The 5 Best Protein Foods for Weight Loss

Did you know that protein accelerates weight loss?

Moreover, it kick-starts your metabolism and helps preserve lean muscle. A high protein diet can boost your ability to burn fat and stay fit.

The key is to get your protein from quality food sources, such as lean meat, fish, egg whites, cottage cheese, vegetables, and whey. These foods require more energy to digest and use, causing your body to burn more calories. On top of that, they keep you full longer and curb hunger.

A protein-rich meal can increase your metabolism for hours. If you’re too busy to eat, have a protein shake. Your body uses this nutrient to build and repair muscle, make new cells, and function at its peak.

From muscles and bones to skin cells, every tissue needs protein to survive. To lose weight, add these five high-protein foods to your plate:

Tuna

With over 25 grams of protein per serving, tuna should be a staple in your diet. Along with salmon, mackerel, halibut, and sardines, it’s an excellent protein source. It also contains essential fatty acids that help preserve muscle and reduce inflammation. One serving has only 157 calories and no carbs, which makes tuna ideal for any diet.

Chicken Breast

Ask any bodybuilder about his diet and he will mention chicken breast. This classic lean muscle-building protein source is low in calories and fat, offering great value for money. A three-ounce serving delivers 165 calories, 31 grams of protein, and 3.6 grams of fat.

There are dozens of ways to cook chicken breast, so you can try a new dish each day. Some people eat it steamed or grilled, while others mix it into salads, omelette, casseroles, and stews.

Cottage Cheese

Half cup of cottage cheese boasts 14 grams of protein, 111 calories, and only 4.9 grams of fat. It also contains vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin B6, magnesium, and calcium.

Casein, the protein in this curd-riddled cheese, takes hours to digest. If you eat cottage cheese before bedtime, you’ll provide your muscles with a steady supply of protein.

Eggs

Eggs are considered the perfect food due to their high nutritional value. One large egg has only 78 calories and over six grams of protein, five grams of fat, and 0.6 grams of carbs.

Some dieters remove the yolk to cut back on fat and save calories. It all comes down to your daily macros. Egg whites are pure protein and have no fat, so they can easily fit into your diet.

Lean Beef

One serving of lean beef boasts over 22 grams of protein and only 180 calories. It also provides large amounts of vitamin B12, iron, and zinc. By adding beef to your meals, you’ll stay full longer and trim your waistline. If you’re on a low carb diet, feel free to eat fatty cuts.

Depending on how active you are, consume at least 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. Bodybuilders and athletes eat as much as two grams per pound of body weight to build muscle and stay lean. For fast weight loss, add protein to each meal and serve it with leafy greens instead of starches.