Parmigiano Reggiano

Yes — Parmigiano Reggiano is actually quite high in protein, especially compared with most cheeses. That’s one reason athletes and cyclists in Italy often use it as a recovery food.

Protein in Parmigiano Reggiano

Typical nutrition (per ~1 oz / 28 g):

• Protein: ~10 g

• Fat: ~7 g

• Calories: ~110

• Calcium: ~330 mg

That means about 36 g of protein per 100 g, which is more protein-dense than many meats by weight. Because it’s aged, much of the protein is partially broken down, making it easy to digest and quickly absorbed.

For recovery after a week like you described (two days of 17 pickleball wins plus intense games Thursday 🏓), that actually makes it a pretty solid food.

Your lunch already had several good recovery components:

• Parmigiano Reggiano → protein + amino acids

• Zucchini noodles → hydration + potassium

• Avocado → potassium + healthy fats for inflammation

But after that much play, you may benefit from a few additional recovery elements.

1. Add More Total Protein Today

After heavy play, muscles benefit from ~25–40 g protein in a meal.

If your lunch had about:

• 1 oz parmesan → 10 g protein

You may want another 20–30 g later.

Good options:

• Greek yogurt

• Eggs

• Salmon

• Chicken

• Cottage cheese

• Protein smoothie

2. Replace Glycogen (Carbs)

Three intense play days likely depleted glycogen.

Good recovery carbs:

• Sweet potatoes

• Rice

• Quinoa

• Oatmeal

• Fruit (banana, berries)

Even athletes who eat low-carb often add some carbs after heavy activity to speed recovery.

3. Electrolytes

Lots of court time means sweat loss.

Helpful foods:

• Avocado (you already had)

• Coconut water

• Bananas

• Yogurt

• Broth or soup

4. Anti-Inflammatory Foods

These help joints and muscles recover.

Best options:

• Berries

• Tart cherry juice

• Turmeric

• Ginger

• Olive oil

• Fatty fish

A Simple Recovery Dinner Idea

For example:

• Salmon or chicken

• Sweet potato

• Spinach or greens

• Olive oil

• Greek yogurt with berries

That would cover:

• protein

• glycogen restoration

• electrolytes

• inflammation control

✅ One more interesting thing:

Because Parmigiano Reggiano is aged ~24–36 months, it contains high levels of leucine, the amino acid that triggers muscle repair.

So your instinct to eat it after those intense games was actually very athlete-smart.

If you want, I can also tell you a surprising recovery trick used by elite tennis players and pickleball pros that helps the next day’s performance after a heavy match day. 🎾