describe as masterpieces.

Yulin says, "Fan fiction is where I first learned you could play with characters originated by someone else to discover what you’d make them do in your own version." Although it would be easy for anyone to snap their fingers and have their first pitches accepted by everyone, she learned to lean on what writing fan fiction taught her.

"Early in my career, I would pitch on book-to-film adaptations and I’d be like, 'Change nothing, just shoot the book!' And I wouldn’t get those jobs, because I didn’t have a clear “take” and because you can’t actually just shoot a book – adaptation is an art form unto itself. So onceI started approaching adaptation with more of a fan fiction mindset – 'What is my take on these characters and this world?' – that helped me approach the book-to-screen trajectory more successfully," she proudly says.

However, this doesn't mean she never questioned if she could still find ways to create new ideas. "...in 2021, at a time when everything else I was working on was an adaptation, I found myself wondering if I had anything original left within me," she remembers.

It's natural for creatives to experience moments of doubt, but Yulin has been able to turn the tide and discover untapped ideas in her mind. Just don't expect her to set her own expectations about any adaptations she's working on.

She says, "Know that I am an avid reader of romance and a frequent consumer of this genre across mediums, and I will be bringing everything I know going into these adaptations. But more specifically to Beach Read, which I have more creative ownership over as the writer/director."

How Yulin Kuang Relates To Her Main Characters In "How To End A Love Story"

And since How to End a Love Story is truly Yulin's own creative body of work, it makes sense that main characters Helen and Grant have pieces of her personality as well as her characteristics.

"I gave Helen all my hopes and insecurities from high school and gave her the alternate universe path where I had pursued publishing instead of Hollywood. I examined what might have happened if I’d grown into certain qualities I’ve actively tried to grow away from," she says of Helen Zhang.

Right away, readers get the sense that Helen is a whip-smart and hardworking, but her penchant for being cautious about her success also peeks through. Though she's written highly successful YA (read: young adult) novels, Helen waits with bated breath for the moment people will call her bluff. She's relatable because many of us wonder if we're simply cosplaying as versions of ourselves who've reached any level of success.

On the other hand, there's Grant Shepard. He's seemingly this cool, calm, and collected screenwriter who has a complicated past with Helen. Yulin says, "I gave Grant a lot of the qualities I’m proud of and/or have coveted as a working screenwriter, and I certainly relate to many of his thoughts on screenwriting and the current state of our industry."

The more the reader learns about Helen and Grant, the more it becomes obvious that there's more to them than meets the eye. Sure, they are complicated...but who isn't?

"At their core, Helen and Grant are just two kids from Jersey trying to make it in Hollywood, and of course I relate deeply to that," she says.

Yulin Kuang's View Of Rom-Coms

Based on Yulin's genuine interest in romance novels and the fact she's well-versed in adapting them, she knows what it takes to make rom-coms flourish. Her first take? "Romantic tension is key to any romance – I always need to know why our couple can’t be together now. The second that tension is gone, so is audience interest," she points out.

This explains why we can't get enough of reading books about it, listening to albums dedicated to it, or watching films that depict all levels of romance. Still, there are some people who approach the genre with a side eye.

"There seems to be a natural human suspicion of things that make us feel too good – like, 'That can’t possibly be good for us, that’s just candy!' I wonder if it’s something evolutionary at work," she says before doubling down. "You can’t argue with the fact that people absolutely fucking love rom-coms, and I will die on the hill that a well-earned happily ever after is both harder to achieve and more narratively satisfying when it’s pulled off successfully."

She's the type of writer who really appreciates a big kiss that's handled correctly onscreen, but she's also not afraid to "groan every time it's fumbled." But, she knows everyone still won't see romance the way she and so many others view it, but she doesn't really care.

"Ultimately, I don’t concern myself too much with changing minds that don’t want to be changed.There are enough smart people who recognize the power and value of rom-coms, and I’d rather spend my precious time creating art to surprise and delight the people with good taste."

Need I say that this is yet another reason why How to End a Love Story works so well?

How Yulin Kuang Wishes The World Would Celebrate AAPI Month

As much as she's vocal about screenwriting and rom-coms, Yulin also has thoughts about the way society-at-large talks about BIPOC creative artists. "There’s a real, 'This is important, eat your vegetables,' vibe to things. And while that might be true, it’s not the most appealing way to market or discover art," she says.

She admits this could be due to how many diversity-in-film panels she's attended. As a Black woman, the conversations I see every year during Black History Month seem to have a certain "Let's check this box so everyone can be happy" vibe, so I can imagine attending panels about diversity and inclusion can start to sound repetitive after awhile.

Yulin doesn't hold back when she says, "I’m a little jaded when people ask me diversity questions at this point. I don’t want to attract the kind of readers who are only showing up to be supportive of my Asian-ness. It’s a bit like showing up to a date where someone says, 'I’m so excited that you’re Asian!!!'" This is an analogy I can so get behind because it makes a lot of sense!

It's one thing to have representation, but I like to think it's always obvious when people are approaching the conversation in a way that 'others' BIPOC people. We're literally not asking for a trophy, but more so an acknowledgement that we shouldn't be excluded from conversations, spaces, and careers or treated differently.

This sentiment is shared by Yulin who says, "That’s the thing about me that I didn’t do on purpose, and while I’m glad you’re excited, I hope there are things that I did do on purpose that you find exciting, too" and feels there is a way to be a genuine ally.

"...support AAPI creatives by all means, and perhaps begin by celebrating us as individual artists even after the designated month ends. And where applicable, talk about our work like it’s candy, not vegetables. I’d rather be irresistible than important," she states.

Take a page from Yulin Kuang's book and pick up a copy of How to End a Love Story today! You won't regret it!

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