Protein Parmo™ Story | A Teesside Icon Reinvented
Protein Parmo™ is Macro Based Diet's answer to Teesside's most iconic dish. Written by Mike Hind MBE, Founder of Macro Based Diet, Health Coach, Born and Bred in Teesside.
I've been in the health and fitness industry for over a decade, helping people across the UK transform their lives through better nutrition, better habits, and proper support. Born in Middlesbrough, I've never shied away from where I come from - and I've always believed that Teesside deserves more than the stereotypes we're given.
Why I Created The Protein Parmo™
Teesside has one of the highest obesity rates in the country. According to the most recent NHS figures, nearly 70% of adults in the North East are overweight or obese. In some local wards, childhood obesity is over 40% by Year 6. That's not just a weight issue - it's a crisis for our health, our NHS, and our future.
I've featured on national TV time and time again talking about obesity, mindset, and change. And every time Teesside gets mentioned, it's the same story - "home of the 2,600-calorie Parmo." That's what the country associates us with. Not our graft. Not our community. Not our history, just unhealthy takeaway food.
Well, I wanted to change that. That's where the Protein Parmo comes in.
We all love good food. But why can't it be healthier? Why can't we enjoy what we love without sacrificing our health goals? The Protein Parmo was created to prove that you can. Understanding how macronutrients work is a big part of making smarter food choices without giving up flavour.
What Is a Protein Parmo™ ?
The Protein Parmo is more than a healthier version of the classic - it's a branded, high-protein product range, created to give Teesside's most iconic food a proper evolution.
It's not a single product. It's a growing line of smart, macro-focused meals and sides, made with premium ingredients, cooked in-house, and built around results.
We launched with our flagship: THE PROTEIN PARMO - CHICKEN EDITION - and we're just getting started.
Each main edition is:
- Made with lean protein sources like chicken breast
- Topped with our exclusive high-protein 4-cheese blend
- Finished with a smooth, macro-balanced bechamel sauce
- Steam-cooked for a healthier result (never fried)
- Delivered chilled, in microwave and oven-safe trays
All that, and still under 500 calories per serving with over 50g of protein. This isn't takeaway. This is take back control - proper flavour, smart macros, zero compromise.
The Protein Parmo™ Range
The Protein Parmo is an in-house branded collection, designed and developed right here in Middlesbrough, featuring:
PROTEIN PARMO™ - CHICKEN EDITION
Steam-cooked lean chicken breast, topped with our signature high-protein cheese blend and bechamel.
PROTEIN PARMO™ - FRENCH GARDEN POTATOES
Tender baby white potatoes infused with garlic herb oil - designed to complement the mains while staying aligned to our macro values. A smarter carbohydrate choice compared to traditional chips.
PROTEIN PARMO™ - GARLIC SAUCE (Coming Soon)
Our in-house creamy garlic dip, made to match the flavour profile of the range without compromising nutritional goals.
Future Editions
We're currently developing Pork, Vegan, and Spicy editions - with the same signature macro targets, prep standards, and taste-first approach.
What Protein Parmo™ Represents
The Protein Parmo stands for something.
- It's about changing how people view Teesside food.
- It's about showing the next generation that culture and health can co-exist.
- It's about offering something different, not just for bodybuilders, but for busy people who care about what they eat.
Most of all, it's about taking ownership of something Teesside is known for and turning it into something better. Don't just take our word for it - see what our customers are saying about the difference it's made.
Explore the Full Protein Parmo™ Range
We've only just started. View the full Protein Parmo Collection here.
Want to build a full weekly menu around your goals? Use our Meal Builder to pair the Protein Parmo with our weight loss meals, breakfasts like overnight oats, and more.
This is comfort food. Reimagined. This is Teesside. Reclaimed.