How to Easily Increase Your Protein Intake
Protein is essential to your body’s ability to develop and thrive. When you look at parts of your body, such as your skin and your muscles, the lack of protein can impact their growth and functionality. Protein is even essential to your bones. This is why it’s so important for each person to consume a certain amount of protein on a daily basis.
If you’re not a professional bodybuilder, adding protein to your diet might seem like a really difficult task. Thankfully, you can use these tips in order to get started.
1. Carry Protein-Rich Snacks
Many companies make incredible protein bars and snacks for consumers to enjoy on the go. Instead of reaching for that chocolate bar to fuel you, consider a chocolate protein bar instead. It’s even possible to find dessert mixes that are protein-based.
Whether you love a chewy cookie or a frozen dessert, many companies produce protein-rich desserts in order to help you indulge and stay on track with your protein goals. Stock your kitchen with the appropriate protein-rich options, and give yourself a chance to like them. Sure, some options might require a change in perspective regarding flavor. However, with time, you’ll learn to appreciate certain options that work for your protein goals and lifestyle.
2. Drink Protein-Packed Smoothies
A morning smoothie can easily be a great meal replacement. Prepare a delicious smoothie that’s packed with fruits, vegetables, and a plant-based milk for tons of nutrients. Pack the protein into your smoothie by adding protein powder. Look for protein powders and flavors that match the type of smoothie you’re trying to make.
Have fun with the flavors and look for new ways to make your smoothies creative, tasty, and nutritious. Many people love smoothie bowls. When you’re creating your own smoothie bowl, add a spoonful of whey protein powder. Remember to add protein-rich ingredients like peanut butter for an added boost.
3. Keep a Stock of Frozen Meat-Based/Plant-Based Protein
Oftentimes, people turn to delivery apps and take-out menus because they don’t have what they need on hand. By preparing your meals in advance, you’ll eliminate the chances of scrambling at the last minute.
If you are a meat eater, always keep items such as frozen salmon, frozen chicken, and frozen turkey on hand. When you decide you’d like to have an evening salad, easily take out a piece of frozen salmon to defrost. It can be prepared and on the table within an hour.
If you are a plant-based eater, keep options like tempeh, quinoa, and tofu available. A lot of these options are easy to defrost and prepare ahead of time.
Whether you do this once a month or once every few months, stock your freezer with the proteins of your choice in order to make sure you always have options at your fingertips.
4. Always Keep Nuts and Seeds Nearby
Keep an array of nuts in your kitchen cupboard. Options like pecans, almonds, and cashews are rich in protein. They also play well with other ingredients. For example, cashews can be a great base for any type of plant-based creamy dessert or any plant-based condiment. Almonds are easy to incorporate in salads or oatmeal as a topping. The same rules apply to pecans. Use pecans as a meat source of its own. With different types of seasonings, cheeses, and ingredients, create pecan-based burger patties, meatballs, and more.
5. Strategically Replace Certain Items
In order to consume enough protein, chances are you’ll need to make some replacements. Throw away the sugar-packed morning bowl of cereal. Instead, make a fruit and yogurt parfait that includes Greek yogurt (a rich protein source).
Consider transitioning to avocado toast topped with a fried egg. Eggs are a great source of protein. Instead of always eating white rice, consider trying quinoa instead. These small adjustments add up.
Conclusion
Adding protein to your diet doesn’t have to be an impossible feat. By using these tips in a consistent manner, you can easily hit your protein goals for each day.
And once you’re getting enough protein, you’ll see a difference in the way your body trains in the gym, and how agile your body feels. You’ll see and feel many more differences since protein is one of the building blocks of a healthy body.
