Protein is a vital part of a healthy diet. The amino acids that make up proteins are essential for long-term health, serving as the building blocks for healthy cells, bones, and nail and hair growth. Protein also helps improve body composition, promoting fat loss and muscle gain. Adequate protein consumption is incredibly important – and, with a few tricks, it can also be incredibly easy as well. Once you’ve identified your recommended protein intake (which assumes the protein consumed is a complete protein), try these easy ways to add protein to your diet.
Easy Ways to Add Protein to Your Diet
Sneak Protein Powder Into Meals
Protein powder is one of the most versatile protein sources available. You can easily mix an unflavored protein powder into liquid-based dishes like pasta sauce, salad dressing, soups, and even beverages like coffee and tea. If you’re a home chef concerned about your family’s protein intake, you can add a flavored protein powder into all kinds of family favorites. Vanilla protein powder mixes seamlessly into cereal milk, pancakes, and waffle batter, providing a nearly undetectable source of nutrients.
Start Your Day the Right Way
Many popular breakfast foods like toast and cereals can be low in protein. Start your day with a protein-packed meal – like a three-egg omelet, which can pack in 19 grams of protein alongside nutrients like folate, choline, and selenium. If you’re in a hurry, shakes and smoothies can be great receptacles for protein powder. Just blend your favorite nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables with a scoop of protein powder to start your day on a healthy note.
Prioritize Protein-Rich Dishes
When you sit down for a meal, try to eat your protein first – especially before you get to dishes that contain empty calories. According to a study published in ScienceDirect, protein increases the production of PYY, a gut hormone that makes you feel full. Another ScienceDirect study observed individuals who ate protein and vegetables before high-carbohydrate foods and found that those individuals experienced a significantly smaller spike in blood sugar and insulin – as opposed to a significant spike when subjects ate high-carb foods first.
When you fill up on foods like carbs and starches, you’re less likely to consume adequate protein throughout the day. However, when you consume protein first, you’re more likely to fill up on the nutrients you need. Preparing protein-forward meals doesn’t mean you have to eat a chicken breast for dinner every night. You can round out your meals with protein-rich sides like beans, quinoa, and other ancient grains.
Choose Protein-Packed Snacks
High-protein snacks are a great way to stay fueled throughout the day. While snacks like chips and cookies may taste great, they’re full of empty calories that won’t keep you energized. Instead, prepare your own high-protein snack packs containing nuts, meat jerky, edamame, and other high-protein options. If you’re on the go, you can also reach for pre-made snacks like MEAT-SNX, which are convenient crispy protein bites that are both keto- and paleo-friendly.
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Consuming a protein-rich diet doesn’t have to be a challenge. With a little planning – and a delicious protein powder – there are plenty of easy ways to add protein to your diet. CHiKPRO® can help you take a step in the right direction.
Our protein powder is a complete protein, highly digestible, and rich in the building blocks your body requires for wellness. Versatile and easy to use, this high-quality and highly efficient protein supplement contains 25 grams of protein in each 30-gram scoop. Plus, you can use it in pizza, waffles, smoothies, frittatas, and many other delicious recipes. It is non-allergenic, dairy-free, and gluten-free as well. We also offer convenient snacks like MEAT-SNX, which is powered by CHiKPRO, to help you stay healthy on the go. To learn more, please visit the CHiKPRO® website or contact us for more information.
