6 Crazy-Easy Ways To Add More Protein To Your Diet Without Even Trying
Did you know that protein is the most important macronutrient for your body?
That's right, it helps with everything from fat loss, and hormone regulation, to hair growth and building lean muscle. Protein is also great for your skin!
And while a diet high in protein is not necessary for everyone (especially if you are an endurance athlete), there are many benefits of adding more protein into your healthy lifestyle.
Do you want to get the right amount of protein in your diet, but seem to fall short? In this blog post we will share six tips that can help your reach your protein goals.
#1. Start with 50 grams of protein at breakfast.
What are the benefits of lots of protein in the morning?
People who have a high-protein breakfast feel less hungry during the day. Studies show that MRI scans of people eating cereal for breakfast experience greater hunger throughout the day than those who chose protein-rich breakfasts.
Eat breakfast with 50 grams of protein to stay fuller longer.
If you tend to have sugar cravings later in the day, a protein packed breakfast can help balance your blood sugar and curb cravings as a result. Starting your day with protein will also help manage your hunger while keeping your energy high.
We suggest having a quick, Protein Milkshake breakfast daily to help stabilize your appetite, increase your metabolism and reduce cravings.
#2. Protein packed snacks
Reach for a protein-rich snack between meals to feel more satisfied and have a longer lasting source of energy.
Protein based snacks are a great way to sneak more protein into your day.
An extra bonus: you'll feel more energized and successfully reduce unhealthy cravings.
A great option is this Sugar Cookie Protein Baked Oats.
It has 50g protein, 350 calories, 20g carbs and 6g fat, and can work as a snack or a meal.
And it gets even better.
You can make this recipe in under five minutes. All you need is:
2 scoops Protein Milkshake
1/4 cup oat flour (or just blend old fashioned oats in a mini blender until it becomes a flour)
3/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sweetener
Microwave for approx 3 minutes. Remove and enjoy with whipped cream and sprinkles.
Reach for a protein-rich snack between meals to feel more satisfied and have a longer lasting source of energy.
Protein based snacks are a great way to sneak more protein into your day.
An extra bonus: you'll feel more energized and successfully reduce unhealthy cravings.
#3 - Swap Bars for Cookie Dough
Protein on the go can be tough. Protein bars are a convenient way to stay on track on the go. But is is best to avoid most of the ready made protein bars.
One reason to avoid pre-packaged protein bars is that they are often filled with sugar and artificial ingredients. These additives can be detrimental for your health, making them a bad choice overall.
We suggest making protein cookie dough which can easily be shaped into bars or bites for a yummy on the go protein packed snack. It's a great way to feel satisfied when you're looking for a treat, but also need to eat healthy to stay on your fitness grind!
Healthy Protein Cookie Dough
2 scoops Protein Milkshake
2 tbsp coconut flour
2 tbsp oat flour
1/2 tsp sweetener
4 tbsp milk
Mix in your favorite toppings and enjoy as a complete meal, snack or desert
#4 - Replace Pasta With Protein Pasta
Keeping pasta on the menu is easy. Traditional pasta is made with wheat and can be unhealthy. Try chickpea or edamame pasta instead. We love Banza pasta.
Both choices are protein packed, gluten and wheat free and can give you up to 20g of plant protein per serving. It’s definitely worth the switch.
Check out the amazing high protein pasta recipes in our Transformation Meal Plans.
#5 - Add Protein To your coffee
Swapping your creamer with Protein Milkshake will not only give you a protein boost.
You'll also get the flavor of a better than Starbucks latte, while saving money.
#6. Swap Out Flour and sugar
Did you know you can swap some protein powder into recipes and replace both flour and sugar?
This protein packed strawberry shortcake is the perfect way to enjoy your favorite dessert with none of the guilt.
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE PROTEIN OATS
ingredients:
2 scoops Strawberry Shortcake (you can get 15% off with code: VDAY)
1/4 old fashioned oats blended into flour
3/4 cup milk
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp sweetener
strawberries
whipped cream
Microwave for approximately 3 minutes. Remove and break up the cake. Layer between whipped cream and strawberries. Enjoy!
Protein Milkshake is created with organic and natural ingredients which can be used to make warm and cold shakes and is also ideal in cooking and baking sugar free versions of your favorite high carb desserts.
With a few swaps, you can easily reach your protein goals while enjoying the flavors of the foods you love.
Are you ready to try some new fun protein swaps? What is your favorite healthy recipe?