Protein is essential. It is essential not only to our health but it is a key macronutrient that will aid in your weight loss and healthy lifestyle efforts. Protein keeps you full throughout the day, helps to burn a lot of calories while being disgested, and it helps retain muscle mass.
When most of us think of protein, we think of meat sources. Since LIFEstyle is key to this process, we understand and recognize we all do not like to eat meat. Meat can be higher in saturated fats, cholesterol, and can be more expensive. Some of us are adapting to a more vegetarian diet while others have embraced a more vegan lifestyle.
No matter your lifestyle preference, it’s important to consume the right amount of protein.
One of the most common questions we receive from clients is “How do I get in my daily protein without negatively impacting the other diet factors?
Here is a short list of excellent non-meat protein sources:
Beans & Legumes: Gabanzo Beans Lentils Kidney Beans Black Beans Black-eyed peas Green peas Pinto Beans
Vegetables: Spinach Brussels Sprouts Swiss Chard Kale Greens (Turnip, Mustard, Collards, etc) Asparagus Snap Peas Mushrooms Broccoli Hummus Corn
Nuts & Seeds: Almonds Cashews Flax Seeds Walnuts Pumpkin Seeds Pine Nuts Pistachios Peanuts Hemp seed Sunflower Seeds Chia Seeds Poppy Seeds Peanut/Nut Butters
Whole Grains: Whole Wheat Pasta/Spaghetti Oatmeal/Rolled Oats Whole Wheat Bread/Tortilla Bulgur Quinoa Buckwheat Brown Rice Amaranth
Dairy & Eggs: Non-Fat/Low Fat Cottage Cheese Non-Fat Greek Eggs Milk Cheese (string, cheddar, swiss, ricotta, mozzarella, brie, blue, etc)
Soy: Edamame Tofu Soy Yogurt Soy Milk Tempeh
Protein Alternatives: Protein Powders (soy protein isolate, whey protein isolate, caseine, rice, pea) Protein Bars Protein Cereals Protein Chips Veggie Burgers & Other Veggie “meatless” sources (watch the sodium)
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