Easy Ways to Increase Your Daily Protein Intake
Hi friends! Happy Labor Day weekend! Here we are in September and another summer break has come and gone. My little ones are just a couple of days away from starting a new school year and I am feeling a whole range of emotions from excitement to sadness and everything in between.
Since it’s Labor Day Weekend and I know many of you will be barbecuing, I wanted to do 2 things with today’s post. First, I want to share one of our family’s all-time favorite BBQ recipes and second, I want to share a few easy ways to increase your daily protein intake. I know you may be surprised to read this since I have been plant-based since I started this blog 13 years ago(!) but last year I started eating meat again. I will do a whole post about that decision and transition soon.
For now, let’s talk about some great ways that you can add more protein to your diet. No matter your lifestyle, it is important to make sure that you are getting enough protein each day. This article will discuss some good ways to increase your protein intake.
Eat Protein-Rich Foods
One of the best ways to increase your daily protein intake is by eating protein-rich foods. There are plenty of healthy, protein-rich foods to choose from, including meat, poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes, and nuts. If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to add more protein to your diet, try incorporating some of these protein-rich foods into your meals and snacks. For example, you could add a few slices of turkey to your sandwich at lunchtime or have a hard-boiled egg as a snack. Or, you could also cook up a delicious protein-rich dinner, such as grilled chicken or fish, served with a side of beans or lentils. Incorporating protein-rich foods into your diet is a great way to increase your daily protein intake. However, it’s also important to make sure that you’re eating enough calories overall. If you’re trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, you may need to pay attention to your total calorie intake as well.
Add Protein Powder to Your Smoothies
If you’re not a fan of meat or poultry, you can still get your daily dose of protein by adding protein powder to your smoothies. Protein powder is a convenient and easy way to boost your protein intake, and it comes in a variety of flavors and brands. You can find protein powder at most health food stores or online. When adding protein powder to your smoothies, make sure to choose a quality product that has little to no sugar. This is important because too much sugar can offset the health benefits of protein powder. Also, be sure to add other healthy ingredients to your smoothies, such as fruits, vegetables, and healthy fats. This will help you create a balanced and nutritious smoothie that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. In addition, make sure to drink your smoothies right away. This is because protein powder can start to break down and lose its health benefits if it sits for too long.
Try Yeast
Did you know that yeast is a great source of protein? That’s right, yeast is packed with protein and other nutrients that are essential for good health. Yeast can be found in a variety of forms, including flakes, granules, and powder. It’s also available in both fortified and unfortified versions. Fortified yeast contains additional vitamins and minerals, while unfortified yeast does not. You can find yeast at most health food stores or online.
I have been using yeast for our family meals and snacks for over 10 years now. It is my absolute favorite to add to popcorn, stir fries and pasta. It has a delicious, nutty, cheesy flavor. Once you try popcorn with it, you’ll never want to go without it again.
When choosing yeast, make sure to select a quality product that is free from additives and preservatives. You can buy in bulk nutritional yeast for a great price online. This is a great way to add more protein to your diet without having to eat meat or poultry. You can use yeast in a variety of other ways too, including adding it to your smoothies or baking it into bread and other recipes. If you’re looking for a tasty and easy way to increase your protein intake, give the yeast a try!
Eat More Eggs
Eggs are one of the most perfect foods on the planet. They’re packed with nutrients, they’re delicious, and they’re incredibly versatile. Plus, eggs are a great source of protein. In fact, one egg contains six grams of protein, which is more than most people need in a day.
But despite all of their amazing benefits, many people are afraid to eat eggs because they think they’re high in cholesterol. The truth is that eggs actually contain healthy fats that can help lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease. So if you’re looking for a way to increase your daily protein intake, eating more eggs is a great option.
Enjoy a Protein-Rich Salad for Lunch
Salads can be a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and protein. In fact, many salads are packed with healthy proteins, such as chicken, fish, tofu, legumes, and nuts. To make a protein-rich salad, start with a bed of greens, such as spinach or kale. Then, add your favorite protein-rich toppings. Some great options include grilled chicken, canned tuna, hard-boiled eggs, tofu, lentils, and beans. You can also add healthy fats to your salad, such as avocado, olive oil, and nuts. This will help you create a balanced and nutritious salad that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
Try a New Type of Meat or Poultry
If you’re looking for ways to increase your daily protein intake, why not try a new type of meat or poultry? There are plenty of different types of meat and poultry to choose from, so you’re sure to find something that suits your taste buds. Some great options include chicken, turkey, beef, pork, lamb, and duck. You can also find a variety of different cuts of meat, such as tenderloin, ribs, and ground beef. If you’re not sure how to cook a particular type of meat or poultry, there are plenty of resources available online or at your local library. Or, you could also ask a friend or family member for help. Trying new meats and poultry is a great way to add variety to your diet and increase your protein intake.
Before I close this post, here is a link to the recipe that I promised: Our Favorite Pork Tenderloin Kebobs. Also, I can’t get over how precious my nephews are in these photos. I took these snaps 5 years ago and they have grown so much since then. Oh, my heart!
I hope this article was helpful to you to get some ideas about increasing your daily protein intake and maybe give you a bit of BBQ inspiration for this weekend. xo