Updated: 1/2/24
Building muscle and sustaining energy throughout your day doesn’t need to be complicated. Though we often hear that protein is key, many of us struggle to easily incorporate great sources into our meals without feeling like we’re forcing down plain chicken breasts or tuna cans all the time. The truth is, there are so many delicious ways to weave protein throughout your diet – from creative breakfast options to satisfying snacks – that don’t involve suffering through bland foods just to hit your daily goals.
Whether you’re an athlete focused on performance, a busy parent trying to balance nutrition with convenience, or just someone interested in feeling their best, finding simple and pleasing ways to boost your protein intake can be so valuable. In this post, I’ll break down 25 of the tastiest and most versatile high-protein foods available that are sure to become new favorites – from nutrient dense nuts and seeds to plant based proteins to lean meats and more. Once you start exploring these options, I promise your diet will never feel restricting again. Let’s get started!
If you’re wondering how to add more protein in your diet and why it’s a good idea, look no further. Protein is a very important part of the body and deficiency usually results from a lack of it in your diet. If the body does not get enough protein, it can reduce lean body mass as well as muscle function and strength. To maintain your body’s protein stores, here are some easy ways to add protein to your diet.
What is Protein?
Protein is a complex macronutrient that’s made up of amino acids. There are 20 types of amino acids that combines in various ways to form a protein. These amino acids link together by peptide bonds, creating long chains known as polypeptides. Once consumption takes place, protein is broken down into its individual amino acids, which absorbs and uses in the body to build and repair tissues, produce enzymes and hormones, and support immune function.
Protein works by providing the body with the necessary building blocks for growth, repair, and maintenance. Once it absorbs, amino acids circulate in the bloodstream and directs towards the tissues that need them the most. For example, if the body needs to repair muscle tissue after exercise, it will use amino acids to build new muscle fibers. Likewise, if the body needs to produce enzymes to aid digestion, it will use amino acids to create those enzymes.
The use of protein as a dietary supplement traces back to ancient cultures. For instance, the ancient Greeks and Romans believed that consuming large amounts of meat could make them stronger and more muscular. In the early 20th century, bodybuilders and weightlifters began using protein powders and supplements to help them achieve their fitness goals. Today, protein is a staple of the sports nutrition industry, with countless products available on the market.
How to Add More Protein in Your Diet Every Day
If you’re looking to improve your overall health, it’s a good idea to make sure you’re including enough protein-rich foods in your meals. But how do you make sure you’re getting enough protein? What foods are high in protein? There are different types of protein with different sources, mainly either plants or animals.
Plant-Based Protein vs. Animal-Based Protein
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to choosing between plant-based and animal-based protein. It ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and health goals.
Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids, but incomplete proteins are lacking essential amino acids.
Plant-Based Proteins – For those looking to reduce their intake of animal products, plant-based protein is an excellent choice. Not only is it typically lower in saturated fat and calories than animal-based protein, but it also provides a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Some popular plant-based protein sources include: Beans and legumes (such as lentils, chickpeas, and black beans), nuts and seeds (such as almonds, chia seeds, and hemp seeds), tofu and tempeh, quinoa, vegetables (such as spinach, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts)
Animal-Based Proteins – Animal-based protein is a staple in many diets, and for good reason – it’s a great source of essential amino acids, iron, and vitamin B12. Meat, poultry, fish, and dairy products are all examples of animal-based protein.
Protein Supplements
Protein supplements are dietary supplements to boost protein intake, usually in the form of shakes or powders. They’re an excellent option for people who may not get enough protein from their regular diet or for those who need a quick and easy source of protein after a workout. Protein supplements are typically from whey, casein, soy, or plant sources such as pea, hemp or rice protein. You can also use them to target specific goals, such as providing energy before a workout or supporting muscle recovery after a workout.
Where to Buy Protein Supplements
Are you interested in trying protein supplements? They are available for purchase at BulkSupplements.com. The company is an industry-leading manufacturer and distributor for pure dietary supplements that also supplies pure ingredients to other brands. All products at BulkSupplements.com are manufactured and tested according to current and proper manufacturing practices. Contact BulkSupplements.com to place an order today.
Animal-Based Protein Supplements:
- Whey Protein Isolate 90%
- Whey Protein Concentrate 80%
- Grass-Fed Whey Protein
- Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Isolate
- Casein Protein
- Egg White Protein
- Hydrolyzed Collagen (Porcine, Marine, Bovine, Chicken)
- Beef Bone Broth Protein
- Beef Protein Isolate
- Green Lipped Mussel
Plant-Based Protein Supplements:
- Soy Protein Isolate
- Organic Rice Protein
- Barley Rice Protein
- Pea Protein Isolate
- Organic Hemp Seed Protein
- Hemp Seed Protein
- Almond Protein Powder
- Peanut Flour
- Flaxseed Extract
- Alfalfa Extract
- Artichoke Extract
- Organic Spirulina
Bottom Line
Proteins are complex molecules that are important for maintaining cellular structure in the body, as well as providing immune support and helping the body store other molecules. They are of amino acids and the body needs large amounts of protein to provide macronutrients for energy.
Protein is an important part of your everyday diet and it’s relatively easy to get it from a number of different foods, both plant and animal. A few examples of plant-based protein sources include nuts, oats, broccoli and quinoa. Chicken, eggs, beef and dairy products are a couple of animal-based protein sources. If you’re looking to add more protein to your health regimen, you can also try protein supplements to get a fixed and consistent dosage. With a doctor’s approval and supervision, protein supplements may help provide energy and support muscle strength.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.