Top 14 Unusual High-Protein Foods Nutritionists Love

Struggling to stay full while cutting calories? You're not alone. Getting enough protein while maintaining a calorie deficit can feel like solving a puzzle. But fitness and nutrition coachMichelle Roots, a certified kinesiologist, has cracked the code with her top protein-rich foods that keep you satisfied without breaking your calorie bank. Read on to discover the foods that could transform your weight loss journey.

Why Your Body Needs Protein

"Proteins are building blocks in the body," says Harvard Health. "They make up bones, cartilage, muscle, blood, skin, enzymes, hormones, and vitamins. They're essential for growth and development, repair and build cells and tissue such as muscle, and play an important role in body processes such as blood clotting, fluid balance, and the immune response."

How Much Protein Do You Really Need?

Michelle suggests aiming for "0.7 to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight when in a calorie deficit." This aligns with scientific guidelines - Harvard Health notes that while the basic recommended dietary allowance is 0.36 grams per pound, active individuals and those over 50 may benefit from higher intake, up to "2 grams per kilogram" for optimal results.

Your Go-To Lean Protein: Chicken Breast

"Chicken breast is absolutely a staple in my household," says Michelle. "With about 18 grams of protein per 100 grams and very low calories, it's versatile enough to add to anything."

"Lean meats such as chicken are excellent sources of high-quality protein as well as important nutrients like iron and zinc," says Harvard Health.

Ground Turkey: The Versatile Protein Source

Ground turkey is another favorite in Michelle's kitchen. "You can throw it into pasta meals, make burger patties, or use it in stir-fries and tacos," she explains. With nearly 20 grams of protein per 100 grams, it's a lean option that keeps you within your calorie goals.

Eggs and Egg Whites: Complete Protein Power

Michelle emphasizes the protein power of both whole eggs and egg whites. Harvard Health confirms that "eggs contain all of the essential amino acids, making them a complete protein source. Eggs are also a source of vitamins, minerals, healthy fats, and antioxidants." Michelle adds that one egg provides about 7 grams of protein for just 72 calories.

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Salmon: Heart-Healthy Protein

"Salmon gives you about 17-18 grams of protein per 100 grams for only about 100 calories," Michelle shares. Harvard Health adds that "fish like salmon are not only rich in protein but also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health."

Plant-Based Protein Champions: Lentils and Beans

Michelle recommends lentils for those seeking plant-based options. Harvard Health supports this choice, noting that "beans, peas, and lentils are excellent sources of protein as well as fiber, folate, potassium, iron, and zinc." Michelle adds that one cup of lentils provides 18 grams of protein for only 230 calories.

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Dairy Protein Powerhouses: Greek Yogurt and Cottage Cheese

Michelle swears by plain Greek yogurt and cottage cheese. "A 150-gram serving of Greek yogurt offers 15 grams of protein for just 80 calories," she says. Harvard Health confirms that "dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt are rich in protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients."

Quick Protein Solutions: Edamame and Canned Tuna

"Edamame is perfect for quick snacks or salad toppers," Michelle suggests. Harvard Health notes that "soy products such as edamame are good sources of protein, especially for vegetarians and vegans." For a concentrated protein source, Michelle recommends canned tuna, which packs 30 grams of protein per can for only 120 calories.

Smart Supplementation: Whey Protein

While not technically a whole food, Michelle includes whey protein in her recommendations. "It helps me increase my protein intake, supports workout recovery, and serves as a healthy snack between meals," she explains. A typical serving provides 35 grams of protein for about 150 calories.

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Balancing Your Protein Sources

Harvard Health says that "for optimal health and nutrition, you should emphasize plant-based protein and protein from a variety of sources." This balanced approach ensures you get all essential amino acids while maintaining a healthy, sustainable diet that supports your weight loss goals. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 20 Superfoods for People Over 50.

Struggling to find satisfying, healthy snacks that won't derail your diet? You're not alone. Finding nutritious, protein-packed snacks can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world. But fear not! Here's a list of delicious, high-protein snack ideas that are quick, easy, low-carb, and keto-friendly. These snacks will keep you fueled and on track with your health goals.

Discover insights from Mayra Wendolyne, a busy mom who lost 135 pounds through low-carb and keto eating, along with expert opinions and additional snack ideas. As registered dietitian Annalise Pratt, RD, tells the Cleveland Clinic, "Protein is invaluable for increased fullness and satisfaction after a meal. Knowing how to use this key nutrient as part of a balanced diet puts the odds of losing weight on your side." Let’s dive in and transform your snacking game!

Chicken Snack Wraps: A Healthier Fast Food Alternative

Mayra has created a healthier version of the popular McDonald's chicken wraps. To make these wraps, start with homemade breaded chicken tenders. Mayra suggests making a big batch and freezing them for convenience. Wrap the chicken in a low-carb tortilla with lettuce, Mexican blend cheese, and your favorite sauce. "I usually just like doing a little buffalo sauce," Mayra shares in her post. These wraps are quick to assemble and perfect for a satisfying lunch or snack.

Turkey: A Lean Protein Alternative

For a leaner option, Catherine M. Champagne, professor of nutritional epidemiology at Louisiana State University's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, recommends turkey: "Turkey is a great source of protein, rich in many vitamins and minerals, and is low-fat—if you don't eat the skin."

Protein Smoothies: A Quick and Nutritious Boost

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Mayra recommends protein smoothies for a fast and easy protein hit. She's particularly fond of the FLA City brand, which offers an all-in-one solution with 25 grams of protein and 10 grams of collagen per serving.

DIY Protein Shakes: Customizable Nutrition

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If you prefer to make your own, try using protein powder. As the Cleveland Clinic suggests, "There are so many protein powders on the market with varying amounts of protein per serving. Always check the ingredients for added sugar content to keep your protein shake a healthy option. Try it with low-calorie liquids such as plant milk."

Greek Yogurt: A Versatile Protein Powerhouse

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Greek yogurt is a fantastic high-protein, low-fat option. According to nutrition data, 100 grams of low-fat Greek yogurt contains 9.95 grams of protein and just 1.92 grams of fat. Pair it with low-calorie, low-sugar fruits like blueberries or strawberries for a delicious, healthy snack.

Chocolate-Covered Yogurt: A Protein-Packed Dessert

Mayra suggests a creative twist on yogurt with her chocolate-covered yogurt idea. She starts with a high-protein yogurt cup and adds a homemade magic shell topping made from melted chocolate chips and a dollop of peanut butter. "It is so delicious, and even though it feels like a treat, it has 20 grams of protein," Mayra says.

Easy Protein Salads: Chicken Edition

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Mayra emphasizes the versatility of pre-cooked chicken breast. Mix the chicken with mayo and your favorite add-ins for a quick chicken salad.

Tuna: The Affordable Protein Powerhouse

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Tuna can be prepared similarly to chicken salad, or try Mayra's sushi-inspired version with mayo, sriracha, nori sheets, and avocado. Don't overlook your basic canned tuna! 100 grams of fresh tuna contains 24.4 grams of protein and just 0.49 grams of fat. Canned tuna is affordable, is a quick and easy snack, and pairs well with low-calorie vegetables such as cucumber or lettuce."

Cottage Cheese: A Protein-Rich Snack

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Cottage cheese is a protein powerhouse, with 14 grams per half cup. "You can go sweet or savory," Mayra suggests, recommending topping it with berries or stuffing it into mini peppers.

The Science Behind Cottage Cheese

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"Cottage cheese is rich in casein protein. It's a complete protein that provides essential amino acids, all the building blocks of protein your body needs." says The Cleveland Clinic.

Chia Seed Pudding: A Plant-Based Protein Option

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For those looking for plant-based options, Mayra recommends chia seed pudding, which can be boosted with protein powder and topped with fruit and low-carb granola.

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Quinoa: The Complete Plant Protein

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The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health also highlights quinoa as an excellent plant-based protein source: "Unlike some plant proteins, quinoa is a complete protein, meaning that it contains all nine essential amino acids that our bodies cannot make on their own."

High-Protein Snacks for On-the-Go

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For busy days, Mayra suggests keeping easy-to-grab snacks on hand. Celery with peanut butter is a classic option. "Two tablespoons of peanut butter has eight grams of protein," Mayra notes.

Chickpea Snacks: Fiber and Protein Combo

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Another great on-the-go option is chickpea snacks. The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health states, "High-fiber foods can help to promote a feeling of fullness and satiety by delaying digestion and adding bulk to meals. The satiating effect of the high fiber and protein content of chickpeas may help with weight management."

Shrimp: The Low-Fat Seafood Snack

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Don't forget about seafood as a high-protein, low-fat snack option. Shrimp is particularly impressive, with 100 grams containing 20.1 grams of protein and just 0.51 grams of fat.

Salmon: Protein with a Vitamin D Boost

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For a nutrient-dense option, consider wild-caught salmon. Allison P. Lutz, RD, tells UPMC HealthBeat, "This fish is one of the few food sources of vitamin D, a nutrient that plays a crucial role in bone health. Adequate vitamin D is essential for your body to absorb calcium and phosphorus, which support strong, healthy bones."

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Conclusion: Small Changes, Big Results

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Mayra concludes by encouraging readers to try these snack ideas, especially on busy days. By incorporating these high-protein, low-carb options into your routine, you can satisfy your hunger while staying on track with your health goals. Small changes in your snacking habits can lead to big results in your overall wellness journey. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.

Are you unsure about what proteins you should be eating for fat loss? Michelle Roots is a Kinesiologist, Certified Strength & Conditioning Coach, and Certified Nutrition Coach With Over 15 years of Experience in the fitness industry. In a viral YouTube video, she breaks down the best high-protein foods for weight loss that are also low in calories. She notes that you should aim for 0.7 to one grams of protein per pound of body weight.

Lean Chicken Breast

“High protein food number one, which I'm sure a lot of you already eat and know about, is a lean chicken breast,” she says in the post. Not only is it super versatile, but it can also be easily cooked in an air fryer. It also offers 17 or 18 grams of protein per hundred grams and is low in calories.

Lean Ground Turkey

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Protein food number two is lean ground Turkey. Another one of her “go-to” foods she uses is pasta sauces and she makes burger patties with it. Another go-to in this household is to throw into pasta meals and stir-fries, to make into burger patties, and also to make tacos. “There's so many things you can do with it, and it's a great source of protein,” she says, noting that it has close to 20 grams of protein.

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Eggs and Egg Whites

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Eggs and egg whites are third on her list. “You can make them anywhere, anytime, hard-boiled, scrambled, sunny side u, or whatever you want, but they are a great source of protein,” she says. One large egg has 6.5 to seven grams of protein and 72 calories. Egg whites are also an “amazing” source of protein and “super easy to throw into anything,” she notes. Her cooking hack? “When I'm making an omelet, I'm using one or two whole eggs, and then I add extra egg whites to just increase the protein of that entire meal.” One large egg white boasts three and a half grams of protein and only 17 calories.

Salmon

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High-protein food number four is salmon. “Salmon is an amazing low-calorie source of protein,” she says, noting that 100 grams boasts about 17 or 18 grams of protein and 100 calories.

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Lentils

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High protein food number five, lentils. While “a little bit higher in carbs” than the other lean proteins, they are “an amazing source of protein, especially if you're someone who doesn't eat meat,” she says. One cup of lentils offers about 18 grams of protein and 230 calories.

Greek Yogurt

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Number six: plain Greek yogurt. “This has been one of my go-to's for a really long time. I love the taste, I love what it does for my body, and I love that it's high in protein,” she says. It offers 15 grams of protein and 80 calories for a 150-gram serving.

Cottage Cheese

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Cottage cheese, “another great low calorie, but high protein food,” is seventh on the list. One-half cup offers 12 grams of protein and 80 calories. She recommends two servings, which will “help keep you full, keep you fueled, and again, get those protein levels up.”

Amai

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Her eighth pick is Amai, a designer protein that is especially great “if you're a vegetarian,” she says. “These are great to have on hand as quick snacks, and they can be thrown into salads or stir-fries to increase protein intake. Half a cup of Amai is 12 grams of protein and only about 150 calories.”

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Canned Tuna

High protein food number nine, canned tuna. “Super easy to throw into any meal,” she says.

“It doesn't even have to be cooked. And for one can of tuna, you're looking at 30 grams of protein and only 120 calories.”

Basic Whey Protein Powder

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The last item on her list is “basic whey protein powder,” she says. While not a food, “it is a source that helps me increase my protein intake, helps me with recovery from my workouts, and helps me as a healthy snack in between meals to curb cravings and keep my body fueled,” she says. “So I definitely think having a whey protein powder on this list is very important.” One serving of whey protein has about 150 calories and 35 grams of protein. And if you enjoyed this article, take advantage of these 15 Quick Ways to Lose Body Fat Percentage in a Week.