Best and Worst Protein Sources

We can all admit that eating a juicy steak dinner or a hamburger straight from the grill satisfies our food pleasures, and is not typically something we plan on giving up. The problem with eating our food pleasures away is that it isn’t always the healthiest option.

Protein, being one of the most important food groups, contains abundant health benefits when the right foods are eaten, in the right way. In fact, protein is an essential component for a healthy lifestyle and for maintaining a healthy weight.

Most people refer to meats like chicken, beef, and pork, when thinking about a source of protein but there are several hidden protein secrets that are extremely beneficial to know to help control your overall protein intake. Rely on this list of some of the best and worst sources of protein out there. This short article will help guide you through certain foods with caution! For a complete list, click here.

Best

1. Beans

Believe it or not, beans are one of the best and highest sources of protein out there. These nutritious foods are loaded with fiber, which keeps you feeling full for hours! Not only are beans high in fiber, they can reduce your risk of heart disease and other cancers. Plus, beans are very inexpensive and can be incorporated into several dishes!

2. Nuts

Nuts are another meat-free protein source, serving as a perfect between-meals snack! A one-ounce serving of most nuts provide as much as 9 grams of protein! Peanuts are known to contain the highest amount of protein among the rest of the nuts.

3. Organic Eggs

Eggs are the perfect protein-packed foods, especially when chosen for breakfast, or after your workout. They contain Vitamin B12, which helps breakdown fat and build muscle. It is best to choose organic eggs because they are free of unwanted pesticides and antibiotics.

4. Organic/Free-Range Chicken

Chicken is one of the most desired foods whether it’s being prepared at home or being ordered at a restaurant. For a completely clean and healthy source of protein, organic/free-range chicken is the way to go. This healthy alternative to chicken, in general, is entirely free of hormones and artificial ingredients.

Worst:

1. Beef

When your hunger takes over, eating a cheeseburger may seem like the way to go, but this is one source of protein to avoid! It contains high saturated fat, which increases your cholesterol. Not all beef is bad. The key to enjoying beef every now and then is to choose leaner cuts of beef. Your taste buds may not thank you for giving up a steak or hamburger at dinner, but your heart sure will!

2. Cheese

This may be devastating for some because cheese is a favorite for many people. Cheese does contain protein but its extremely-high fat content makes it one of the sources of protein to monitor and control. It wouldn’t be practical to say to completely cut out all cheese from your diet— consuming 1 serving of low-fat cheese would be the way to go. Opt for Part-skim mozzarella cheese or low-fat cottage cheese for healthier alternatives.

3. Pork

Pork is a source of protein, but isn’t recommended because it is high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Cutting out all saturated fat from your diet is a must when trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is especially best to stay away from processed pork (bacon).