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It’s not just about hitting your daily protein target; it’s also about eating the right types of protein at the right time. Allotting your protein is important, but what you eat isn’t as much. For example, a bowl of vanilla ice cream might have 18 grams of protein, but if you had it at dinner time and it was the only thing you ate that day, then you missed out on other important nutrients from other meals throughout the day. So it’s important to know which foods are high in protein so that you can make sure you’re getting enough. When looking for foods with a high amount of protein, think beyond your typical sources like meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Here are 8 foods you never knew had this much protein:
Beans and Legumes
Beans and legumes are a great source of protein and fibre, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer. They’re not just for vegetarians either; you can find them in cans and jars as meat substitutes for anyone. They’re also inexpensive, making them a great protein source for those on a budget.
Nuts
Nuts are protein kings. They’re packed with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, including protein. Protein powders often contain only a portion of nuts’ protein, but you can easily consume a huge portion of nuts’ protein by eating a handful. You can also make nut butters as a protein snack or add a handful to any meal to add extra protein and healthy fats to it.
Dark Chocolate
Dark chocolate is a great source of protein. It’s rich in antioxidants, which help fight off diseases like cancer and heart disease. It’s also full of calories, but the majority are from healthy fats, which are essential for a healthy metabolism. It’s healthy and a great snack, so you can snack on dark chocolate throughout the day to get in your daily protein.
Oats
Oats are high in beta-glucan, which is a soluble fibre found in many health benefits. It may help lower cholesterol in the body, prevent insulin resistance and promote gut health. It’s also a great source of protein, making it another great addition to your diet.
Walnuts
Rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, which help reduce cholesterol in the body, and magnesium, which helps control blood pressure, walnuts are a great protein source. They’re also full of fibre, which keeps you feeling fuller for longer, so they’re a great snack to help you hit your daily protein goal.
Beef, Lamb and Veal
Beef, lamb and veal are rich in zinc, which is essential for healthy metabolism and immune system health. Beef and lamb are also a good source of iron, which helps transport oxygen to cells in the body and keeps your heart pumping. Veal is similar to beef, but it’s lower in cholesterol and is a great source of protein.
Greek Yogurt and Cheese
Greek yogurt and hard cheeses, like cheddar and parmesan, are great sources of protein. They’re also full of calcium, which keeps your bones and teeth healthy and strong. Pair these foods with other low-calorie protein options to keep your daily intake of protein to a minimum.
Rice and Basmati Rice
Rice is rich in selenium, which helps support the thyroid, metabolism and metabolism. It’s also a great source of dietary fibre. Keep in mind that white rice has more sugar than other types of rice, so stick to other rice options, like brown rice and basmati rice, to keep your daily sugar intake to a minimum.
Conclusion
Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders or serious athletes; anyone can benefit from eating more protein. It’s essential for feeling full, building muscle, keeping your metabolism high and building a strong immune system. You can easily get enough protein from a variety of foods, or you can supplement protein powder. Now that you know which foods have a high amount of protein, it’s time to start incorporating them into your diet.
