High Protein, Low Calorie Foods
If you're looking to lose weight or maintain a healthy weight, incorporating high protein, low calorie foods into your diet can be a great way to stay full and satisfied without consuming excess calories. Here are some of the best high protein, low calorie foods you can include in your diet.
Skinless Chicken Breast: Skinless chicken breast is a great source of lean protein, with just 120 calories and 26 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. It's also versatile and can be cooked in a variety of ways, making it a great option for many different recipes.
Egg Whites: Egg whites are a great source of protein, with just 17 calories and 3.6 grams of protein per egg white. They're also low in fat and cholesterol, making them a healthy choice for breakfast or any time of day.
Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is a great source of protein and has a thick, creamy texture that can help keep you full. Look for plain, non-fat Greek yogurt, which has just 100 calories and 17 grams of protein per 6-ounce serving.
Tuna: Tuna is a great source of lean protein, with just 94 calories and 20 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. It's also low in fat and a good source of omega-3 fatty acids.
Shrimp: Shrimp is a great source of protein, with just 84 calories and 18 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving. It's also low in fat and a good source of selenium, which is important for a healthy immune system.
Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, with just 81 calories and 14 grams of protein per ½ cup serving. It's also low in fat and high in calcium, which is important for strong bones.
Edamame: Edamame is a great source of plant-based protein, with just 120 calories and 11 grams of protein per ½ cup serving. It's also high in fiber and a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Lentils: Lentils are a great source of plant-based protein, with just 115 calories and 9 grams of protein per ½ cup serving. They're also high in fiber and a good source of iron and other important nutrients.
Broccoli: Broccoli is a low calorie vegetable that's high in fiber and a good source of protein, with 31 calories and 3 grams of protein per 1 cup serving. It's also high in vitamin C and other important nutrients.
Spinach: Spinach is a low calorie vegetable that's high in fiber and a good source of protein, with 7 calories and 1 gram of protein per 1 cup serving. It's also high in iron and other important nutrients.
Incorporating high protein, low calorie foods into your diet can help you feel full and satisfied while keeping your calorie intake in check. Look for options that are lean, low in fat and added sugars, and packed with nutrients. By making smart choices and incorporating these foods into your diet, you can maintain a healthy weight and feel your best.
Meal prepping with high protein, low calorie foods
Meal prepping is a great way to stay on track with your nutrition goals, especially when trying to consume high protein and lower calorie type meals. Here are some tips to help you get started with meal prepping:
Plan ahead: Take some time each week to plan your meals and snacks. This will help ensure that you have all the ingredients you need and prevent you from making unhealthy choices when you're short on time.
Choose high-protein ingredients: Focus on incorporating high-protein ingredients into your meals, such as lean meats, fish, eggs, beans, and tofu. Protein is important for building and maintaining muscle mass, as well as keeping you feeling full and satisfied.
Use lower calorie ingredients: Choose lower calorie ingredients to keep your meals on track with your calorie goals. Vegetables are a great option as they are low in calories but high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Cook in bulk: Cook larger portions of food so that you can have leftovers for future meals. This is a great way to save time and ensure that you always have a healthy meal on hand.
Invest in meal prep containers: Having the right containers can make all the difference in keeping your meal prepping organized and efficient. Look for containers that are microwave safe and have separate compartments to keep your meals fresh and prevent them from becoming soggy.
Mix and match: Try mixing and matching different ingredients to keep your meals interesting and prevent boredom. For example, try different protein sources, vegetables, and grains to create a variety of meals throughout the week.
By meal prepping with high-protein and lower calorie type meals, you can make healthy eating a lot easier and less time-consuming. This can help you stay on track with your nutrition goals, maintain a healthy weight, and support your overall health and wellness.
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