The Best High-Protein Foods for Weight Loss and Muscle Gain

A variety of high-protein foods including chicken, beef, salmon, eggs, cheese, nuts, seeds, dairy, beans, and leafy greens, with a small chalkboard labeled "Protein".

Protein is a key macronutrient that provide us with amino acids needed for muscle growth and repair, to build enzymes and hormones. Protein is an incredibly important macronutrient for a healthy functioning body, especially if you are fairly active with your workouts or trying to shed some pounds. So, to help out all the students and clients who ask us for protein-rich stuff here are 10 food items with high-protein content you must add in your diet.

1. Eggs

Eggs are highly nutritious. They are high in protein and include all the essential amino acids. Eggs are always planted as an essential ingredient in any meal, be it boiled eggs, scrambled eggs or poached.

2. Chicken Breast

A lot of high-protein diet rely on chicken breast. Lean, low-fat and packed with protein-per-serving. It is simple to cook chicken breast and can be paired with so many different dishes or eaten alone; whether it’s grilled, baked, stir-fried you name it!

3. Greek Yogurt

Greek Yogurt, Protein
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Greek yogurt is rich in protein and probiotics that are good for your gut. The texture is thick and creamy, much thicker than regular yogurt which makes it perfect to eat as a snack or use in smoothies and parfaits.

4. Almonds

Plant-Based Protein Powerhouse: Almonds They are also high in good fats, fiber and many important vitamins. Snack on them, add to salads or make almond butter.

5. Cottage Cheese

Cottage Cheese, Protein
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Cottage cheese is also a rich source of protein and contains very little fat as such its incorporation in diet helps to increase protein intake even when taking a limited number of calories. It is also rich in casein protein which offers slow-digesting option much needed for muscle building.

6. Quinoa

Quinoa has all the nine essential amino acids, this makes this cereal, to be regarded as a complete protein. It is also gluten-free and is very rich in fiber, the reason why it is mostly preferred by vegetarians, vegan and people with gluten issues.

7. Lentils

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Lentils are also another type of plant-based protein food that is rich in iron, fiber and also other minerals. It is very diverse for usage and can be added to soups, stews, salads etc. 

8. Tuna

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Tuna is low in fat and carbohydrates and is enriched with omega-3 fatty acids which are essential to the heart. It is flexible, it is suitable for sandwiches, salads, and casseroles. 

9. Tofu

Tofu, Protein
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Tofu is a soy product that can be used as protein source because it is plant based, can take on flavors of other ingredients. The product is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians due to its high protein content. 

10. Edamame

Edamame, Protein
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Edamame, young soybeans, is another remarkably rich source of the plant protein. These contain high levels of essential amino acids, fiber and various vitamins and minerals. Edamame can also be consumed as a snack or used in salads as well as being incorporated in the preparation of other dishes to increase their protein value.