HEALTHY HIGH-PROTEIN MEALS

OVERVIEW

In this post, we’ll share a brief introduction to healthy high-protein meals, including:

• Healthy high protein recipes and their grocery list — so you can know exactly what you need to order or pickup
• FAQs about high protein meals
• High protein food staples
• High protein snack ideas
• Best high protein meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner

The easiest way to improve the quality of your meal is to include rich, dense protein that will actually fill you up! These high protein recipes are perfect for anyone who wants to live a healthier lifestyle.

Adding protein to your meal is an easy way to feel full (so that you don’t overeat or indulge in empty calories). Thus, it’s perfect for eating less calories and losing or maintaining weight. For those of you who are trying to gain muscle and ramp up your calorie intake, increasing your protein is the healthiest way to do it.

Some common questions around protein in our diets are…

What is considered a high protein meal?

“High protein” is based on how much you’re eating, and what percentage of tht is calories from protein. “In a typical diet, 10-15% of calories come from protein. In a high protein diet, this number can be as high as 30% to 50%”. Learn more through healthy SD. 

How much protein do you need?

Check out this protein calculator for an estimate, and talk to your doctor or nutritionist for more detailed information.

HEALTHY HIGH-PROTEIN MEALS

BEST HIGH-PROTEIN BREAKFAST IDEAS

People often say breakfast is the most important meal of the day…and it’s true!

With breakfast being the first food you put in your body, filling your breakfast (and body) with healthy proteins and nutrients sets you up for an energized and productive day.

What is a good high-protein breakfast? 

There are several ways you can incorporate some additional protein into your morning meals. For example, you can make a smoothie and add in some peanut butter or protein powder. Additionally, opt for an egg white omelette for some high quality protein. If you’re feeling creative, you can also make overnight chia pudding. These are just a few ideas. Some of our favorite recipes are shared here!

HEALTHY HIGH-PROTEIN MEALS

BEST HIGH-PROTEIN LUNCH IDEAS

Rumor has it, “protein is extremely satiating [even more so that carbs or fat], when you eat high protein meals, you’re less likely to binge in the middle of the afternoon.” Read more in the Nutrition Journal. 

Some high protein veggies to incorporate into your lunch meals:

• Asparagus
• Edamame
• Lentils
• Green peas
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Chia seeds

Some high protein snacks for a mid-day pick-me-up:

• Chickpeas (try them in the air fryer!)
• Greek yogurt (add fruit or honey for a sweet snack, seeds or nuts for protein-packed; or add spicy and salty flavors to pair with carrots, cucumber, or meats)
• Cottage cheese
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Pumpkin seeds
• Nut butter (or any nuts)

What is a good high protein lunch?

Like most of our healthy recipes, our protein packed recipes for lunch have staple ingredients — tossed and spiced in a unique way. A good high protein meal has protein veggies, legumes, eggs, and lean meats. 

Explore some of our favorite lunch recipes!

HEALTHY HIGH-PROTEIN MEALS

BEST HIGH-PROTEIN MEAL IDEAS FOR DINNER

We know. You love to get your protein in, and sometimes the day went by and you just didn’t get enough. It’s hard to watch what you eat, every day, for every meal (we certainly don’t). And so when the evening starts to creep and you want to balance out that not-so-perfect breakfast, lunch, or snacks with an extra healthy, extra delicious, protein-stacked dinner… try these recipes!

What are good high protein meals?

The best high protein meals combine any of the high protein ingredients we’ve shared, as well as others like fish, turkey, and chicken. Remember to incorporate protein in the meals you eat throughout the day, rather than loading your daily protein intake into one meal. To end your day with a (protein-rich) bang, check out our favorite high protein dinner recipes now. 

What are the highest protein, lowest calorie foods?

Legumes (beans, lentils, and peas), white meats (fish, chicken, and turkey), fat-free dairy products, and egg whites are all great sources of protein. They also hold very few calories.

What is a good high protein dinner?

A good high protein dinner contains all of your favorite, familiar flavors and hits all your macros! Take a look at some of our favorite high protein dinner ideas you can make now.