5 Best Proteins For Weight Loss

Most adult women and some men are not getting enough protein in their diet. With all the dieting fads and massive amounts of (sometimes false) information out there, it can be a serious challenge to understand what you need when trying to lose weight.

Not only is protein important, generally, but it actually contributes to helping you lose weight, so not getting enough of it is just tainting your hard work. On top of that, it helps lower cholesterol and blood pressure and can help prevent obesity, diabetes, and osteoporosis.

So, how exactly does protein help you to lose weight? High-protein foods take more time and energy to digest, therefore burning more calories and keeping you fuller and longer.

If you exercise regularly (and you should be), protein becomes even more crucial. The amino acids in protein allow your body to build lean muscle, which keeps you strong and actually burns calories when you’re not doing anything.

Most people desire to look toned and keep their metabolism up, and now you can use this knowledge to get there.

Ok, we now understand why you need to be a “protein machine”, so what do we eat? Lots of food contains protein, but we need to go for the lean protein, not the protein in greasy fast food burgers and fried chicken (which only makes you feel sluggish, anyway!). Let’s take a look at the good stuff:

Vegetables

You may find this a little shocking, but yes, there is protein in veggies. All veggies have a little protein in them, however you can go for the high-protein vegetables, like broccoli, artichokes and spinach. Spinach is the highest protein source, use it in salads, soups, pastas, or on its own, steamed.

Lentils

Lentils are not only an amazing source of protein, but a true “superfood”. They have few calories and contain almost no fat, yet give you great energy and nutrients. They come in many different colors, sizes, and variations, so they really don’t get boring. Try them in soups, stews, and cold salads.

Eggs

One of my favorite proteins is eggs! I love to boil and wrap them up to go for snacks at work or basically anywhere. On Sundays, I boil enough for a week, or I use raw eggs in a smoothie for added protein. Many find eggs more satisfying than carbs, so you feel full, and not to mention, they are great for abs after a workout!

Lean Meat

Unless you are vegetarian or vegan, you probably love meat and worry that it may hinder your diet. It can, but if you eat lean meats, your weight loss sail will move smoothly through the waters.

In fact, you need to be eating lean meats. Grill or bake lean chicken, fish, and meat for dinner with steamed veggies, add them to salads and soups or eat a small portion for a snack. Just stay away from anything breaded or fried!

Low-Fat Cottage Cheese

Ah, my favorite! Low-fat cottage cheese gives a huge protein boost, with 14 grams in a ½ cup! Eat it on its own as a snack, add some fruit or raw honey, or add it to a smoothie if you don’t like the taste. It is yet another superfood that really promotes a balanced diet, as it has lots of nutrients as well.

We all need different amounts of protein depending on our activity level, size, and goals. Generally, it is advised that you should consume 1.5 to 1 gram of protein per pound of your weight. For example, someone who weighs 150 lbs should eat 75-150 grams of protein per day, increasing to the maximum level the more active you are.

Remember, diet is one of the most important factors of weight loss, next to exercise.