Protein, protein, protein!!  There is GOOD reason that Mom always served some at every meal… We all know it’s good for us… but do you know JUST how vital this macronutrient is to your body?!  Your body stores excess amounts of fat and carbohydrates (the other 2 macronutrients) but protein is not stored in your body, so you need to eat it regularly to keep your body functioning at it’s peak performance.

If you’ve read my post about ‘eggs for breakfast’, then you know about my love of protein.  It’s filling, satisfying, and even helps to suppress cravings.  Studies have shown that eating a high protein diet (as opposed to one rich in carbohydrates) results in greater feelings of satiety and lower calorie consumption …So basically what I’m saying is that by eating more protein, you can lose weight without even trying!  So yeah, protein is your new best friend when it comes to winning ‘the battle of the bulge!’

There are so many different healthy sources of protein out there, but whenever people think of protein, they usually think it has to come from chicken, steak, ham and ‘all things meat!’  Well, I’d like to mention a few of my favorite, less obvious sources of protein:

1. Salmon burgers– I love love LOVE salmon!  It’s one of my favorite foods!  Salmon is so healthy and it’s packed with heart-healthy omega 3s.  While I adore a fresh salmon fillet… there are other ways (that won’t cost you an arm and a leg) to enjoy salmon.  Try it canned or even in a frozen burger!  The all-natural frozen salmon burgers I get contain 20 grams of protein and only 130 calories!  They are so filling, nourishing and delicious!
2. Greek yogurt– A cup of 0% Plain Greek yogurt has 130 calories and a whopping 22 grams of vegetarian protein!  Talk about a power house!  The unsweetened variety only has 6 grams of naturally occurring sugars!  No refined junk here!
3. Low fat cheese– A low fat cheese stick has only 60 calories and 6 grams of satisfying protein.  I love mine with some popcorn or a handful of gluten free flaxseed crackers.  Yum yum!
4. Roasted Edamame– This is for all you Vegans out there!  A 1/4 cup of Roasted Edamame packs a major protein punch– a whole 14 grams of plants based protein with just 130 calories.  If you haven’t tried these little soybeans, I’d recommend you do!  They’re nutritious and totally delicious!  Plus, they’re super portable for a quick ‘on-the-go’ snack! 
5. Almond butter– Everyone seems to love peanut butter, but why not try PB’s little cousin, almond butter?  It has more calcium, iron and magnesium than PB and I really prefer the taste.  I guess I’m just nuts about almonds!

These are just a few of my favorite ways to fill up on healthy, nourishing protein!  

What about you?  What are your favorite ways to enjoy protein?!