Protein is one of the most important factors in a well-balanced weight loss diet. It’s filling, it keeps your blood sugar levels even, it prevents cravings, and it helps you build lean muscle tissue. But for many people, getting enough protein into their diets can be a challenge, especially with a busy schedule. Sometimes you might forget to plan meals, or go grocery shopping, and you suddenly realize at 7 pm that you don’t have a fresh source of protein for tonight’s meal.
Luckily there’s an easy solution to this problem. Keep these seven protein sources in stock in your kitchen. They’re easy to store, you can buy them in bulk, and they’re versatile enough that you can use them in a variety of meals.
Eggs. Eggs are not only a terrific source of protein; they also contain zinc, iron, and vitamins A, B, and D. They can be used in quiche, salads, sandwiches, and more. Or, you can munch on hard-boiled eggs for a great high-protein snack.
Cottage cheese. You can eat cottage cheese as a standalone snack, or mix it into smoothies. It’s also great on crackers, in salads, or used in place of mayo in a tuna sandwich. One half-cup serving contains 13 grams of protein.
Nut butters. Nut butters are high in protein, but also contain plenty of heart-healthy fats. You can use them in smoothies, on crackers, in sandwiches, or paired with fruit.
Salmon. When salmon goes on sale, grab a few fillets and toss them in your freezer. A 3-ounce serving contains 17 grams of protein, along with hearth-healthy fats and vitamins. They’re quick and easy to thaw, but you can even cook them frozen if you’re in a hurry celebrex medication.
Quinoa. One cup of quinoa contains 8 grams of protein, plus fiber and many vitamins and minerals. Keep a container of cooked quinoa in your fridge, and add it to salads, chili, burritos, and many more dishes. Of course, you can also just enjoy quinoa as a side dish.
Canned beans. Beans are packed with protein and fiber, and it’s so easy to open a can and toss them into a variety of dishes. Use beans as a side dish, or toss them into the main course.
Hemp seeds. It might surprise you, but hemp seeds are actually a terrific source of protein. You can blend them into smoothies or toss them into a rice dish, so keep a large bag of hemp seeds in your cabinet for an easy source of protein.
As you can see, all of these protein sources are easy to keep on hand. Stock up next time you’re at the store, and you’ll never run out of quick and easy sources of protein on those busy weeknights. And for more help planning your weight loss diet, give us a call! We can assess your nutritional needs and help you make a plan to get healthy and look your best.
