High protein diets are ever-so-popular in our culture.
It’s not just a trend, however. Eating foods high in lean proteins and low in carbohydrates has been proven to help dieters to lose weight and shed body fat.
However, not all protein sources will give you the best results.
This is is a list I’ve compiled of the most ideal protein sources for the best weight-loss results.
THE TOP 10 PROTEIN-PACKED FOODS FOR SHEDDING BODY FAT.
Here are my top ten most effective, protein-packed food choices for losing weight and shedding body fat. I know I may have omitted a few items here and there, but feel free to comment on the choices!
#10 QUINOA
Quinoa is a very special source of protein-packed goodies.
It is a source of balanced essential amino acids to humans therefore it is considered a complete protein like chicken, fish and beef!
Extremely popular to people with special nutritional needs like vegans and vegetarians.
#9 WHEY PROTEIN BLENDS, MEAL REPLACEMENT SHAKES
You’ll find a lot of brands that will offer whey protein blends in the stores nowadays!
#8 LEAN CUTS OF BEEF, 4% LEAN GROUND BEEF, LONDON BROIL OR TOP ROUND
For you beef-lovers out there, this protein-packed food is high in protein and low in sodium.
It’s also a good source of Phosphorus and Zinc, and a very good source of vitamin B12 and Selenium.
There is, however, the issue that it’s very high in cholesterol so be careful not to consume too much beef.
#7 BONELESS, SKINLESS CHICKEN BREAST
Chicken breast is a very popular protein-packed food.
There are countless ways to prepare it and an infinite amount of recipes you can make with this bird! Just make sure that you get rid of the skin, fat, and bone and you’re good to go.
#6 TURKEY BREAST
Believe it or not, turkey breasts are actually considered to be a much healthier source of protein than chicken breasts because it has fewer calories and fat per ounce.
However, it also has fewer grams of protein per ounce than chicken.
#5 EGG WHITES
If you’re looking for a quick and easy source of protein without all the fat, then look no further.
Egg whites, whether beaten, hardboiled, in an omelette, or mixed in smoothies, are a great source of protein no matter the time of the day.
Egg whites are no longer just for breakfast!
#4 NONFAT GREEK YOGURT
Greek Yogurt has been very popular over the last few years with dieters because of its high-protein content.
Mix non-fat greek yogurt with fruit and you’re good to go, anytime, anywhere.
#3 NONFAT COTTAGE CHEESE
Long before the Greek Yogurt craze, there was non-fat cottage cheese.
This power-packed protein source was and still is a common-ground for protein lovers.
Whether vegetarian or steak/chicken lover, cottage cheese is popular for it’s versatility and flavor.
#2 FISH (HALIBUT, TROUT, TUNA, SALMON, TILAPIA, ORANGE ROUGHY)
Fish is a low-fat high quality protein filled with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins such as D and B2 (riboflavin).
This source of protein also is rich in calcium, phosphorus and other useful minerals!
#1 WHEY PROTEIN ISOLATES
It’s the leanest of the lean.
What’s really great about this protein source is that it’s convenient, versatile, and highly inexpensive per serving.
Whey protein isolates come in many variety of flavors depending on the brands you buy.
NOTEWORTHY MENTIONS
Soy-based proteins like tofu – There’s been a lot of contraversy over soy and soy-based products but no one will deny that this source of protein is generally healthy for anyone who is health conscious.
Protein bars – Convenient and delicious! Protein bars are definitely for you if you are the “on-the-go” type. My only gripe about protein bars is that they generally come with a lot of sugar.
Almonds, Walnuts, and other nuts – The most basic protein-packed food you can find anywhere, anytime. However, these still come with a lot of fat and extra calories so this little contender doesn’t quite compete with the top 10.
BOTTOM LINE
Dieting for weight loss is more than just eating foods rich in protein and low in carbohydrates.
There’s so much more to consider when planning a successful nutritional plan. You have to consider whether your “diet” is going to be realistic and managable.
Is it something you can maintain for the next 12 weeks? Is it going to fit in with my lifestyle choices? Am I getting enough calories to be able to perform my best?
As with anything else that pertains to your new health and lifestyle choices, you should always consult with your personal trainer or physician prior to starting any kind of program.