Smoothy Slim
Photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV Pexels Logo Photo: ROMAN ODINTSOV

Are eggs or yogurt healthier?

Greek yogurt is a far more nutritious option. “Six ounces contain 15 grams of protein — two to three times the amount you'd find in regular yogurt and more than the amount 2 ounces of meat or two eggs provide,” notes Hopsecger. Greek yogurt also boasts probiotics, the healthy bacteria that support gut health.

Can you gain weight with juicing?
Can you gain weight with juicing?

Fresh-Pressed Juices Drinking fresh fruit juice regularly can contribute to excess calorie consumption, which may cause you to gain weight. Stick...

Read More »
What is the best drink for stress?
What is the best drink for stress?

5 best stress-relieving beverages Coconut juice. Who would have thought that coconut water helped to compensate for water and mineral salts in the...

Read More »
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab
Tasty juice “eats through” 54lbs of thick flab

This effective juice jolts the metabolism, boosts energy and burns fat all day.

Learn More »

Are you loading your grocery cart with enough healthy sources of protein?

Children need protein to grow and adults need it to maintain and repair body tissue among many other health reasons. But what’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of protein? For many, it’s probably meat, right? While you’re correct — meats like turkey breast, chicken and extra-lean sirloin are enriched with a ton of protein— meat doesn’t always fit into everyone’s diets. Advertising Policy Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy Now, vegans and vegetarians don’t have to worry about getting their daily dose of protein, and meat-eaters can switch up their traditional protein-packed recipes. Registered dietitian Nicole Hopsecger, RD, LD, shares some of her favorite nontraditional sources of protein below and why they’re some of the healthiest sources of protein you can add to your diet.

Why is protein important?

First thing’s first. Why is protein essential for your health?

“A diet that’s high in protein can help lower blood pressure, decrease your risk of developing diabetes, help you lose weight and build muscle,” says Hopsecger.

Here are some other reasons why protein is important. Protein:

Oxygenates red blood cells, helping to supply your body with nutrients.

Regulates hormones.

Aids in digestion.

Speeds up exercise recovery and injury.

The best nontraditional sources of protein

1. Beans and legumes

Beans and legumes — meaning all types of dried beans, split peas and lentils — are fair game for increasing your protein intake. “Beans and legumes are fiber-rich nutrient powerhouses and an excellent source of protein,” says Hopsecger. “One serving (1/2 cup cooked) of beans provides about 7 grams of protein, the same as 1 ounce of meat.” Beans and legumes also keep you fuller, longer because they are so rich in fiber. Animal sources of protein, in contrast, have no fiber at all. Beans and legumes are also much higher in antioxidants.

Research suggests that:

What is the unhealthiest food in the world 2022?
What is the unhealthiest food in the world 2022?

1. Bacon Fried food. ... Potato chips. ... Added sugars. ... Processed oils. ... Hydrogenated fats. ... Refined carbohydrates. ... Breakfast...

Read More »
What is the best super fruit?
What is the best super fruit?

Here are 25 super fruits to add to your diet today. Plums. In addition to their pleasing taste, plums offer a high concentration of vitamins,...

Read More »
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning
Traditional “juice” activates 24/7 fat-burning

A potent powdered supplement blended right into water or your favored beverage to be appreciated as a scrumptious morning smoothy.

Learn More »

One serving of beans per day helps lower “bad” LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol. Four servings (versus less than one) per week can reduce the risk of heart disease. Four servings a week can decrease the risk of recurrence for colon polyps that can turn cancerous. Eating enough plant protein in general — including beans, peas, nuts, seeds, soy and 100% whole grains — helps protect against chronic degenerative diseases, notes Hopsecger. “Plant proteins are loaded with nutrients and fiber, and are naturally low in cholesterol and sodium,” she says. “Plant-based diets promote weight loss and maintenance and are cost-effective when you’re eating on a budget. And many plant proteins are gluten-free.” When relying only on plant-based proteins, she adds that some researchers recommend getting 0.9 grams, versus the recommended dietary allowance of 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day.

2. Wild salmon

Wild salmon is the perfect source of lean protein and provides incredible benefits because of its anti-inflammatory fats. Three ounces contain nearly 17 grams of protein and provide a key nutrient that your body can’t make on its own: omega-3 fat. “Studies have proven that the high omega-3 fatty acid content in wild salmon helps to lower triglycerides and blood pressure, and decreases platelet aggregation (stickiness),” says Hopsecger. That lowers the risk of plaque and blood clot formation in your arteries, which leads to heart attack and stroke. “The omega-3 fats EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) in wild salmon decrease the inflammation associated not only with heart disease but also with autoimmune diseases,” adds Hopsecger.

Omega-3 fats also benefit your brain and nervous system.

Aim for at least two servings of wild salmon per week. Try it in a salad, on its own or as a burger!

3. Eggs

Eggs are a low-carb, low-calorie and low-cost source of protein. One egg provides 6 to 8 grams of protein with only 70 calories. Extremely nutritious, eggs are a complete protein and have a rich supply of key vitamins and minerals.

How do I detox and jumpstart weight loss?
How do I detox and jumpstart weight loss?

The Most Common Ways to Detox Fasting for 1–3 days. Drinking fresh fruit and vegetable juices, smoothies, water, and tea. Drinking only specific...

Read More »
What is the side effect of juicing?
What is the side effect of juicing?

More extreme juice cleanses are associated with negative side effects, including diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. There is no evidence...

Read More »
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks
Weird “juice ritual” removes 65lbs in weeks

A potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »

“Eggs have battled a bad reputation over the years because of their cholesterol content (184 milligrams in one large egg),” says Hopsecger. “But we now know that the dietary cholesterol level in eggs has a minimal impact on serum cholesterol levels.” Much of the egg’s nutrition, including vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins and choline (which may contribute to mental clarity), is housed in the yolk. Heart experts generally recommend limiting eggs to one per day or half a dozen per week.

4. Greek yogurt

If you eat dairy, don’t rely on cheese which is high in saturated fat for protein. Greek yogurt is a far more nutritious option. “Six ounces contain 15 grams of protein — two to three times the amount you’d find in regular yogurt and more than the amount 2 ounces of meat or two eggs provide,” notes Hopsecger. Greek yogurt also boasts probiotics, the healthy bacteria that support gut health. And it’s a good source of calcium and vitamin D. She recommends fat-free plain Greek yogurt over the high-fat, high-sugar varieties in the store. Instead of high-sugar granola, add your own fresh or frozen fruit, slivered almonds or walnuts, and chia seeds or ground flaxseed. For the greatest and most effective health gains, try adding some of the best sources of protein recommended above into your diet. Protein foods help you grow and develop, furnish you with energy and build and repair cells and tissues throughout your body. Check out our recipes for fun ways to implement these ingredients into your daily meals!

What's America's favorite snack?
What's America's favorite snack?

cookies The most popular snack in the U.S. is cookies. In 2021, 59 percent of respondents who have a snack at least once a week stated that they...

Read More »
What are the benefits of laser resurfacing?
What are the benefits of laser resurfacing?

Six Benefits of Laser Skin Resurfacing Reduce fine lines and wrinkles. ... Treat brown spots, redness, or discoloration. ... Tighten skin and...

Read More »
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab
Purple weed obliterates 72lbs of flab

The main ingredient for a potent powdered supplement, based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
Can fasting fix fatty liver?
Can fasting fix fatty liver?

A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis out of Frontiers In Nutrition found that intermittent fasting could reduce liver enzyme levels (ALT,AST)...

Read More »
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat
Tasty breakfast juice melts 59lbs of wobbly fat

A scrumptious morning smoothy based on the diets of among the healthiest, longest-living hamlet in the world.

Learn More »
What foods draw water into the colon?
What foods draw water into the colon?

Leafy greens are also rich in magnesium. This is the main ingredient in many types of laxatives, as it helps draw water into the intestines to help...

Read More »