21 High-Protein Foods for Weight Loss & How to Eat Them

With the perennial popularity of junk food and high-fat diets, we have been witnessing growing obesity on a large scale. With obesity comes a host of problems like cardiovascular disease, fatty liver, type 2 diabetes and weak metabolism.

And the buck doesn’t stop there! The question is, how do we move to a healthier diet without compromising on our muscle mass but definitely cutting down on unwholesome and unnecessary fats.

Good sources of protein can really help you lose weight. Proteins are heavy, satiating food compounds. They are a great way to keep a check on your snacking habits.

Eating protein-rich foods can help people lose weight. A high-protein diet can make for a delicious, filling and healthy means of feeling full while managing your weight loss process. Additionally, proteins do assist in building muscle mass.

Weight loss protein-rich food

A protein-rich diet will not only provide you with a full day’s energy but also maintain your muscle strength. However, make sure you do not over do it.

Excessive quantities of protein are never recommended. This diet will not only provide you with the needed protein but will also maintain metabolism. Let's explore the best protein-rich foods to lose weight.

List of High Protein Foods for Weight Loss

Let us have a look at a list of high-protein foods for weight loss that you can include in your diet easily.

1. Dals

For all the vegetarians and vegans out there, a wide variety of pulses are some of the best sources of protein. There is an array of recipes which you can try by simply mixing and matching a variety of lentils.

Among all, green grams win the game by being the most powerful source of protein. And including dal in your diet may help you lose weight.

2. Legumes

All kinds of beans, especially kidney beans, are powerhouses of protein. They are already considered a superfood; thus, it would be a smart decision to include them in your diet.

Rajma, choley, chana chaat, dal makhani (without cream), hummus, – all of these form great choices to feature in your menu of the day. Making them a part of your regular diet can help you lose weight.

3. Alfalfa Sprouts

A 100-gram bowl of alfalfa sprouts contains almost 4 grams of protein. They are light, easy to digest and can easily be incorporated into your salads. They can also be had as is.

Moreover, they are not only a good source of protein, but also of Vitamin K, manganese and folate. That’s why they are considered the best protein-rich foods to lose weight.

4. Broccoli

Vegetables are not generally presumed to be foods high in protein. However, broccoli breaks the stereotype by being an easily accessible high-protein vegetable.

In soups, steamed, as a stir-fry or in a curry to be had with brown rice, broccoli is your go-to veggie to enjoy a protein-rich food to lose weight.

5. Brussels sprouts and artichokes

Light on the stomach, Brussels sprouts make for a great breakfast option. Artichokes are also a vegetable with high protein and high fibre content.

6. Chinese cabbage

A decent source of protein, Chinese cabbage not only adds flavour but lots of fibre to your diet too. You can use it in your breakfast sandwiches or make a quick stir-fry.

7. Oats

Oat milk, rolled oats, flattened oats- you’ve got a variety to choose from! This cereal is winning the game by providing almost 12 grams of protein per 100 grams of consumption. However, people with diabetes might want to avoid oatmeal since it naturally contains decent amounts of sucrose.

8. Corn

100 grams of corn can serve you with about 16 grams of protein, making it a great source of protein. It is also a good option to add for more flavour and colour to your diet.

9. Asparagus

Asparagus is not only an excellent source of protein but also of various vitamins (A,C, E, K) and minerals like phosphorus, potassium and folate. These crunchy stalks make for a great side dish when oven-roasted, and drizzled with olice oil, lemon zest and salt & pepper.

10. Pistachios

These tasty nuts, being a good source of protein, are a must-have snack to keep you full, satiated and nourished. However, do avoid snacking on highly salted and seasoned ones.

11. Pumpkin seeds and hemp seeds

Famous for lowering blood pressure, pumpkin seeds are a great source of protein too. You can add them to your salads, Raitas, puddings or fruit bowls or just munch away. Hemp seeds are also a rich source of protein, but they could be a bit tough to find in general supermarkets.

12. Quinoa

Quinoa provides about 8 grams of protein per cup, making it a good snacking option. You can also make one-pot meals out of it like Khichdi.

13. Peanut butter

Use it as a bread spread or just as it is; you’re sure of getting that dose of protein in every spoonful. Do remember to moderate your intake and try to find sugar-free options.

14. Tempeh

Tempeh can be tough to find, but it is a great option for vegans who are trying to eat a protein-rich diet.

15. Tofu

Made out of soy milk, tofu contains about 8 grams of protein per 100 grams. It can be a great Paneer substitute for those who are on vegan diets.

16. Milk

The age-old source of protein can never be outdated. It is rich in nutrients, especially in calcium and protein, making it ideal for both adults and children.

17. Greek Yoghurt

This creamy yoghurt provides about 10 grams of protein per 100 grams and makes for a great breakfast option. You can also have it as your evening snack.

18. Paneer

100 grams of Paneer provides 14 grams of protein and is a godsend for vegetarians. This ever-popular source of protein enjoys great popularity and can be cooked and consumed in plenty of different ways.

19. Salmon

Widely considered an excellent source of nutrients, salmon has been a global winner in diet plans. They do, however, contain long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, signalling you to consume it in moderate quantities when planning on losing weight.

20. Chicken breasts

Skinless chicken breasts are a lean source of protein and provide 20-22 grams of protein per 100 grams.

21. Egg whites

Eggs can never be left out when talking about protein and weight loss. Egg whites are a rich source of protein minus the fat. Boiled egg whites are also considered protein-rich foods to lose weight.

Conclusion

Protein-rich foods can help you feel full and support muscle maintenance while managing your weight. Include a variety of protein sources in a balanced diet and keep portion sizes in mind.

How PB Health Can Support You

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