Reviewed by Dietitian Katey Davidson, M.Sc.FN, RD, CPT
Credit: Getty Images. EatingWell design.
Key Points
Sandra Bullock relies on chicken salad for a protein-packed lunch option.
She enjoys yogurt and collagen peptides in her coffee for added protein benefits.
Balance is key—pair protein with healthy fats and fiber for a filling meal.
It seems like we’re all on a constant quest to meet our protein goals each day—and the good news is that there are plenty of ways to get it done. From protein shakes to protein-packed dips, there are lots of dishes and bites that can help you hit those macro goals without eating the same thing every day. Another piece of good news? Sandra Bullock just shared some of the foods she leans on to hit her daily goals.
Bullock recently appeared on the Good Hang with Amy Poehler podcast as part of her work promoting her upcoming movie, Practical Magic 2, in which she stars alongside Nicole Kidman. While answering a series of rapid-fire questions at the close of the interview, Bullock shared how she makes sure to get her protein in. “Protein,” asked Poehler. “How do you take yours? How do you get it?”
At the top of Bullock’s list is a healthy lunch that packs plenty of protein. “A good pulled chicken salad,” she said, causing us to add a few must-try chicken salad recipes to our weekly meal prep lists right away. After all, chicken salad really is a great way to get lots of extra protein into your diet. Whether it’s one with an everything bagel twist or a bare-bones, ultra-simple version, mixing pulled chicken with some tasty add-ins is a quick and easy way to have delicious protein on hand for meals and snacks.
Also on the 62-year-old actor’s list of protein-rich eats? “Thick, 0% Greek yogurt,” says Bullock. Along with, “the little peptide proteins in the coffee in the morning.” We also love using strained (Greek-style) yogurt to add some protein and gut-healthy benefits to our meals, especially smoothies or dips.
For one more go-to source, Bullock also mentions “the little peptide proteins” in her morning coffee. While collagen peptides shouldn’t be your main source of protein, they’re a convenient way to add a bit extra to your diet and may have some benefits for skin and joint health.
Still, Bullock joked that she’s not always sure her high-protein diet is for the best. “Are we going to find out 10 years from now that we’ve overdone it?” she asked. “We’ve grown some, like, internal eye [from consuming too much protein]?”
We certainly hope not—though it’s worth remembering that we should balance our diets with other key nutrients, like fiber and healthy fats. That’s part of why we love balanced but high-protein options like a chicken quinoa bowl for lunch or an egg sandwich with spinach for breakfast.
And Bullock’s diet isn’t all protein, all the time. Before she chatted with Bullock, Poehler interviewed her younger Practical Magic 2 co-stars Joey King and Maisie Williams, who shared what it was like working with a star as iconic as Bullock. “When I met her, she immediately offered me some Haribos [gummy bears], which just broke the ice,” said Williams.
At EatingWell, we believe all foods can fit into a balanced diet in moderation—and that includes a few afternoon gummies. Want to try a new chicken salad recipe before you reach for dessert? Here are a few of our favorites:
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