I aim for the majority of what I eat to be higher in protein, lower in calories and made with as many whole foods as possible. That balance makes me feel energized, healthy and ready for busy workdays, workouts, and everything else life throws into the week. The challenge is that a lot of the recipes in this category come with an overwhelming list of ingredients, complicated instructions and a pile of dishes that nobody has time for. So I’ve been dialing in a system that actually works in real life.

The overarching mindset for me has been efficiency over perfection. I almost always gravitate towards one pan, slow cooker or air fryer recipes. Think “set it and forget it”. I prioritize fewer steps, fewer dishes and significantly less mental effort on busy days. I search for recipes that can easily yield 10+ servings which I can portion, freeze for a long period of time and then thaw the night before I plan to eat. A few minutes in the microwave and I have dinner sorted.

I’ve also picked up a few tweaks to make the meals more filling, simpler and more satisfying.

• Anytime a recipe uses a dairy-based sauce or base, adding cottage cheese is an easy way to bump up protein without adding too many additional calories or altering the flavor significantly.
• Any time a recipe calls for a complicated homemade sauce, I’m usually swapping it for a good quality pre-made version. The marginal calorie savings just aren’t worth the extra effort for me.
• No matter what the recipe, I almost always garnish each portion with fresh herbs - green onion, cilantro, parsley, chives. It’s such a quick, easy addition that helps each portion feel less like leftovers and more like an actual meal.

Most of the recipes I end up saving come straight from TikTok and Instagram Reels. I’ll use keywords like “simple meal prep”, “slow cooker meal prep”, or “one pan recipe” and scroll until something feels realistic enough to actually make. If it looks doable, scalable and not overly complicated, it goes in my cookbook. If it still tastes good after being reheated a week later, it stays in rotation.

A few recipes I’ve made recently and really enjoyed:

Buffalo Chicken & Bacon Mac n Cheese

Potatoes and Crispy Buffalo Chicken

Sundried Tomato Chicken Alfredo

Igloofest – March 12th–14th

https://edmonton.igloofest.ca/en

EDM isn’t exactly my natural habitat, but the one and only outdoor EDM festival I’ve ever been to was surprisingly fun. There’s something about loud music, cold air, and a big crowd that just works. I’ve actually heard of quite a few of the artists on this lineup, which says something. The Ice District continues to pull bigger and bigger names outside of Rogers Place, which is a good sign for the future of outdoor events downtown. If you’re looking for an excuse to bundle up and pretend it’s still festival season, this might be it.

St. Patrick’s Day – Tuesday March 17th

After Easter, this is my second favourite time of year to remind everyone I grew up going to Catholic school, so I feel a mild moral obligation to acknowledge the day. If you’re not opposed to a midday Guinness or a midday green beer, here are the spots I’d consider:

Kelly’s Pub – 104 Street
https://kellyspubedmonton.com/

My personal favourite neighbourhood Irish pub. It will be wall to wall all day, but that’s part of the charm. If you can sneak out of work a little early, the atmosphere alone is worth it.

O’Byrne’s – Whyte Ave
https://www.obyrnes.com/

It’s been many years since I’ve braved Whyte for St. Patrick’s Day, but it has always been a zoo in the best way possible. One day a year it fully reverts to being an Irish pub as it has become more of a uni student bar these days.

O’Byrne’s – Ice District
https://www.obyrnes.com/

More of a restaurant vibe compared to the Whyte location, but it still captures the Irish pub feel. A strong option for a slightly more civilized midweek celebration.

Home and Garden Show – March 26th–29th
http://edmontonhomeandgarden.com/

It can’t all be festivals and pints. The Edmonton Home + Garden Show is one of the better spots to get fresh ideas if you’ve been staring at the same four walls all winter. Whether you’re planning a renovation, thinking about landscaping, or just want to wander around and collect “someday” ideas, it’s a solid way to kickstart spring energy. I usually leave with at least one idea I didn’t know I needed and a mild urge to start a project immediately. If you’re feeling the winter slump lifting, this is your sign to lean into it. Edmonton wakes up fast once it decides to, and it’s usually more fun when you join in.

Zach puts together a soundtrack for the true outliers, risk-takers, and those who move to their own beat. This mix is for the unexpected wins, the late nights, and northside drives at 2am. Whether you’re closing deals, plotting your next move, or just enjoying the chaos, these tracks keep the energy high, the vibe unpredictable, and the volume up.

Spot Check Out:
How a local brewery became part of our team culture

by Joanna Chu

If there’s one thing you need to know about the Black Sheep Realty crew, it’s that we love great beer…especially when it’s local, creative, and brewed right here in Edmonton. That’s part of why Odd Company Brewing holds such a special place in our hearts and our story.

After the pandemic shifted us into hybrid working modes, our team made a conscious choice: no traditional office. Instead, we meet with clients in spaces that feel comfortable and welcoming to them. For team collaboration? We do the same. We choose places that bring us together in real life, foster connection, and keep our culture alive. Combine that with a mutual love for craft beer, and you’ll quickly see how gatherings at Odd Company became more than just a drink after work (even though that’s a large part of it 😆). The brewery’s location in the Oliver Exchange Building creates a relaxed, community-forward vibe that feels just right for catching up, celebrating wins, or planning what’s next together.

Odd Company is known across Edmonton for its ever-rotating beer lineup, which ranges from crisp lagers and hazy IPAs to flavorful sours and creative seasonal brews. Sometimes they even have a Rice Lager which is fantastic and easy on the stomach! Their experimental approach keeps things interesting, there's always something new on tap to try when we pop in every other Friday.

But it’s not just the beer that draws us back. Odd Company’s food game has earned local acclaim, too. Their smash-style Animal Burger is notorious in Edmonton and actually won Edmonton’s Burger Challenge back in 2021, and quickly became a favourite pairing with a cold pint. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, the brewery’s cozy taproom, lively atmosphere, and amazing food make it a true Edmonton standout.

For us at Black Sheep, these moments —shared over good beer, good food, and good conversation—are what make our team feel like more than just colleagues. They remind us that relationships are at the heart of everything we do.

Feature Listing:
Ice District Loft

#102 10249 104 ST NW | Studio Loft | 1.5 bath | 1,067 sq ft | $420,000

There’s downtown… and then there’s 104 Street downtown. If you know, you know.

This new listing at #102 10249 104 ST NW inside Cobogo Lofts is exactly the kind of property that defines that stretch of the city. Historic character. Massive windows. Real entertaining space. And the kind of walkability that makes owning a car feel optional.
Built in 1913, Cobogo Lofts carries that old-building soul you simply can’t replicate in newer towers. At just under 1,100 sq ft, this bright studio loft gives you actual breathing room. The entry welcomes you with great storage and in-suite laundry (because practicality still matters), before opening into a fully upgraded kitchen that flows seamlessly into a generous dining area and expansive living room. The windows? Massive. The natural light? Unreal.

One of our favourite details is how the primary bedroom space has been thoughtfully created by Closets which gives you structure and privacy while still preserving that open loft feel. It connects beautifully to a fully updated 4-piece bathroom, and there’s a renovated half bath for guests (which, in a loft, is a serious bonus).

And while it’s technically the first floor, it’s well raised above street level so you get the convenience without sacrificing privacy. But the real story here is lifestyle.

Step outside and you’re in the heart of Edmonton’s most dynamic pocket. Restaurants, markets, patios, Ice District events, and downtown nightlife. At Black Sheep, we love homes that feel like a lifestyle decision, not just a transaction! This one is exactly that.

MLS® E4474003

Full Listing Here