Check out my favorite high protein snacks:
⭐️ Cottage cheese with pineapple
⭐️ Protein bars (store-bought or homemade).
⭐️ Hard-boiled eggs
⭐️ Nuts and seeds
⭐️ Edamame with sea salt
⭐️ String cheese and turkey roll-ups (add a pickle spear for extra crunch)
⭐️ Plain greek yogurt with fresh berries
How to Get More Protein in Your Diet with Quick Add-Ons
Sometimes, it’s helpful to add a quick protein source to the meals and snacks that your family already loves. Remember, you don’t need to always “reinvent the wheel” in order to increase your protein intake!
Here are my favorite “hacks” to adding protein to your meals:
👍🏻 Add protein powder to smoothies, oatmeal, or baked goods
👍🏻 Sprinkle hemp seeds, chia seeds, or nutritional yeast on top of your snacks or meals
👍🏻 Swap regular pasta noodles for high-protein (chickpea pasta) or whole wheat pasta
👍🏻 Use greek yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream in homemade dressings and dips
👍🏻 Add extra egg whites to oatmeal or omelets
Common Mistakes When Increasing Protein Intake
While adding more protein to your diet is relatively easy and straightforward, there are a few common mistakes that people make. None of these pose a “danger” or “threat” to your weight loss results or to your health, but they may cause uncomfortable symptoms like bloating or boredom with meals. Yuck!
Let’s cover the most common pitfalls that happen when adding more protein to your meals and snacks:
❌ Relying too much on processed protein bars and premade protein shakes
While these options are convenient and great to supplement your meals, these foods also contain a higher amount of carbs, fats, and calories. Also, some pre-made bars and shakes that are labeled as “high protein” really don’t have as much protein as you’d think.
❌ Ignoring plant-based options
Listen – there’s nothing wrong with only choosing animal sources for protein. However, don’t overlook or discount plant-based protein sources, too! These types of sources tend to have more fiber and antioxidants than their animal counterparts, which can support gut health, digestion, and heart health.
❌ Not drinking enough water or consuming enough fiber
While protein is a powerhouse in and of itself, it requires “teammates” to keep your digestive system running smoothly. If you don’t drink enough water or consume enough fiber while upping your protein game, you might end up feeling constipated or bloated. Be mindful of increasing your water intake and fiber intake while increasing your protein!
❌ Not eating enough throughout the day
While protein helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied, it isn’t a “miracle food” for weight loss (or any other goal.) In order to feel your best, I recommend spreading your protein intake out throughout the entire day, as opposed to avoiding protein throughout the day and eating a massive amount of protein at dinner.
Wrapping Things Up!
There we have it, friends! We’ve covered a lot of great information about how to increase your protein intake without adding extra stress to your life. Remember, from animal products to plant-based products and from nuts/seeds to dairy, be sure to choose a wide variety of protein sources that you enjoy eating and that help you feel your best!
