Whether you want to lose weight, burn fat or build muscle, protein is your diet’s essential building block. Fill up on powerful protein with these tasty options.
Whether you want to lose weight, burn fat or build muscle, protein is your diet’s essential building block. Fill up on powerful protein with these tasty options.
Eggs
For years, eggs have been getting a bad rap for their cholesterol content. But now the benefits of eggs might outweigh the cholesterol risks when eaten in moderation. After all, one large egg contains 6 grams of protein and only 70 calories. If you are concerned about cholesterol, many egg substitutes on the market offer lower-cholesterol alternatives that still pack a protein punch.
Nuts
Whether you go for cashews, walnuts, pistachios, or any of the other varieties, whole, raw nuts are a healthy high-protein snack choice. If you are concerned about calories, limit your nut intake to a handful or two, and remember that though nuts are high in fat, it’s healthy monounsaturated fat, which doesn’t clog arteries and is an essential part of a healthy diet. Plus, nuts are high in fiber, which when paired with their protein content, keeps you feeling full longer.
Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt, which is strained to remove whey, is thicker and creamier than regular yogurt, making it a healthful stand-alone snack, a great mixer for fresh fruit, cereal or nuts and a healthy swap for fattier dairy products such as sour cream or cream cheese.
Turkey
When you are going for lean protein, nothing beats low-calorie turkey — 3 ounces of turkey provides a whopping 25 grams of protein for only 140 calories.
Protein Shakes
Homemade protein shakes can be a delicious way to add protein to your diet. Simply combine whey protein with nonfat milk, frozen fruit, all-natural nut butter or whatever other healthful ingredients sound good to you and you have a healthy meal replacement or snack.
Cottage Cheese
Diet staple cottage cheese is an excellent protein source, with a half-cup of low-fat cottage cheese providing 14 grams of protein for only 81 calories. Paired with fruit or plain, it makes a terrific snack when you want to stay full between meals or can even be a satisfying meal all on its own.
