The Surprising Ways to Get More Protein in Your Diet
One of the most common problems is not getting enough protein when it comes to their diet. It can be tough to consume enough protein throughout the day without consciously thinking about it.
There are many ways to get protein in your diet, but some best ways include eating meat, dairy, eggs, and legumes. Protein is essential for the body because it helps to build muscle and repair tissues. An excellent way to get enough protein in your diet is to mix and match different foods to find what works best for you.
Here are a few simple strategies to incorporate additional protein into your regular diet.
1. Increase the amount of food you’re already eating.
This is by far the most straightforward technique. Eat more of what you’re already eating rather than adding new foods to your diet. Have five ounces of chicken instead of three. Use one egg and two egg whites instead of 1 egg. You won’t have to go out of your way to make significant changes this way. However, you should avoid meat or fish fatty cuts if you wish to reduce your overall calorie intake. Even though eight oz. Ground beef has more protein, but it may not be as beneficial to your goals as 4 oz.
2. Make modest changes that add up.
Rather than sour cream, top your tacos with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt. Replace your coffee’s milk with higher protein milk or a readymade protein shake. Instead of butter or oils, use plain yogurt or cottage cheese in baked dishes. Many recipes call for yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Instead of simple pasta, consider chickpea or lentil pasta with about 15 grams of protein per serving. You can also replace your afternoon snack with a more protein-rich option, such as a shake, protein bar, cheese stick, yogurt/cottage cheese, or sliced deli meat instead of crackers.
3. Incorporate protein in hidden ways.
You can also sneak protein into your day in hidden ways. Whip egg whites into your oatmeal near the end of cooking time—you won’t even notice they’re there. Try mixing in some protein powder with your oats for a cake-like consistency. While it may sound strange, you can add pasteurized egg whites to smoothies. Mix yogurt into your morning drink or add cottage cheese to scrambled eggs for a creamy texture. Even if the recipe doesn’t call for it, add beans or meat to soups. Add a scoop of protein powder to your smoothie if you don’t have any. Instead of your usual selections, try high-fiber/high-protein wraps and bread.
4. Make protein a part of every meal and snack.
Whatever you do, make sure you get protein with each meal and snack. This will help you stay on track with your protein intake and get enough throughout the day. A palm-sized quantity of protein is an excellent visual representation of how much you should consume. Remember that foods don’t have to “fit” the meal you’re eating—for example, bacon isn’t required for breakfast.
In conclusion, there are many ways to get extra protein in your diet. You can eat foods high in protein, like meat, eggs, and dairy products. You can also eat plant-based foods high in protein, like beans, nuts, and seeds. If you are looking for a quick and easy way to get extra protein, you can use a protein supplement. Protein supplements are available in powder or bar form.
It may appear like eating more protein is a chore, but it isn’t. Put up a conscious effort to do so, and you will improve your ability to include more into your everyday diet. By following these tips, you can make sure you are getting the nutrients your body needs to stay healthy and strong.