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High-Protein, Low-Calorie Foods to Stay Lean

Updated: Aug 10

Let’s dive into the world of high-protein, low-calorie foods that can help you stay lean. If you’ve watched my previous video on how I managed to eat 1,200 calories a day, you might recall my meal planning guide. This guide is an essential tool for considering the protein content in your meals, whether it’s in your salad, breakfast, or dinner.


Understanding Your Protein Needs

So, what does 120 grams of protein look like in a day? I like to start my morning with a cup of coffee. I usually add about a cup of lactate low-fat milk, which gives me around 7 grams of protein and approximately 150 calories. To boost my protein intake, I add a scoop of Premier Protein Powder, contributing another 15 grams of protein and 75 calories. Right there, I've got a solid start to my day!

After that, I often have a couple of eggs—sometimes adding an egg white—and a couple of slices of bacon. This breakfast keeps me feeling full until lunchtime, allowing me to hydrate with water in between meals.


Meal Ideas for High Protein

For lunch, I enjoy a large spinach salad. I usually include about four cups of raw spinach, at least 100 grams of chicken (which provides around 25 grams of protein), and a boiled egg—often just the egg white. Sometimes I add mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.

For dinner, the options are plentiful. I might have pot roast with cauliflower, broccoli, or a quarter-pound hamburger, which gives me around 25 grams of protein. The beef roast can provide over 30 grams of protein! With every meal, I ensure I get essential amino acids from my protein sources and additional nutrients from my veggies.


Snacking Wisely

I also love having a snack in the afternoon or before bed. A cup of cottage cheese paired with cantaloupe or strawberries hits the spot and adds to my daily protein goals. Some mornings, I might skip the eggs and simply enjoy the cantaloupe and cottage cheese. This strategy consistently helps me reach my 120-gram protein target.


Tracking Your Intake

Achieving your protein goals requires a bit of planning. I recommend writing down the protein content of your favorite foods on a card. For instance, you might jot down:

  • Breakfast: 30 grams (from milk, protein powder, eggs)

  • Lunch: 30 grams (from chicken, egg whites)

  • Dinner: 40 grams (from beef or pot roast)

  • Snacks: 20 grams (from cottage cheese)

By knowing your protein needs and how to incorporate it into your meals, you can effectively plan your daily intake.


Conclusion

Now that you understand the importance of protein, how much you need, and how to incorporate it into your meals, you're well on your way to mastering your nutrition.


FTC: This post is not sponsored. All links are affiliate. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. If you use one of my affiliate links to make a purchase, I earn a commission.


DISCLAIMER: This content is for entertainment and education, not medical advice. It is not intended to provide diagnosis, treatment or medical advice.




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