It’s important that we snack on foods that pack more proteins. Snacking on foods like nuts, cheese and yogurt can fill us up for a long time. For many people, a spoonful of cheese or peanut butter on a big bagel is the only way to satisfy their hunger pangs throughout the day. But how often do you really stop and think about just how delicious a handful of nuts or a glass of yogurt really is?
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Protein Is The Key For Optimal Health. But What Are The Best Sources Of It?
Protein is necessary to have a strong immune system, healthy hair and skin, strong bones and muscles, and help with weight loss. There are many different sources of protein. Animal products like beef, pork, lamb, chicken, turkey, duck and fish are high in protein. Fish is particularly excellent, being high in fatty acids, which can help lower cholesterol.
Nuts & Seeds For Better Gut Health
To get more protein into your diet, try munching on a handful of nuts or cashews topped with some low fat yogurt. One glass of yogurt is almost 3 tablespoons of protein. If you’re not a fan of yogurt, try sunflower or pumpkin seeds instead. Nuts and seeds are not only known for their good protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals but they can improve your gut health too. Gut health is the key to overall health.
Eggs For Bigger Muscles
Eggs are also packed with protein, and are easily one of the three delicious ways to pack more protein into your day. Three eggs can have you up and running before lunch and still be a great snack later in the day. They also make a wonderful afternoon snack. Try roasting them on the grill or in the oven for an extra measure of protein. Eggs contain a good amount of vitamins, muscle building minerals such as calcium and zinc, protein and essential amino acids that can help in the quick recovery and building bigger muscles.
Cheese For Good Health
Cheese is also a great snack especially the healthier versions such as feta cheese, goat cheese that can be used in several of the other delicious ways to pack protein.
Some Delicious Protein Rich Food Ideas That You Can Try At A Drop Of A Hat
How about a cheese dip? Yes! You can make the healthier version. One cheese dip is easy to make, cheese is a versatile food so you can use it in a number of different ways. You can make a pesto sauce using whole milk, chicken broth, and zucchini. This cheese dip makes a delicious way to take advantage of all the protein in your meal and to satisfy any cheese lover. Add some fresh vegetables and your favorite herbs and you have yourself a healthy and delicious lunch.
Smoothie For That Groovy Body. Yes! Another great way to include cheese into your meals is with a yogurt smoothie. You can add several types of yogurt to your favorite drink such as orange, apple, or grape juice. Then you just blend all of your yogurt, add fruit, and drink your smoothie. You can also add plant protein powder in your smoothie.
You will immediately start to feel fuller and you will notice a decrease in your urge to snack throughout the day. Since yogurt has whey in it, this makes it good for your diet and gives you a full feeling right away. You can eat the yogurt and feel full or replace yogurt with another fruit for a snack or to take in addition to your meal.
Here comes the leftover meat strategy! Making a packed meal that consists of leftover meat, poultry, or fish is another way to start packing on the protein. Even if you have never cooked meat or chicken before you can easily do this at home during your day. Just marinate the meat or chicken overnight and then pack it into a zip lock bag and store in your freezer until ready to serve.
Healthy Eating Bonus Tip:
A great snack idea that you can easily pull off during your busy day is some fresh fruit. Carrots are a good snack that also packs quite a bit of protein and you might be surprised at just how good some blueberries taste! Make sure to use the highest quality of fruits that you can so that you do not have to worry about the nutrients falling apart. When packing fruit consider making a homemade fruit juice with a little lemon juice and vanilla extract to add a little something extra.
So, these were just a few ideas but there are many more ways that you can incorporate protein into your meals and snacks.
