Taking care of yourself is necessary to living a long, fulfilling life. However, exercising, meditating, and resting aren’t the only things that affect your health—the food you eat every day does, too. Here are the top 5 protein-rich foods that will keep you full while promoting good health.
1. Chicken Breast
Chicken breast comes flying out the gate with 31 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. It’s not just a great source of vitamins and minerals; it’s also a dish that you can quickly and easily meal-prep. Just make sure you cook the chicken to the proper temperature—harmful bacteria can develop in undercooked poultry, and the last thing you want is to get sick.
Chicken breast is one of the best protein-rich foods that keep you full, containing vitamins B, D, A, and C while offering minerals such as calcium, iron, and zinc. Additionally, it contains more polyunsaturated fat and monounsaturated fats than most red meats.
2. Salmon
Not the biggest fan of poultry? Take a trip to the waterside and try out some tasty, buttery salmon. Packed with 19 grams of protein for every 3 ounces, salmon comes with the omega-3 fatty acids the human body needs. This satisfying entrée is also one of the best foods for taking better care of yourself. It reduces your chance of developing cardiovascular disease, cancer, dementia, and Alzheimer’s.
3. Lentils
Just one cup of cooked lentils contains 18 grams of protein. So if you’re on a plant-based diet and need a good source of protein, lentils make the perfect food for you. They’re a great protein to have for following a balanced diet while lowering cholesterol, protecting the body against diabetes, and preventing colon cancer. You can use it for soups, stews, and main entrées to keep yourself satisfied for hours.
4. Cottage Cheese
Considered one of the healthiest and lowest-calorie dairy options to choose from, cottage cheese has a whopping 12 grams of protein per half-cup serving. As a result, many athletes who seek weight loss rely on cottage cheese to satisfy their salty cravings while staying satiated. It comes packed with phosphorus, selenium, vitamin B12, riboflavin, calcium, and folates to benefit the body. To add a creamy, salty flavor, you can also mix it with fruit, salads, and other delicious foods.
5. Eggs
Just one egg contains 6 grams of protein, with good amounts of vitamin A, B2, B5, and B12 as well. It’s a savory protein that you can use in many ways, from scrambled eggs to breakfast omelets to eggs over easy. Eggs pair nicely with many proteins, carbs, and vegetables to fill you up for hours to come.
Which protein-rich foods work best for you? Let us know what your experience has been in the comments below and join in the conversation on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram!
