9 High-Protein Foods That Beat Eggs for Weight Loss

Are you trying to lose weight by eating eggs? Melissa (@fitmission.nutrition) is a weight loss and macro nutrition coach for women. In her social media posts, she educates her followers on how to eat to lose weight. In one recent Instagram post, she talks about protein. “Eggs are NOT a high source of protein. That’s not to say don’t eat them, bc they are delicious & good for you…BUT 2 eggs isn’t enough for breakfast, ladies!” she writes in the caption.

2 Eggs Only Have 12 Grams of Protein

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She points out that “2 eggs=12g of protein,” but “women working on fat loss 35+ need 25-30 at each meal!!” she adds. “Protein is vital for building & maintaining muscle, which gives you the “toned” LOOK you want. It helps keep you full for longer & helps with/ curbing sugar & carb cravings! Save this & add these nine high protein sources to your diet!”

One Cup of Egg Whites

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Egg whites, eggs without the yolk, are a great alternative to the whole egg for protein. “One cup has 26g of protein & only 126 calories,” she says. “HACK—I ADD egg whites to the eggs I am already eating for MORE protein. 1/2 cup of egg whites has about 13g of protein. I buy the egg whites in a carton & beat them together with a whole egg to easily up my protein.”

Nonfat Greek Yogurt

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Next up, non-fat Greek yogurt “1 cup is 25g protein & 140 cals. It comes in a ton of flavors to meet anyone’s likes! Non-fat dairy is NOT the same as other non-fat foods. ONLY the saturated fat is removed,” she says.

Cottage Cheese

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She also recommends non-fat/low-fat cottage cheese. “1 cup is 28g of protein & 180 cals. I eat it alone, with fruit or even mix it into my marina sauce & eggs to add creaminess + protein!!” she says.

Chicken Breast

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It should come as no surprise that chicken breast made the list. “Just 3oz packs 24g of protein & 150 cals. Literally, the most versatile & lean protein source,” she says.

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Shrimp

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Shrimp is another great lean protein with more pack for the punch than eggs. “Just 4.5oz is 30g & only 152 cals! This is the easiest source to keep in the freezer for a high protein & low-fat option you never run out of!” she says.

Lean Beef

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A surprising entry on the list? Lean Beef. “Just 4oz packs 27g protein & 140 cals! Lean ground beef is so versatile: breakfast taco bowls, burgers, spaghetti…,” she writes.

Deli Turkey

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Deli turkey is an easy way to consume protein. “4oz is 20g of protein & 120 cals. Buy organic or a good brand that’s not pre-cut. Add it with an egg to an English muffin or use it for a sandwich or wrap!” she says.

Tuna

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Another convenient form of protein? Tuna. “A can drained is 20g protein & only 100 calories! Super quick & easy, just make sure to get the kind in water, not oil,” she writes.

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Tofu

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Tofu will also get the job done for anyone on a plant-based diet. “1 cup of tofu only has 150 cals & 18g of protein for my vegetarian friends!” she writes. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Okay, so you understand that protein is a key part of weight loss. But how are you supposed to get in 12 grams a day? Coach Melissa, founder of Fit Mission Nutrition, specializes in helping women over 35 “lose a pant size in 6 weeks.” In a recent social media post, she discusses protein and the fallacy that eggs are a great source of it. “Eggs are not a high source of protein. That’s not to say don’t eat them, bc they are delicious and good for you…But two eggs isn’t enough for breakfast, ladies!” she says.

How Much Protein Do You Really Need

She reveals that two eggs equals 12 g of protein. “Women 35+ working on fat loss need 25-30 grams at each meal!! Protein is vital for building and maintaining muscle, which gives you the ‘toned’ look you want. It helps keep you full for longer and helps with curbing sugar and carb cravings!” she says in her post before revealing nine high protein sources to add to your diet.

Egg Whites

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While whole eggs may not be a great source of protein, egg whites are a great way to hit your goals without going overboard with calories and cholesterol. “One cup has 26g of protein and only 126 calories,” Melissa says. “Hack—I add egg whites to the eggs I am already eating for more protein. 1/2 cup of egg whites has about 13g of protein. I buy the egg whites in a carton & beat them together with a whole egg to easily up my protein.”

Non-Fat Greek Yogurt

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Non-fat Greek yogurt is another low-calorie, no-sugar protein source. “1 cup is 25g protein & 140 cals. It comes in a ton of flavors to meet anyone’s likes! Non-fat dairy is NOT the same as other non-fat foods. ONLY the saturated fat is removed,” she says. It is also a good ingredient when cooking baked goods.

Non-Fat or Low-Fat Cottage Cheese

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The next item on her list? Non-fat or low-fat cottage cheese can be eaten solo or added to recipes. “1 cup is 28g of protein & 180 cals. I eat it alone, with fruit, or even mix it into my marinara sauce & eggs to add creaminess + protein!!” she says.

Chicken Breast

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Number four on her list? Chicken breast is a favorite protein source of most health experts. “Just 3oz packs 24g of protein & 150 calories,” she says. “Literally, the most versatile & lean protein source.”

Tofu

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If you don’t eat meat, don’t worry. According to Melissa, tofu is a great meat-free protein source. “1 cup of tofu only has 150 cals & 18g of protein for my vegetarian friends!” she says.

Shrimp

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If you like seafood, eat shrimp to meet your protein goals. “Just 4.5oz is 30g & only 152 cals! This is the easiest source to keep in the freezer for a high protein & low-fat option you never run out of!” she says.

Lean Beef

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Seafood and poultry are not your only options for great protein sources. She also recommends lean ground beef. “Just 4oz packs 27g protein & 140 cals! Lean ground beef is so versatile: breakfast taco bowls, burgers, spaghetti,” she writes.

Deli Turkey

A convenient option, 4oz of deli turkey provides 20g of protein and 120 calories. Melissa suggests buying "organic or a good brand that's not pre-cut. Add it with an egg to an English muffin, or use it for a sandwich or wrap!"

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Tuna

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Keep canned tuna in your pantry when you need a no-fuss protein fix. “A can drained is 20g protein & only 100 calories! Super quick and easy, just make sure to get the kind in water, not oil,” she says. Remember, for women over 35 working on fat loss, aim for 25-30g of protein at each meal. These protein-rich foods can help you reach that goal while supporting your weight loss journey. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Does the thought of another restrictive diet make you want to reach for the cookie jar? You're not alone. Many women find themselves trapped in a cycle of severe calorie cutting and frustrating results. But what if the secret to successful weight loss isn't about eating less but eating smarter? Dr. Taz Bhatia, M.D., CNS, L.AC, and Danni Patton, AKA the Macro Coach, are two experts championing a high-protein approach to weight loss and overall health. Their insights might just revolutionize the way you think about food and weight management.

1. Why Protein Matters

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In her video, Dr. Taz explains, "Protein is becoming increasingly important in our diets because we are starting to really understand that the entire conversation around weight, belly fat hormone balance, and so much more centers around blood sugar." She adds, "Blood sugar is regulated in our body by our gut, our liver, and our pancreas, and we really need all of those organs working together in harmony."

Nutritionist Danni Patton echoes this sentiment, saying, "Did you know that protein burns more calories through the digestive process than carbs + fats? On top of that, eating the right amount of protein for you can aid in smoother fat loss, hormone regulation, appetite regulation, energy levels and build/preserve muscle mass."

2. How Much Protein Do You Need?

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Dr. Taz recommends aiming for "30 to 40 grams of protein every four hours or so." She clarifies, "Now that rule is an average. If you are smaller, maybe you need a little bit under that 30 grams. If you are a bodybuilder or doing a lot of weights, a lot of times you'll need more."

3. Protein Sources: Animal vs. Plant

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"Your meat proteins are going to provide the maximum bang for your buck," Dr. Taz notes. "We know that meat has more bioavailable amino acids than plants. Meats are also a complete source of protein." However, she emphasizes that portion control is key: "For every three ounces of meat or animal-based protein, you are getting roughly 25 to 30 grams of protein. It's half of a piece of a fish filet. It's half a chicken breast."

For vegetarians and vegans, Dr. Taz suggests creative combinations: "You can still get the protein in, but you're going to have to be a little bit creative. One of the biggest issues with plant-based proteins are the amino acids are sometimes a little bit harder to absorb, and they're not complete."

4. Eggs: The Perfect Protein

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"Eggs are a complete protein," Dr. Taz explains. "They actually have choline, Omega-3 fats. One egg has about seven grams of protein." She suggests combining protein sources to reach your target: "Maybe it's two eggs plus something else, or three eggs plus something else."

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5. Plant-Based Protein Power

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For those following a plant-based diet, Dr. Taz recommends beans and lentils: "We're going to move on to the entire family of beans, lentils, all of those that have roughly about 20 grams of protein per cup." She adds, "Lentils have a lot of great amino acids in it. They also have fiber. You're also a source of carbohydrates. It is a complete food in that it is sort of serving all the different categories against some of your macronutrients."

6. Protein Powders: A Convenient Option

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Dr. Taz acknowledges the role of protein powders in a busy lifestyle: "One scoop will give us 20 grams of protein. So by adding a scoop of protein powder into different meals, you can add up those protein grams." She suggests, "Maybe you just add a scoop of protein powder into something. Maybe it's just in straight water, honestly, you don't want to mess with it, or you add it in as a smoothie, and you have a little mini smoothie along with your meals."

7. Nuts and Seeds: Use Caution

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Dr. Taz warns about relying too heavily on nuts and seeds: "They have protein, but they don't have a lot of protein and people find themselves snacking on those throughout the day thinking, oh my gosh, I'm getting my protein in. But here again is the rule of thumb, about seven almonds give you about five grams of protein. So seven to 10 macadamia nuts will give you about two to three grams of protein."

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8. Creative Protein Hacks

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Danni Patton offers several innovative ways to boost your protein intake:

• "Buy chickpea/lentil/black bean type kinds of pasta for added protein in your spaghetti with meatballs." This can add an extra 12 to 20g of protein per meal.
• "Add in protein powder to Greek yogurt, oatmeal, or chia pudding." This adds an extra 18 to 20 grams of protein.
• "Sneak in lean ground meats to pasta, bowls, and stir-fries." This can add an extra 25 to 40 grams of protein.
• "Add collagen powder to your morning cup." This adds an extra 10 to 20 grams of protein.
• "Make your rice with bone broth instead of rice." This adds an extra 10 to 20 grams of protein.
• "Drink a cup of warm bone broth." This adds an extra 10 to 20 grams of protein.
• "Add cottage cheese to pasta sauce, blend and make a creamy low-fat, high protein sauce." This adds an extra 10 to 20 grams of protein.
• "Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream." This adds an extra 8 to 15 grams of protein.
• "Use a Greek yogurt cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese." This adds an extra 10 grams of protein.

9. The Importance of Protein as We Age

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Dr. Taz emphasizes the increasing importance of protein as we age: "We need protein for blood sugar management, really to keep inflammation down, to keep our muscle mass intact. And that becomes more and more important for many of us as we're crossing that 35, 40, 50 threshold because muscle mass is going down every decade by a certain amount, and as muscle mass goes down, our blood sugar becomes more unstable."

10. Meal Planning for Success

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Danni is an advocate of meal planning. She advises, "Pre-plan your day in a food tracking app and build your meals around the protein source." She adds that this is the "easiest way to understand how to add protein to your meals."

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11. Start Small and Be Consistent

"You don't have to go from 0-100! Start by adding a little each week until you get more comfortable with your protein choices!" Danni Patton advises.

By focusing on adequate protein intake, you can address multiple health concerns simultaneously. As Dr. Taz concludes, "To really solve this issue with blood sugar, slow metabolism, insulin going all over the place, muscle mass going down, weight gain going up, inflammation going up, getting your protein grams continues to be an important part of the conversation." And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.