Julianne Hough’s Favorite High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory Meals

Julianne Hough, the acclaimed actress, dancer, and wellness advocate, reveals her favorite high-protein meals designed to combat inflammation and fuel her active lifestyle. In this exclusive interview, she emphasizes nourishing, whole-food-based dishes that prioritize protein for muscle repair and anti-inflammatory ingredients like ginger, leafy greens, and colorful vegetables for overall vitality.

Why High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory Meals Matter to Julianne Hough

Julianne Hough’s diet is a reflection of her demanding career, which includes dancing, acting, and maintaining peak physical condition. She prioritizes

high-protein meals

to support muscle recovery and sustained energy, while incorporating

anti-inflammatory foods

to reduce bodily stress and promote long-term health.

“Protein is vital for repair after vigorous activity,” Hough explains, echoing sentiments from her brother Derek, who also stresses protein in every meal for busy days. Anti-inflammatory elements like turmeric, ginger, and dark leafy greens help mitigate exercise-induced inflammation, keeping her energized without crashes.

Her approach is simple yet effective: batch-prep soups, vibrant salads, and varied dinners. This strategy ensures convenience without sacrificing nutrition. Hough’s meals often feature 20-30 grams of protein per serving, sourced from plants, lean meats, fish, and eggs, paired with fiber-rich veggies.

Julianne Hough’s Morning Routine and Pre-Workout Fuel

Hough starts her day with hydration and light nourishment to prime her body for workouts. A staple is

hot water with lemon

, aiding digestion and providing vitamin C.

• Followed by

  celery juice

  or a

  green juice

  blend: spinach, kale, green apple, ginger, lemon, cucumber, and sometimes beets or carrots for natural sweetness. This pre-workout boost delivers quick energy without heaviness.
• Amino acids or vitamins offer additional support for intense sessions like breathwork or cardio.

“It gives me that energy I’m looking for before a quick workout,” she notes. This routine, around 100-200 calories, sets a anti-inflammatory tone with hydrating, low-sugar greens.

Breakfast: Steamed Eggs and Green Goodness

For breakfast, Hough opts for

steamed eggs with tomato and avocado

, a high-protein start (about 20g protein) that’s easy to digest.

• Protein-packed eggs provide complete amino acids for muscle maintenance.
• Avocado adds healthy fats and anti-inflammatory monounsaturated fats.
• Tomato contributes lycopene, an antioxidant fighting inflammation.

Post-workout, she might blend a

protein smoothie

inspired by her brother: blueberries, collagen or protein powder, and sea moss for hydration. This keeps her full until lunch while curbing inflammation.

Lunch: Soup and Salad Power Combo

Lunch is Hough’s highlight: homemade

vegan butternut squash soup with carrots

, batched and frozen for the week. Paired with a fresh salad, it’s her go-to for

high-protein, anti-inflammatory balance

.

Signature Salad Recipe:

• Base: Spinach bed.
• Veggies: Asparagus, broccolini, beets, watermelon radishes.
• Topping: Fresh ginger for zing and anti-inflammatory potency.
• Dressing: Apple cider vinegar (digestion aid, no oils needed).
• Protein add-in: Grilled chicken, edamame, or almonds (20g+ protein).

Alternatives include

mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, hearts of palm, almonds, edamame, banana peppers, olive oil, and lemon

. These salads pack fiber, vitamins, and crunch, totaling 25-35g protein.

Ingredient	Benefits	Protein (g per serving)
Chicken Breast (4oz)	Lean protein, low-fat	25
Edamame (1/2 cup)	Plant protein, fiber	8
Almonds (1oz)	Healthy fats, anti-inflammatory	6
Butternut Squash Soup (1 cup)	Vitamin A, comforting carbs	2-5 (with lentils)

This combo sustains her through afternoons, with soup’s warmth enhancing nutrient absorption.

Dinner: Nourishing Mung Dal and Veggie Feast

Dinner varies, but Hough raves about

mung daal (lentil stew)

, an Indian-inspired dish rich in plant protein (20g+ per serving).

Mung Dal Recipe Highlights:

• Base: Mung beans or lentils, simmered with spices.
• Sides: Sweet potato, asparagus, ginger, collard greens, Swiss chard, spinach.
• Toppers: Gluten-free crackers, toasted black sesame seeds for crunch and minerals.

“This is really nourishing, really yummy, I feel really full,” she says. Ginger and greens provide potent anti-inflammatories like sulforaphane and gingerol. Alternatives: Baked fish or chicken with veggies, or Italian favorites like penne arrabbiata in moderation.

Snacks and Desserts: Smart, Satisfying Choices

Hough keeps snacks light: oranges, dark chocolate-covered almonds (four pieces for antioxidants), or airplane bites like pasta to curb hunger.

• **Protein shakes** with collagen for on-the-go.
• Peanut butter-banana sandwiches with crisps (childhood twist).

These maintain blood sugar stability, preventing inflammation spikes.

Benefits of Hough’s High-Protein, Anti-Inflammatory Approach

Her diet supports:

• Muscle Recovery: Consistent protein intake aids repair post-dance.
• Reduced Inflammation: Ginger, beets, greens lower markers like CRP.
• Sustained Energy: Balanced macros prevent crashes.
• Digestion: Vinegar, lemon, fiber promote gut health.

Studies back this: High-protein diets preserve muscle during activity, while anti-inflammatory foods correlate with better recovery.

Julianne Hough’s Tips for Adopting This Diet

1. Batch-cook soups and salads for convenience.
2. Prioritize protein in every meal (aim 20-30g).
3. Incorporate ginger daily for its curcumin-like effects.
4. Hydrate with juices and lemon water.
5. Experiment with variations to avoid boredom.

Hough’s brother Derek echoes: Use convenient proteins like tuna or chicken in jar salads.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is Julianne Hough’s favorite soup?

A: Vegan butternut squash soup with carrots, paired with salad—nutritious and freezable.

Q: How does Hough get protein in every meal?

A: Via eggs, chicken, fish, lentils, edamame, almonds, and shakes for muscle support.

Q: Are her meals suitable for vegans?

A: Many are, like mung dal and soups; add plant proteins for full vegan adaptation.

Q: What’s a quick Hough-inspired meal?

A: Mason jar salad with greens, veggies, and protein like tuna—perfect for busy days.

Q: Does she indulge in treats?

A: Yes, dark chocolate almonds and occasional pizza or wine in balance.