What is this protocol?
Swapping a portion of carbs in a dish with lean protein to make a dish fit your lifestyle or macro needs better.
Why does it matter?
Classic dishes are carb-heavy from their base component of pasta, rice, or bread. Replacing a portion of the carbs with protein makes it more calorie-dense and satiating without compromising on the flavor or experience of the meal.
What dishes can I do this with?
The ratio swap method works with any carb or starch forward recipes:
- Pasta
- Fried rice
- Noodle dishes
- Rice bowls
- Burritos
- Sandwiches
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Understand the recipe
Start with a carb-heavy recipe, like pasta salad for example. Understand the components that make up that style of dish:

Step 2: Modify the ratios
Identify where you can reduce the carbs and swap in a portion of lean protein:

Step 3: Make it your own
It’s all bonus points from here:
- Modify the flavorings or make any condiments or dressings even higher protein/lower cal (more on this in future editions).
- Make the vegetables more prominent, not just background flavorings with additions or extra quantity.
The Protein-Carb Swap Protocol

Lower Calorie Shrimp Fried Rice

Chipotle’s Pollo Asado Burrito

Double Steak Chipotle Bowl

Za’atar Marinated Pasta & Chicken Salad

Italian Chicken Pasta Salad

Cilantro Avocado Pasta & Chicken Salad

Healthier White Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Green Chile Chicken White Cheddar Mac & Cheese

Blackened Chicken with Green Goddess Dressing

High Protein Turkey Sausage, Egg & Cheese English Muffin
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