I’m Maxime Carter, a 38-year-old born and raised in the colorful, ever-evolving food landscape of Austin, Texas. Growing up, I was the kid who would trade Halloween candy for trail mix, the one more excited about learning to make lentil loaf than frying up potatoes. Not that I don’t appreciate the craft behind all food traditions—I just found my spark in the challenge of creating meals that nourish and energize without sacrificing flavor.
Chef Maxime standing in a modern kitchen, smiling confidently in his white chef coat and striped apron, symbolizing trust, simplicity, and family-friendly cooking at NutrientsRecipes.com.
My culinary journey really took off in my twenties, after a brief but eye-opening stint in finance left me craving something more soulful. I enrolled in a local plant-based culinary program and never looked back. Since then, I’ve spent over a decade exploring the vibrant potential of vegetarian cuisine, with a particular love for high-protein creations that support active lifestyles. Think tempeh tikka masala, smoky lentil shepherd’s pie, and protein-packed black bean brownies that disappear faster than you’d think.
What draws me to high-protein vegetarian cooking is its beautiful balance of nourishment and creativity. There’s a common misconception that without meat, you can’t truly satisfy your hunger or fuel your body. I’ve made it my mission to challenge that notion, one hearty, delicious bite at a time. I dive deep into legumes, whole grains, seeds, and plant-based protein powders, not just for their nutritional value, but for their versatility. They’re like the jazz instruments of the kitchen—always ready for improvisation and surprise.
Dessert, for me, has always been about celebration. I don’t believe in “guilt-free” anything—food should never make you feel guilty. But I do believe in desserts that make your body and taste buds equally happy. My signature peanut butter chickpea cookies are a perfect example. They came out of a long night of failed experiments and a spontaneous craving, and they’ve now become one of my most requested recipes. I love turning the unexpected into the unforgettable. Almond flour blondies with a swirl of tahini, protein truffles made from dates and hemp seeds—these are the kinds of treats that spark joy while also fueling your day.
I cook for the people who want it all: strength, vitality, comfort, and joy. I’m not into food fads or preaching perfection. I’m into balance, curiosity, and helping others see that healthy, high-protein vegetarian food isn’t about limitation—it’s about liberation. Every time someone tells me they didn’t think they’d enjoy tofu until they tried my maple-miso version, it feels like a little victory. It’s those moments of revelation that keep me going, reminding me why I started this journey in the first place.
Over the years, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with nutritionists, athletes, and fellow chefs to create meals that work as hard as the people eating them. Whether it’s meal-prepping for a triathlete client or helping a busy mom discover the joys of meatless Mondays, I find purpose in every plate I serve. I also run a blog and YouTube channel where I share weekly recipes, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes glimpses of my kitchen triumphs and occasional flops. Because let’s be honest, not every chickpea pancake turns out photogenic—and that’s okay.
Today, I live just outside Portland, Oregon, where I split my time between recipe development, teaching online cooking classes, and hiking with my rescue dog, Clover. The Pacific Northwest has been an incredible source of inspiration, with its farmers’ markets, food co-ops, and community of fellow food explorers. I believe good food is one of the purest forms of love we can share, and I’m here to help you discover how satisfying and soulful healthy eating can be—no compromises, just heart, flavor, and a little fun along the way.
So whether you’re a lifelong vegetarian, a curious flexitarian, or just someone looking to add more plant-powered meals to your life, I hope you’ll join me in the kitchen. Let’s chop, stir, taste, and create something truly nourishing together.
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