Even if you don’t want to go full-on paleo, eating plenty of high protein foods is a healthy way of keeping those unwanted pounds at bay. You don’t need to become a raging carnivore either — there are a variety of foods high in protein that even vegans can enjoy. The average recommended daily protein intake is 10% to 35% of your daily calories (that’s about 46 grams for women) but some high protein enthusiasts encourage you to eat as much as 90-100 grams per day. Recent research also suggests that you get the most benefit if you start early and spread it out. University of Missouri researcher, Heather Leidy advises, “Eating a protein-rich breakfast containing about 30 grams of protein leads to even greater satiety throughout the day and can reduce unhealthy snacking by improving appetite control.
Read Related: 10 High Protein Foods for Breakfast that Aren’t Eggs
Luckily, you’ve got tons of high protein foods to choose from. Here’s the short list:
• Chia seeds
• Blueberries
• Guava
• Lentils
• Eggs
• Greek yogurt
• Cheese
• Lean Meat
• Fish
• Soy
• Nuts
• Beans
• Quinoa
We’ve found some delectable power packed recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack time too!
Tostihuevos en Salsa Taquera
Sunny side up eggs served with cheese and black beans are a heart healthy way to get energized for the day.
Skinny Avocado Egg Scramble
This breakfast recipe eliminates the yolks, using just protein-rich egg whites. Add in the delicious flavor and healthy fats of avocado and cheddar cheese for even more tasty protein.
Cheesy Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes with Arugula + Poached Eggs
That magical combo of cheese beans and eggs is even better when it’s stuffed into a super nutritious sweet potato. This makes a great breakfast, lunch or side dish.
Two Bean Sage Chili
On a chilly fall day, there’s nothing like a nice, warm bowl of chili for lunch. Especially if it’s made with high protein foods like beans and your choice of lean ground beef or turkey. Or use tofu for a vegetarian meal.
Estefan’s Sopa de Chicharos (Split-Pea Soup)
Split-pea soup isn’t just a delicious way to warm up your tummy — peas are actually one of the foods high in protein.
Spinach & Red Rice Pesto
This ingenious recipe transforms pesto into a super healthy sauce that’s loaded with protein. Rice, asparagus, cashews, spinach and Greek yogurt make it a powerhouse of nutrition and flavor.
Grilled Chicken with Fresh Fig Salsita
The only thing better than Almond Fish is Grilled Chicken with Fresh Fig Salsita which also calls for almonds.
Orange Baked Ham
We can’t leave out everyone’s favorite holiday dinner staple, ham.
Pizza-Style Zucchini Lasagna
When you hear the words pizza and lasagna, you don’t immediately think of healthy high protein foods. Well this version uses zucchini noodles and turkey pepperoni for fewer carbs and fat.
Finally, celery sticks with peanut butter or meat jerky make fantastic between-meal snacks.
Photo 9 courtesy of Food Network.com
