5 Uncommon High-Protein Foods for Your Diet
Five uncommon high protein foods for your diet
A high-protein diet is not just about avoiding carbs and eating meat. To build lean muscle, increase metabolism, and lose weight, you must ensure that most calories come from high-protein foods.
However, with so many different protein sources available, knowing which ones are best for your diet can take time unless you’re willing to eat lots of eggs (which are excellent protein sources); finding suitable alternatives can be tricky. Fortunately, you can boost your protein intake in plenty of other ways.
Here are five uncommon high-protein foods that will help you on your way:
Beans
Beans are a fantastic protein source and are also great for your digestive system. They contain fiber and carbohydrates, making them a great energy source. Magnesium, vitamin A, vitamin B6, iron, and a host of other vitamins and minerals are also present in them.
They are also gluten-free, making them suitable for people with coeliac disease or other gluten intolerance. Beans are one of the least allergenic foods, making them great for anybody!
Moreover, they are very cheap and easy to incorporate into any diet. The only potential issue with beans is that they contain moderate fiber, which could contribute to some intestinal gas. For this reason, it is advised that you begin with a lower sum and increase it gradually.
Dark Leafy Greens
Green leafy vegetables are packed with fiber and vitamins. They are a fantastic source of protein as well. The protein in greens can be a little harder to absorb than other proteins, but it’s still an excellent way to increase your protein intake.
Many people also find that greens are more accessible to digest than beans. Moreover, green leafy vegetables are good for your health in many other ways. They are packed with antioxidants and can help to reduce your risk of cancer, heart disease, and many other diseases.
They are also a good source of Vitamin K, essential for bone health. What are the best greens for protein?
Beans, kale, and chard are all excellent sources of protein. Collard greens can also be a good source, although they are also high in oxalic acid, which can interfere with calcium absorption.
Eggs
In addition to being a fantastic source of protein, eggs are also loaded with nutrients. Moreover, they don’t contain any fat and have a meager amount of sugar. They are particularly rich in B vitamins, iron, and zinc.
You can enjoy eggs at any time of day, and they are incredibly versatile. They can be eaten as an omelet, scrambled, poached, or used as an ingredient in baking.
Moreover, eggs are also a good source of protein for people following a vegan diet. They are one of the few high-protein foods that are naturally vegan.
They are also very cheap, making them an excellent choice for anyone on a budget. The only potential downside of eggs is that they are high in cholesterol. However, this increases your risk of heart disease if you eat them daily.
Greek Yogurt
To be high in protein, a food must contain more than 9 grams of protein per 100 grams. Greek yogurt has about twice this amount. It is also rich in calcium and other minerals, making it a good choice.
You can eat it by itself, use it in baking, or incorporate it in smoothies and salads. What’s more, this is another good choice for vegans.
Although it is not technically a high-protein food, it is an excellent source of protein for vegans. One potential downside of Greek yogurt is that it can be high in sugar. If you buy a sugary brand, you should be careful not to overindulge.
Hemp
Hemp is often used to make protein powder, but it’s also a great source of protein in its natural form. It is also a good source of minerals and vitamins. It’s particularly rich in iron, vitamin E, and zinc.
Hemp is also an excellent choice for vegans and people with coeliac disease. Moreover, hemp is high in fiber and protein, making it particularly useful for weight loss. It can regulate your blood sugar and make you feel full for longer.
It is also high in protein, making it helpful in building lean muscle. What’s the best way to eat hemp? Hemp seeds are great for baking and smoothies but can be bitter if eaten raw.
You can also use them to make hemp milk. Alternatively, you can buy hemp protein powder.
Lean Beef and Chicken
Lean beef and chicken are very high in protein, B vitamins, and iron. They are also deficient in fat, making them a very healthy choice. You can enjoy them in many different ways.
You can grill, roast, or fry beef and stir or casserole with chicken. You can also make sandwiches with either type of meat. There are many high-protein food choices, so you can choose whichever you prefer.
What are the best ways to cook lean beef and chicken? You can cook lean meat in a frying pan or casserole dish.
You can also grill it on a barbecue. You can pan-fry chicken, bake it in the oven, or fry it in a frying pan.
Conclusion
Protein is essential to any diet, and many struggles to get enough. Fortunately, there are lots of common high-protein foods. From beans to hemp, there are plenty of ways to boost your protein intake and improve your health.
Keep in mind that you need to eat a balanced diet and also consider other factors. Therefore, it’s essential to consider sugar, fat content, and protein.