It’s no secret that getting enough protein is key to weight loss. After all, proteins are the building blocks of bodies—including muscles!—and a high-quality protein-rich diet is essential for muscle growth. But which type of protein should you be eating? Considerations such as your body build, diet, and lifestyle will all factor into which proteins you should be using to gain weight and how you should be using them. Here’s a list of 10 proteins that could help you lose weight.
Beef
If you’re trying to put on some weight, then there’s no question that eating more beef would be a good idea. Beef contains a lot of essential amino acids that the body cannot make. Thus, it is essential to eat foods rich in proteins like beef to meet the body’s demand for these nutrients. And what’s more, the hormone leptin is secreted by the fat cells in beef, which acts as an appetite suppressent. So if you’re trying to lose weight, then more beef should be in your diet. However, this advantage comes with a disadvantage as well. Eating beef causes the body’s cholesterol to increase, so if you have heart disease or diabetes, then you should avoid eating this protein. But for those who don’t have these conditions, then there’s no question that more beef is preferable when it comes to weight loss.
Pork
While we’re on the subject of meat, let’s not forget about the other white meat: pork. Like beef, pork also contains a lot of essential amino acids which the body cannot make, but the hormones produced by the pig, namely cortisol and progesterone, work as an appetite suppressant. So if you’re trying to lose weight, then more pork should be in your diet. And if you’re looking for a meat that will keep you going all day, then you should try the pig’s intestines (specifically, the organ known as the tripe), which is full of nutrients that contribute to the body’s health. Pork fat is also high in unsaturated fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and whose absence may lead to diabetes and weight gain.
Tilapia
Tilapia are small fish that are usually found in lakes and ponds. The fatty acids in these fish are healthier for humans than those from beef or pork, and it’s also a good source of iron. So if you’re looking for a food with high nutrient content and low in saturated fats, then tilapia is a great choice. Not only that, but they also taste great when cooked either fresh or frozen. If you don’t have access to fresh fish, then you should try and get your hands on some frozen ones, as this will save you a lot of time and effort. Thawing out a frozen fish is extremely easy and quick, as the preparation only takes a few minutes. You should only use a gentle heat source such as the oven or a stovetop, as using high heat will make the protein coagulate and lose its taste. If you overcook fish, then it can become dry and stringy—something to avoid!
Lamb
What if we told you there was another option that’s not only low in saturated fats but contains a good amount of protein as well? You’d probably say that we were either lying or suffering from protein deficiency. Lamb is one of the most popular meats in the world because of its versatility. It can be cooked in many ways to offer a variety of flavors. Aside from being low in saturated fats, lamb is also high in nutrients and contains some important vitamins like vitamin A. So if you’re looking for a meat that is both low in calories and contains a lot of nutrients, then lamb is a good choice. Not only that, but you can find many different cuts of lamb, making it easy for you to find the one that will make you feel more satisfied. You should eat lamb just as it is offered in the market or purchase cuts that are already cooked. Roasting an unshorn lamb is easy and allows you to get a flavor that is unparalleled. You can do this by simply wrapping it in tin foil and placing it in a preheated oven for about an hour. Remember to remove the foil after the hour is up to get the most out of your lamb effort!
Chicken
If you’re looking for a protein-rich food that’s easy to cook, then chicken is the clear choice. Chicken is one of the most popular meats around the world because of its easiness of preparation and quick cooking time. You can use any part of the chicken you desire, and it doesn’t take long for the meat to become tender. Aside from being a great source of protein, chicken also contains important nutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin B12, and vitamin C. So if you’re trying to lose weight, then chicken is a great choice as it’s both high in nutrients and calories. You can even buy chicken tenders instead of whole chickens for meal prep to save you time and effort!
Soybeans
Soybeans are a vegetable that is high in protein and fiber. They also have some healthy fats which the body needs. Eating soybeans causes the body to produce more testosterone, a hormone that encourages weight loss, and growth hormone, which in turn encourages muscle growth. Additionally, soybeans contain phytoestrogens, which have a similar structure to estradiol, the hormone that makes women firmer. Because of this, soybeans are often used to treat menopausal females who want to gain firmness. Eating soybeans can also help to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, so if you’re looking for ways to improve your health, then soybeans should be in your diet.
Turkey
Turkey is another popular meat that is both high in nutrients and calories. This makes it a good choice for those trying to lose weight. The key to eating turkey is to remove the feathers and the skin before cooking. The former will make the meat drier and chewier, while the latter will add more calories. You can also use natural turkey basters to remove the feathers, which will make your meat look more appetizing. Not only that, but since turkey is a seasonal meat, you’ll have plenty of choices when it comes to buying it, so you’ll have something new to try whenever you crave for it. Aside from being high in nutrients and calories, turkey contains some important vitamins like vitamin A, vitamin B2, and vitamin B6. Many people also use turkey as an alternative to lamb because it’s easier to cook and can be tailored to fit any taste. For those who are on a diet, then turkey is a good choice because it contains fewer calories than lamb.
Quail
Quail are small birds usually found in areas of North America such as the Desert Southwest. These birds are high in both protein and nutrients. Just like with lamb, you should eat the whole bird (minus the head) and avoid the parts with the highest cholesterol such as the liver and intestines. Once again, because of their size, quail can be difficult to cook—especially the smaller variety—unless you’re using a pressure cooker. Even then, it takes time to break down the tough feathers. If you want a quick and easy dinner recipe, then try out these fried quail bites. They’re filled with flavor, and since they’re high in protein, you won’t feel like you’re missing out on anything.
Almonds
Almonds are a type of nut that is often found in grocery stores. They are high in protein, fiber, and healthy fats. The best way to eat almonds is simply by having them as a snack, which is a healthier option than many other types of snacks. If you add a few toasted almonds to your salad, then it will add a little bit of texture and flavor. Not to mention that almonds contain some healthy fats which contribute to the body’s defense against cardiovascular disease. These fats also encourage better digestion, so you’ll be absorbing more nutrients from the food you eat! If you’re on a weight loss program, then almonds are a great source of fiber and protein, and could be the perfect addition to your diet.