Healthy Protein Sources For Non-Chicken Lovers
If you’re looking for a way to add more protein to your diet without eating chicken every day, you’re in luck. Chicken is always seen as the healthiest protein source and when you are trying to follow a workout plan and eat well, it’s easy to fall into a bit of a boring routine of the same old chicken dishes every day. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
There are plenty of healthy and delicious protein sources out there that aren’t chicken. In this blog post, we will discuss some of our favorite alternatives to chicken. So whether you’re trying to eat healthier or just looking for some new recipe ideas, read on for some great suggestions!
Tofu
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Tofu is a common source of protein for vegetarians and vegans. It is made from soybeans and has a high protein content, and it’s incredibly low in fat too. Tofu can be used in a variety of dishes, such as stir-fries, soups, and salads. Even though tofu is often seen as a meat alternative for vegetarians or vegans, it’s a great addition to any diet. However, people are often put off because they don’t know how to cook tofu and they think that it’s bland.
The thing about tofu is that it soaks up flavor and it can be delicious when prepared properly. You can make this mapo tofu recipe, for example, with lots of fragrant spices and ginger, and a nice fiery kick. Baking tofu in the oven or deep frying it will give you a nice crisp to add more texture to your dishes.
So, even if you have given up on tofu you should give it another try. When you get it right, it’s so tasty plus it’s rich in protein.
Fish
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Fish is an excellent source of protein and it’s also packed with healthy omega-three fatty acids. Fish is much lower in fat than meat sources of protein too. It’s recommended that we should all be eating two portions of fish a week, but many people don’t because they find it too expensive or they’re not sure how to cook it.
There are plenty of ways to incorporate fish into your diet without spending a lot of money. Canned fish, such as tuna or salmon, is a great budget-friendly option. You can use it to make salads, pasta dishes, or simply eat it on its own with some vegetables.
If you’re not sure how to cook fresh fish, there are plenty of easy recipes out there that will help you get started. This salmon salad recipe, for example, is simple and delicious, and it only takes a few minutes to prepare.
Beans
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Beans are another great source of protein. They’re also high in fiber, which is great for your digestion. Beans and legumes can be used in a variety of dishes, such as salads, soups, stews, and curries.
There are so many different types of beans to choose from like black beans, kidney beans, lentils, and chickpeas. You can buy them dried or canned, which makes them very versatile and easy to use.
If you’re looking for a high-protein vegan meal, try this black bean soup recipe. It’s full of flavor and it’s also very filling. You can also roast beans in the oven to make a delicious crispy snack. They make a great protein source in curries too.
The other great thing about beans is that they’re incredibly cheap to buy. If you swap out the chicken in a dish with a can of beans, you can make some big savings. You can also use beans to bulk out meat-based dishes if you are cooking for a big family.
Nuts and Seeds
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Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein, as well as healthy fats. They’re perfect for snacks or for adding to dishes to give them a bit of extra crunch. You can use them in salads, stir-fries, or simply eat them on their own. When you are trying to stick to a healthy diet, it’s often snacks that trip you up. You can easily undo a lot of hard work with some chocolate or a bag of chips. But if you swap those unhealthy snacks for some nuts and seeds, you get more protein into your diet and cut out the sugar. Just be aware that they are high in fat content, so limit the amount that you eat.
There are plenty of healthy protein sources out there that aren’t chicken. So, if you’re looking for some variety in your diet, or you’re simply bored of chicken, try some of these alternative options.