Fatigue Dinner High Protein

Herbed Salmon Couscous Energy Bowl

This herbed salmon couscous bowl is designed for GLP-1 users with fatigue, pairing easy-to-digest protein and gentle complex carbs to support steady energy. Soft-cooked vegetables and Mediterranean herbs keep flavors light while providing iron, B vitamins, and healthy fats in a small, nutrient-dense portion.

Prep time 10 min
Cook time 15 min
Total time 25 min
Servings 2
Difficulty easy
Per serving 168.3 cal Β· 22.7g protein

Ingredients

  • 220 g skinless salmon fillet β€” cut into 4 pieces
  • 120 g wholewheat couscous β€” dry
  • 250 ml low sodium vegetable broth β€” hot
  • 120 g zucchini β€” small dice
  • 40 g baby spinach β€” roughly chopped
  • 15 ml extra virgin olive oil β€” divided
  • 3 g dried italian herb mix β€” crushed between fingers
  • 2 g salt β€” fine
  • 1 g black pepper β€” freshly ground optional

Instructions

  1. In a heatproof bowl, add the dry wholewheat couscous and half of the salt, then pour over the hot vegetable broth, cover with a plate or lid, and let sit for 8–10 minutes to absorb.
  2. While the couscous steeps, heat 10 ml of the olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat, add the diced zucchini, and cook for 4–5 minutes until just soft but not browned.
  3. Push the zucchini to one side of the pan, add the remaining 5 ml olive oil, then place the salmon pieces in the pan; sprinkle salmon and zucchini with the dried Italian herb mix, remaining salt, and pepper if using.
  4. Cook the salmon for about 3–4 minutes per side over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the pan gets dry, until the fish flakes easily and stays moist; turn off the heat and gently fold in the chopped spinach just until wilted.
  5. Fluff the couscous with a fork, then gently stir the cooked zucchini and wilted spinach through the couscous, leaving the salmon pieces mostly whole on top.
  6. Divide the couscous and vegetables between two small bowls, top each with two pieces of salmon, and spoon any herb-infused pan juices over the bowls before serving warm.

Tips for GLP-1 users

If your appetite is very low on GLP-1 medication, start with half a portion and focus on eating the salmon first to get a solid dose of protein and omega-3 fats for energy support.

For an even gentler bowl on sensitive days, flake the salmon into small pieces and mix it fully into the couscous so each bite is soft and easy to chew.

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