30 Surprising Sources of Protein: Go Beyond Boring Chicken!

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In the world of diet and fitness, the idea of eating protein seems to be crammed down our throats, EAT YOUR PROTEIN they say.

But Why? I have no desire to look like a beefed-up she-man. It turns out to get the sleek trimmed down nicely-toned bod I’m going for. Protein is a BIG part of that!

Here are the top 3 things you need to understand about protein…. (AWESOME article found here on bornfitness.com)

Protein is the building block of muscle construction—more muscle tone = better metabolism. If you don’t get enough protein, you’re in for trouble! It will cause muscle depletion and all sorts of other nasty problems you don’t want or need.

The base amount of protein you need is more than the required RDA states! If you sit on your bum all day and have no desire to lose weight or tone anything, you are perfectly ok with the recommended 50g of protein. Otherwise, a good rule of thumb is 1.2-2 grams of protein for every 2.2 lbs of body weight for an active individual looking to lean up. (Example, let’s take my body weight of 131 lbs to divide that by 2.2. You get 59.5. Then you multiply that by 1.5 to get the total of 89 grams of protein. I should be consuming to get the hot bod I’m going for.) Just some simple math 😉

Your body needs different kinds of protein. Just eating only chicken and beef won’t cut it either you need to mix it up! — This is where I come in!!

Let’s mix things up and say no to bland basic chicken+ beef! Give these 30 Surprising Sources of Protein a try! 

All these ideas are some of my favorite “go-to” protein snacks. 

1. Cottage Cheese 12 grams in 1/2 Cup Serving
2. Hard-Boiled Egg: 1 Egg = 6 grams
3. Protein Powder: 1 scoop of protein = 20-30 grams depending on the brand (My personal favorite brand is Ancient Nutrition Bone Broth Protein Powder). Use the link to save $10 on your first order! 
4. Hummus 2 TBS = 2 grams — pretty high for a DIP
5. Lunch Meat & Cheese Stick Roll Up =16 grams
6. Low Sugar Beef Jerky = 1 oz serving =14 grams.
7. Edamame 1 Cup = 17 grams
8. Protein Bar: Snack Size Variety around 120-200 Calories = 10-16 grams of protein (My favorite brand is Built Bars!) Use Code Andie10 for 10% your entire order. 
9. Celery + Natural Peanut Butter (2 TBS)= 7 grams
10. Greek Yogurt 1 Cup = 23 grams
11. Almonds 21 — (count em’ out) = 5 grams
12. Egg Whites 6 — 21 grams
13. Pumpkin Seeds 1/4 cup = 10 grams
14. Black Beans 1/2 Cup = 8 grams
15. Oatmeal 1/2 dry = 6 grams
16. Peanut Butter Protein Bites — Recipes Found HERE 2 grams per bite
17. Protein Pancakes Recipes Found HERE = 10-20 grams. 
18. Cinnamon Crunch Chickpeas Recipe Found HERE = 14 grams — these look AMAZING!
19. Protein Popcorn = Combine 3 cups air-popped popcorn with 1/2 Scoop Protein Powder to coat = 16.5 grams
20. Wheat Berries: 1/2 Cup Serving = 6 grams. The recipe can be found HERE)
21. Dave’s Killer Organic Everything Bagels & 2 TBS Greek Yogurt Cream Cheese = 15 grams
22. 8 oz Glass of 1% Milk = 8 grams 
23. Quinoa 1 Cup Cooked = 8 grams
24. Tuna 6oz can = 22 grams — Mix with one wedge laughing cow cheese (2g) & mustard! 
25. Broccoli 6 grams per 1 Cup 
26. Spinach also has 6 grams per 1 cup serving.
27. Perk Energy Drink: Comes in so many tasty flavors it’s like a protein hot chocolate. I drink this “on the daily” for a natural caffeine boost and a good dose of protein- 7 grams. I enjoy the Mexican Hot Chocolate and the Chai Flavors. Use Code “andie” to save 15% 
28. Collagen Powder. This is by far my favorite way to sneak in extra good for me protein. It is flavorless and can be added to ANYTHING for an easy 10G boost of protein. Add it to your coffee, Perk, protein shake, oatmeal, tea, water. REALLY anything. My favorite brand of Collagen is Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder. Use the link to save $10 on your first order!
29. Peanut Butter: 2 TBS = 7 grams 
30. Guavas: This exotic fruit packs 4.2 grams of protein per serving! 

There you have it, friends, 30 sources of good for you surprising sources of protein that go way beyond bland grilled chicken. 

I hope this helps you on your journey. Protein is a foundational macronutrient we all could use a bit more of! 

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