7 Easy Ways to Pump Up Your Protein
Do you want to increase the amount of protein you give your body over a day? Before reaching for a protein shake here are some easy swaps and additions you can put into your diet. At the end of the day the extra total amount of protein you provide your body may surprise you.
Swap 35g of Water Crackers for
Water crackers are a refined grain white offers less vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, fiber, and protein compared to a whole grain containing foods like Corn Thins® slices. 35g of water crackers gives your body around 2.2g of protein compared to 3.57g in 35g of Corn Thins® slices. Making small swaps like this adds up over a day and is worth the exchange.
Swap White Rice for Quinoa
By swapping refined white rice for quinoa, you are gaining an extra 2g of protein per 100g. Quinoa also gives your body a complete protein source unlike white rice which is limited in the amino acid lysine. Lysine is an essential amino acid and is important in maintaining your muscle.
Swap Butter for Hummus
1/3rd of a cup of hummus will give your body around 4g of protein. In addition to this benefit, you are swapping a spread which is a saturated fat with one which is mostly heart healthy polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fat.
Swap Ham for Salmon
A slice of ham gives your body 3.8g of protein compared to 14g of protein in 95g of tinned salmon in spring water. Ham is a processed meat and is not recommended as a regular component in your diet. Processed meat increases your risk of cancers like stomach cancer and should be enjoyed as a treat rather than a staple in your diet.
Seafood like salmon on the other hand is recommended 2-3 times a week with 100g considered a serve. This promotes optimal health of your body by providing an essential fat called omega-3 fat that your brain, heart, arteries, joints, and eyes need to function and is not simply a great source of complete protein to add to your day.
Choose Greek Yoghurt Over Regular Yoghurt
245 grams of low-fat Greek Yoghurt has 24g of protein compared to regular yoghurt with 13g. You are nearly doubling the amount of protein you give your body with this swap.
Add an Extra Egg
Each egg gives your body around 6.3g of protein. Why not try adding another to your toast at breakfast, in your salad or sandwich at lunch or simply as a snack?
If you do not have diabetes, high cholesterol, or heart disease up to 2 eggs including the yolk each day can be a part of an overall balanced diet. If you do have diabetes, high cholesterol or at risk of heart disease then up to 6 eggs including the yolk is recommended over a full week.
Select Whole grain Over White Bread
Each slice of whole grain bread can give your body around 4g of protein compared to 1.4g per slice of white bread.
Add Seeds and Nuts to Your Meal
Nuts are a great meat alternative to add more protein in your day. 30g or a small handful of nuts can give your body 3-6g of protein. 30g of seeds gives your body around 4-5g of protein. Why not try adding a handful of nuts and seeds to your salad, in your sauce or on top of your cereal.
Take home message: Try these easy food swaps and additions to your meals and snacks instead of adding a protein shake. You will be saving yourself money as well as giving your body more health benefits than a single protein powder could provide.
References:
- https://www.heartfoundation.org.nz/wellbeing/healthy-eating/nutrition-facts/eggs-and-cholesterol/#:~:text=So%20how%20many%20eggs%20can%20I%20eat?%20Based,substantive%20influence%20on%20their%20risk%20of%20heart%20disease.