7 must-have natural foods for a high protein diet
Foods for a high protein diet: We can never stop singing praises about protein and its benefits for us. All important, but not all protein foods are created equal. There is something called a protein package.
When we eat food, we not only eat the protein but also the other nutrients in it. While some protein foods, like those found in plants, come with healthy fiber, vitamins, and minerals; others from animal foods can have high fat.
HIGH PROTEIN DIET IS EASY TO FOLLOW
A high-protein diet is not difficult to follow and can be adjusted according to our nutritional requirements and health goals. For example, you might need to follow a low-carb, high-protein diet to monitor your glucose.
If you are lactose intolerant, you can easily follow a non-dairy diet that is rich in protein. A high-protein diet is usually obtained from a large number of food sources that are high in calories and fulfill our macronutrient objectives.
Ideally in a high-protein diet, we need to eat 25-30 grams of protein regularly. Maintaining high-protein levels may reduce weight, support your muscles in vigorous activities and general wellbeing. It is important to include both plant-based proteins and animal-based proteins in our diet. Mixing the proteins often helps us achieve a healthy eating regime that is rich in nutrition by and large. Foods for a high protein diet
It is important to understand how to pick the right protein sources. You should focus on meats, eggs, dairy, and various other protein sources instead of consuming processed meats like bacon, etc. A wholesome meal with high-protein like vegetables, leafy plants sources for our food will give us a balanced diet. It is important to understand the importance of protein requirements in our body.
In this blog, we explore 7 natural protein foods that are healthy and something that you can stock up in lockdown. Read on
7 must-have natural foods for a high protein diet
1. Eggs
Eggs are a magical food if we can say so. Definitely a high-ranking protein food but wait, there is so much more. It has vitamin D, very important during the indoor lockdown days; folate, vitamin B12, A, E, riboflavin in addition to minerals such as iron, iodine, and phosphorus. Not to mention, it is very versatile and you can cook and enjoy it in 100 different ways.
2. Nuts like almonds, peanuts
Nuts are a tasty and crunchy source of protein, fibre, and good fats in the form of monounsaturated fats and even omega-3 fats. Almonds, walnuts, peanuts all provide vitamin E, zinc, magnesium, and even help in boosting the good bacteria population in our gut.
3. Chicken
Protein source can never be complete without the mention of lean meat aka chicken. Low in calories, loaded in protein, selenium, phosphorus, vitamin B6, and niacin; you can eat chicken in salads, sandwiches, pastas, and in numerous other healthy ways.
4. Low-fat dairy products
Paneer, milk, low-fat curd, greek yogurt are other names of protein and calcium-rich foods. Do you know, the calcium from dairy foods is much better absorbed because of the balanced protein profile? In India, most of the milk is also fortified with vitamin D, which has immune and mood-boosting properties! Whey and casein are 2 important proteins from dairy that are used extensively in many products.
5. Soya chunks
What looks like meat, has nutrients like meat but doesn’t have the bad fats like meat? We don’t really need to answer that. High in protein, inherently low in fat, and has high dietary fibre; soya chunks are a boon to vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike. They are also rich in minerals such as calcium, iron while being low on sodium too.
6. Pulses and legumes
Dals and whole pulses get a raw deal when it comes to mentioning them as protein foods! They are cheap, a great source of protein, folate, both insoluble and soluble fibre, iron, and phosphorus. They also provide you with healthy fats. Soak them and sprout them for better absorption of the nutrients
7. Seeds
Protein, essential amino acids, calcium, zinc, copper, magnesium, dietary fiber, and phytochemicals – these are all the nutrient descriptions of seeds. Pumpkin seeds, watermelon seeds are great snack sources with healthy nutrients.
So there you go, in this lockdown, you can stock up on these healthy all-around protein foods that will nourish and fuel you. When boredom comes calling, there is always a Max Protein bar to the rescue. With a winning combination of healthy ingredients and tasty bars, your protein and nutrient needs can be met with Max Protein bars.
You should always try to have these 7 must-have natural foods for a high protein diet.
