9 Ways To Add More Protein to Your Diet

If you are not getting enough protein, there are numerous reasons to change that. For example, muscle growth and proteins go hand-in-hand. By building muscle growth, maintaining muscle mass and preventing too much muscle loss when losing weight, proteins also have many positive benefits to offer the body. You can add more protein to your diet by following these tips. 

1. Snack on Cheese

Cheese is a great snack for easily adding protein to your diet.  If you feel like your answer is “yes” to the question, “Does protein give you energy?”, then that is all the more reason to discover some delicious cheeses to eat this week. The best part is that there are many items that you can pair cheese with. On the other hand, you can also enjoy several types of cheese without pairing.

2. Eat Eggs Instead of Cereal
Although cereal is one of the most popular breakfast foods, most types are low in protein. The same is true for other items such as bagels and toast. In contrast, eggs are an excellent source of high-quality protein as well as other essential nutrients. 
 
3. Add Greek Yogurt to Your Breakfast Menu
Yogurt is a popular breakfast food, but Greek yogurt is especially good for increasing your protein intake. As a versatile, high-protein food, Greek yogurt is available in several brands. Pick up some today if you want to experience some of the Greek yogurt benefits for yourself.
 
4. Try Protein Shakes
For a quick, easy and healthy shake that is high in protein, consider buying one of the many protein powders that are available. Some include whey, egg or soy proteins while others contain pea protein. Keep in mind, not all smoothie drinks offer high-quality protein. This is true even for those that contain fruits and vegetables. 
 
5. Eat Peanut Butter
For a delicious, high-protein snack, peanut butter is another versatile option with seemingly endless possibilities. Whether you pair it with oatmeal, bananas, celery, toast, yogurt or carrots, there are many healthy ways to enjoy peanut butter while simultaneously increasing your protein intake. Plus, it is one of the most inexpensive food items you can purchase, and it lasts a long time.
 
6. Indulge in Cottage Cheese Whenever You Want
Going back to the magnificence of cheese, cottage cheese is one that is particularly notable when it comes to protein because of its very high content. For instance, a one-cup serving contains as much as 23 grams of protein and as little as 176 calories! According to one study, many people appreciate cottage cheese as much as (or more than) they do eggs.
 
7. Consume Canned Fish
Canned fish is not just convenient, it is also healthy, especially in terms of protein. Plus, there are numerous other benefits to eating fish. With fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, and mackerel, there is the additional benefits of omega-3 fatty acids which help fight inflammation while improving heart health. Make sure you have a can opener!
 
8. Choose More Whole Grains
What kind of bread do you eat every day? By choosing more whole grains, you can increase your intake of not only protein but also other important nutrients such as fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. In addition to all of the health-conscious whole grain benefits to consider, it also tastes delicious.
 
9. Add Pecans to Your Salad
Instead of topping your next salad with croutons, try sprinkling some pecans on it. Adding nuts to your salad can be the perfect way to add a crunch element as well as protein and antioxidants. Doing so can also help reduce high blood pressure. Aside from the particular tastiness of pecans, they are also a good source of calcium, magnesium and potassium. 
 
Protein helps your body repair cells and make new ones, and it is necessary for healthy growth. If you are not getting enough, you are not alone, but now is a good time to change that. Follow these tips to increase your protein intake today.