How to Sneak More Protein Into Your Diet
What words come to mind when you think of energy…Efficiency? Power? Intensity? Strength? In our kitchen, the first word that comes to mind is protein. No matter what your goals are for a new fitness routine or how much you are dedicated to meeting a New Year’s Resolution, adding adequate protein into your diet will help improve your health.
PROTEIN IS POWER.
Protein is the most important nutrient when it comes to our performance health. It’s found in almost everything we eat. Whether you’re a hardcore athlete or someone that does a ton of activity throughout the day… Eating enough protein will improve your energy levels, aid in muscle recovery, strengthen your immune system, and help you sleep better.
Why is protein so important? Protein is the most abundant and essential nutrient in a human diet. Let’s take a look at the main benefits of protein. Add protein in your everyday, recipe routine to:
- Helps build muscle
- Boosts metabolism
- Regulates appetite and helps you feel full longer
- Fuels recovery after a tough workout
- Maintain weight loss
This is why protein is such a powerful component of your diet. It gives you energy, helps keep your body lean and healthy, and can help you lose weight. It’s easy to get the protein you need from a variety of food choices. The trick is getting in enough protein without eating too many calories.
Protein is the key to having a healthy diet and feeling like you have enough energy to power through your day. If you have children, introducing them to new recipes with protein can help them get the most out of their meals and snacks. Here are some ideas to transition your family’s meals into a higher protein diet.
Trendy toasts
The Ultimate Breakfast: Eggs All’Amatriciana
Up the protein in your breakfast toast with simple swaps. Our easy Eggs All’Amatriciana recipe uses crisp Pancetta rather than Guanciale or classic Bacon to add in more protein for the start of your day. Likewise, we top it all off with perfectly soft-cooked eggs. Layer on top of toasted bread for a balanced meal that will give you the strength to power through that To-Do list.
How to keep snacking simple?
Don’t overcomplicate snack time. Be sure to always include at least one protein-rich item in your snack lineup like mixed nuts, lean Prosciutto, or prepared meat and cheese wraps. Add charcuterie, low-fat cheese, and crackers into your meal plan. Add in pre-chopped Pancetta for an added protein boost to salads, pastas and omelets. Protein powders can also be added to everything from smoothies to pancakes, muffins and even brownies. Protein doesn’t have to be complicated or boring! For more snack ideas, check out our blog: The Best High Protein Snacks For Life On The Go.
DELICIOUSLY HEALTHY DINNERS
Whether you’re looking for an easy way to cut calories or healing from tough workouts over the year, protein is an essential to maintaining a healthy lifestyle for the long-run. Add this high protein recipe from our Deliciously Healthy Cooking Series into your weekly recipe routine for a new family favorite.
Brussels Sprouts and Chorizo – Recipe by Christopher Sinclair-McCalla
Yields: 6 to 8 servings
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
- olive oil
- 2 lbs Brussels sprouts, each cut lengthwise in half
- freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- salt, to taste
- ½ cup minced Spanish-style (dried and cured) chorizo
- 3 Tbsp minced shallots
- 2 Tbsp mincedfresh garlic
- about ¾ cup chicken stock
- ½ cup balsamic vinegar
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley leaves
Conclusion
No matter if you’re a mom on-the-go, or looking to drive muscle gains, the protein in your diet gives you the energy to keep running throughout the day.
