By stephanie
In today’s day and age everyday is a struggle to stay fit
and eat right. When planning your healthy meals, keep in mind that 10 to 35
percent of your daily food intake should be lean protein. Numerous
studies, including one recently published in the Journal of the American
Medical Association have shown that skipping high-protein foods may lead to
overeating and is often one of the biggest causes of excess weight gain. Here
are list of high protein foods that you can consume.
1. Eggs:
For years, eggs have been getting a bad rap for their
cholesterol content. Although the time has come and we acknowledged that the
benefits of eggs might outweigh the cholesterol risks when eaten in moderation
(less than six whole eggs per week). After all, one large egg contains 6 grams
of protein and only 70 calories. If you’re concerned about cholesterol, many
egg substitutes on the market offer lower-cholesterol alternatives that still
pack a protein punch. One of the best ways to eat eggs is hard-boiled. Keep a
bowl of them in your home fridge for an instant healthy snack or addition to a
larger meal.
2. 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’re 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.
3. Greek Yoghurt:
Not so long ago, Greek yogurt took up only a tiny portion of
the supermarket dairy section. But in just a few years, it has gained
popularity and earned its place among supermarket superfood staples. 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.
The yogurt’s power comes from its protein - Greek yogurt contains 15 to 20
grams of protein in a 6-ounce serving versus 9 grams in regular yogurt.
4. Turkey:
When you’re going for lean protein, nothing beats
low-calorie turkey - 3 ounces of turkey provides a wholesome 25 grams of
protein for only 140 calories. Thin slices might be the fastest form of turkey
to grab for a snack, but they can be high in sodium. Skip the excess sodium and
exercise a little patience by roasting a small bird for dinner and using the
leftover slices as nutritious snacks.
5. Protein Shakes (Whey):
Homemade protein shakes can be a delicious way to add
protein to your diet. This means it contains all of the essential amino acids
your body needs to build and maintain muscle, and it provides a feeling of
fullness. 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. Because you control the
ingredients, homemade shakes let you skip the added sugar that often comes with
store-bought protein bars and shakes.
6.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 your favorite fruit or plain, it makes a terrific
snack when you want to stay satisfied between meals or can even be a meal all
on its own.
7. Lentils:
As vegans and vegetarians know, lentils pack a powerful
punch of protein, fiber, and minerals while containing comparatively few
calories and almost no fat. A cup of cooked lentils offers 22 grams of protein,
about 300 calories, and less than 1 gram of fat. Lentils are also relatively
quick to prepare for a meal or snack, and because they soak up the flavors of
whatever they’re cooked with, they can make a tasty base for many dishes.
8. Tofu:
Tofu or soy bean curd is another excellent high-protein meal
base and source of healthy fats and nutrients. Because it absorbs flavors so
well and can be cut into cubes, strips, or chunks, it can be prepared in a
variety of ways. Plus, some research has shown that soy consumption can reduce
risk of breast or prostate cancer, thanks to its high levels of phytoestrogens,
though that link is still being studied.
9. Nut Butter:
Chances are, you loved peanut butter as a kid, but you may
have been cautious about your intake as an adult because of concerns about fat.
Well, it’s time to head back to the jar for healthy snacking - with moderation,
of course. Peanut, almond, cashew and other nut butters are high-protein foods,
with about two tablespoons providing 7 grams of protein. And though nut butter
does contain fat and saturated fat, it can be part of a healthy diet when eaten
in small amounts. Just remember not to slather it on crackers - instead, spread
it on carrot or celery sticks for healthy snacking.
10. Pumpkin Seeds:
Pumpkins are full of fiber, vitamins, and body-boosting
carotenoids, but it turns out tiny pumpkin seeds might pack even more of a
nutritional punch. With 8 grams of protein in just one ounce, pumpkin seeds or
pepitas are also very rich in minerals, including potassium, manganese, and
iron. Just take heed: Pumpkin seeds are calorie-dense, so do your healthy
snacking in moderation.
Source : http://karmicmantra.com
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