Science taught us as kids that proteins are body-building foods and we should include good amounts of high protein foods in our diet. However, if you think that eggs and lentils are the only easily available high protein foods, then you are mistaken. These are many more interesting food options that are rich in protein content along with a good percentage of fiber too.
So, what are the best sources of protein-rich food, and which are the high protein vegetables to include in your diet? Worry not, as we are here to throw light on all this information about high-protein foods right away.
List of 17 High Protein Foods
Here is are the best food items that you may consume as high protein meals:
- Spinach: Starting with our green vegetables, we have spinach as a high source of protein. Not just rich in its iron content, spinach just like kale is a super source of protein. You can get about five grams of proteins per cup serving of spinach in cooked or smoothie form.
- Broccoli: When talking about high protein vegetables, after spinach we have broccoli. This cruciferous green vegetable can add more taste and nutrition to any dish and salad. If you consume one cup of chopped broccoli, you are sure to get three grams of protein in your body.
- Green Peas: Amongst the high-protein vegetables, we also have our tiny green peas. Although small in size, peas are big in protein content. You can get about 8 grams of protein with a cup of green peas.
- Guava: Guava is the fruit with the highest protein content found in any other fruit. This tasty fruit has the power to fill your body with about 4 grams of protein in just one cup. Besides being rich in proteins, guava is also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and other nutrients.
- Blackberries: Another fruit that is a high protein-rich food is blackberry. After guava, blackberries are the best source of protein in a fruit form. Fetch a cup of blackberries and you can easily get about 2 grams of proteins in your tummy.
- Moong Beans: If you want a high dose of protein then do include a serving of at least half a cup of moong dal beans. Why we are saying this is because these beans are one of the best high-protein foods. Just half a cup of these beans will fill you with about 24 grams of protein.
- Chickpeas: How about opting for delicious alternatives to boring high-protein meals? You can do so by opting for chickpeas that have the power to boost your body with about 11 grams of protein in just one cup.
- Cottage Cheese: Weight watchers who are advised by their dietician to go on a protein-rich diet must include cottage cheese in their diet plan. It is because cottage cheese is a super protein-rich food that is both delicious and nutritious. You can easily fill your body with about 35 grams of protein with 1 and a quarter cup of cottage cheese.
- Parmesan Cheese: Up next, do try getting approximately eight grams of proteins per ounce of parmesan cheese. Gorge upon your favorite pizza loaded with parmesan cheese and rest assured to get a good amount of protein in your body in a delicious way.
- Amaranth: Similar to quinoa, we have amaranth as a surprising source of protein. These nutritious seeds can offer you about 14 grams of protein per 100 grams serving. Besides being a rich source of protein, these seeds are high in fiber content too.
- Quinoa: Another rich and surprising source of protein is our superfood quinoa. People have realized its nutrient values late. A cup of quinoa is full of about eight grams of protein. Quinoa can be a great alternative to your cravings for brown or white rice too.
- Chia Seeds: If you thought that chia seeds are just good for weight loss because of their high fiber content, you need to upgrade your knowledge. These seeds are equally beneficial for those who want to feed themselves with a good dose of proteins. You can easily get four grams of protein in two tablespoons of chia seeds.
- Hemp Seeds: Go for about 10 grams of protein by just consuming three tablespoons of hemp seeds. Moreover, they are very easy to include in your high-protein meals in salad or smoothie form.
- Pumpkin Seeds: Up next in the seed form, we have pumpkin seeds that are gaining all popularity these days as the next superfood. You can get about 8 grams of proteins from half a cup of pumpkin seeds in a salad or snack form.
- Whole Grain Pasta: Those looking for high protein meals for growing children, who already have so many tantrums when it comes to food, should opt for whole-grain pasta. A cup of whole-grain pasta will end up giving your child about eight grams of protein. Isn’t it interesting?
- Seaweed: Another surprising source of protein around us is seaweed. Depending upon the variety you choose, seafood can easily give you from 3 to nine grams of protein per cup serving. Try a few innovative recipes from the internet to incorporate seaweed in your meals in a tasty way.
- Artichoke: Last in our list of protein-rich foods we have the uncommon artichoke hearts. Packed with approximately 4 grams of protein per cup, artichokes are a great option for those who want to binge on high-protein meals. You can use jarred or canned artichokes for that purpose.
Also Read : How Much Protein Is Needed To Lose Weight
The Bottom Line
The food items that we just suggested are the ones that even vegetarian people can easily choose to get an adequate amount of protein in their diet. Remember, protein is indeed an important nutrient worth including in your diet to build and repair tissues in your body. Try to add some of these surprising sources of protein to your diet and get going healthily.
FAQs
What are the best high-protein foods for vegetarians?
Listed below are the best high-protein foods for vegetarians:
1. Beans
2. Green Peas
3. Lentils
4. Hemp Seeds
5. Tofu
6. Spirulina
7. Peanuts
8. Quinoa
9. Almonds
What are the high-protein foods for weight loss and muscle gain?
The following high-protein foods can help you lose weight and gain muscles:
1. Eggs
2. Quinoa
3. Salmon
4. Soy Foods
5. Nuts and Seeds
6. Artichokes
7. Legumes
8. Sun-Dried Tomatoes
9. Chickpeas
10. Cottage Cheese
What are the best high-protein evening snacks?
Listed below are some of the best high protein evening snacks:
1. Sprouts
2. Roasted Makhana
3. Moong Dal Idli
4. Cottage Cheese Sandwich in Multigrain Bread
5. Low Fat Yogurt
6. Protein Bars
7. Cheesy Popcorn
Are sweet potatoes good in protein?
Sweet potatoes are not a good source of protein. They are a good source of carbohydrates. A medium-sized sweet potato contains 23 grams of carbohydrates and just 2 grams of protein. Besides, sweet potatoes are full of Vitamin B6 and potassium.
Can I eat whole wheat pasta at home?
Yes, you can eat whole wheat pasta at home. You can cook whole wheat pasta at home. Make sure not to undercook or overcook pasta to maintain the right taste. The trick here is to cook pasta only up to 90%