Easy Ways to Get Protein (2024)

Most people know that meat, poultry, and fish are excellent sources of protein.

If you’re considering no longer eating meat and possibly dairy products, you might worry that you won’t get enough protein in a typical vegetarian meal.

But there’s no need to be concerned, explains Andrea N. Giancoli, MPH, RD, a nutritionist in Los Angeles and a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. “Luckily for vegetarians,” Giancoli says, “protein is very easy to obtain with a balanced diet and good food choices.”

According to the U.S. Institute of Medicine’s Food and Nutrition Board, the average adult needs about 0.36 grams of protein for every pound of body weight — that’s about 43 grams of protein daily for a 120-pound woman and about 58 grams for a 160-pound man.

Consuming more protein than that is not necessarily better and eating lots of red, fatty meat can contribute to health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disorders, liver and colon cancer, and osteoporosis. Even athletes don’t need that much extra protein compared to people who are weekend warriors.

But when you’re cutting out traditional foods with protein, including milk and yogurt, you need to make up for it with protein alternatives.


Protein-Rich Foods: Know Your Options

Proteins are made up of compounds known as amino acids, Giancoli explains. Nine of these amino acids are considered essential. Animal foods contain all nine, which is why they are called complete proteins and are the traditional — and easy to get — protein source. Most plant foods are lacking in one or more of the essential amino acids, which is why they’re called incomplete proteins, she says.

Some dairy foods are complete proteins — eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese. However, vegans and some vegetarians won’t eat dairy products because they come from animals. If you don’t eat dairy, you’ll need to get your protein from plant sources. “In the plant world, soy is considered a complete protein,” says Giancoli. “That’s why you hear about vegetarians eating a lot of soy products — tofu, edamame, soy milk, and others.”

If you’re allergic to soy or just don’t like the taste, you still have other options for making a healthy vegetarian meal. Most plant foods, including grains, nuts, and legumes (beans), contain some amount of essential amino acids. But because they are not complete, you should pair certain foods together to cover your bases and get all of the essential amino acids you need in one vegetarian dish.

“For example, grains such as rice typically lack the essential amino acids isoleucine and lysine, but contain methionine and tryptophan,” Giancoli says. “Beans contain isoleucine and lysine, but lack methionine and tryptophan. Therefore, together, they make a complete protein. This is also referred to as complementary proteins. Even better, they don’t have to be eaten at the same time.”

Classic vegetarian meal pairings that do add up to complete proteins are red beans and rice, corn tortillas and pinto beans, couscous and lentils, and hummus and whole wheat pita, recommends Giancoli.

Other plant foods that are high in protein and considered nearly complete proteins are hemp and the grain quinoa. Nuts and nut butters, such as from peanuts or almonds, are also excellent sources of protein.

Here’s how much protein you can get from other sources compared to meat:

  • 3 ounces of meat (about the size of a regular deck of cards): approximately 21 to 26 grams protein
  • 1 egg: 6 to 7 grams protein
  • 1 cup milk: 7 to 8 grams
  • 1 cup soy milk: 7 grams
  • 1 cup firm tofu: 20 grams
  • 1 cup brown rice: 4.5 grams
  • 1 cup quinoa: 8 grams
  • 1 cup kidney beans: 15 grams
  • 1 ounce roasted almonds: 6 grams

Most vegetables and whole grains contain at least 1 gram of protein per serving.

Healthy Recipes for Eating Vegetarian

Even without meat or other animal products, you can prepare healthy recipes and still achieve your daily protein allowance. Remember that the key to getting enough protein in your vegetarian meals is variety.

Try these vegetarian recipes to meet your protein needs.

Vegetable Lasagna

Makes 6 servings

  • Nutritional Info (Per serving):
  • Calories: 271, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 520mg, Dietary Fiber: 4g, Total Fat: 2g, Carbs: 46g,
  • Sugars: 11g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Protein: 18g
  • Recipe Source: "ADA Cookbooks," American Diabetes Association

Ingredients

  • 1 cup carrots, sliced
  • 1 cup zucchini, sliced
  • 1/2 cup peppers, red, bell, diced
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 cup cottage cheese, low-fat
  • 1/2 cup cheese, ricotta, low-fat
  • 2 egg substitute
  • 1 teaspoon basil, fresh, minced
  • 1 teaspoon oregano, fresh, minced
  • 1 pepper, black ground
  • 2 cups marinara sauce, low-fat, low-sodium
  • 9 lasagna noodles, uncooked

Preparation

1. To prepare the vegetables, steam the carrots over boiling water for 2 minutes. Add the zucchini and steam 2 more minutes. Add the red pepper and steam 2 more minutes. Add the spinach and steam 1 more minute. Remove the vegetables from the heat. Combine all remaining ingredients except the marinara sauce and lasagna noodles.

2. To assemble the lasagna, place a little sauce on the bottom of a casserole dish. Place 3 noodles on top of the sauce. Add a layer of vegetables and cover with a layer of the cheese mixture. Add some sauce. Repeat. Add the last layer of noodles and top with some sauce. Refrigerate overnight. The next day, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake the lasagna for 40 minutes until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes prior to serving. Cut into squares and serve. (If you prefer to bake the lasagna immediately, cook the pasta before layering it.)

Quesadilla With Beans, Corn, and Green Chiles

  • Nutritional Info (Per serving):
  • Calories: 200, Saturated Fat: 3.7g, Sodium: 285mg, Dietary Fiber: 6g, Total Fat: 7g, Carbs: 23g,
  • Cholesterol: 20mg, Protein: 12g
  • Recipe Source: American Cancer Society

Ingredients

  • 2 small tortillas, corn, (4-inch)
  • 1/4 cup beans, pinto, drained, rinsed and patted dry*
  • 1/4 cup cheese, cheddar, sharp, reduced-fat, shredded (or "Mexican-style" shredded cheese)
  • 1 tablespoon corn, whole kernel, low sodium, drained and patted dry
  • 1 tablespoon green chili peppers, bottled, drained, diced

Preparation

On a microwave-safe plate, top one tortilla with beans. Using the back of a fork, mash the beans into a chunky paste. Top with cheese, corn, chili peppers, and the remaining tortilla. Microwave on high for 1 minute, or until cheese melts.

*You can substitute black beans or other canned beans in this recipe for a slightly different flavor.

Once you taste these recipes, you’ll see that vegetarian cooking can be both filling and delicious.

Easy Ways to Get Protein (2024)

FAQs

How can I get 100g of protein easily? ›

100 grams of animal protein
  1. Four eggs (24 grams of protein)
  2. Three beef meatballs (15 grams)
  3. Two slices (2 ounces) of turkey bacon (10 grams)
  4. 3 ounces of turkey breast (24 grams)
  5. One can of tuna (27 grams)
4 May 2021

How can I get 30g of protein easily? ›

Protein-Rich Foods (30 grams per serving)

Animal: chicken, turkey, pork, beef, lamb, buffalo/bison, seafood, eggs, and dairy. Plant: soy, beans, legumes, lentils, grains, nuts, and seeds.

How can I get 100g of protein without meat? ›

Foods like dairy, eggs, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, and whole grains all contain enough protein in them to get you to that number without breaking a sweat.

How can I get 150g of protein a day? ›

You have to be intentional about your protein intake.
  1. Deli meat (4 slices is 20g)
  2. beef jerky (Pacific gold brand is 14g per serving)
  3. shrimp (100g cooked 24g)
  4. chicken breast (4 oz is 26g)
  5. Chicken Thighs (4 oz is 19g)
  6. Ground Turkey (4 oz is 22g)
  7. Ground beef (4 oz is 22g)
  8. Egg whites (½ cup is 13g)
13 Mar 2022

What are the top 10 protein foods? ›

Top 10 Protein Foods
  • Skinless, white-meat poultry.
  • Lean beef (including tenderloin, sirloin, eye of round) ADVERTIsem*nT.
  • Skim or low-fat milk.
  • Skim or low-fat yogurt.
  • Fat-free or low-fat cheese.
  • Eggs.
  • Lean pork (tenderloin)
  • Beans.
6 Mar 2022

How can I get 100g protein a day naturally? ›

14 Easy Ways to Increase Your Protein Intake
  1. Eat your protein first. ...
  2. Snack on cheese. ...
  3. Replace cereal with eggs. ...
  4. Top your food with chopped almonds. ...
  5. Choose Greek yogurt. ...
  6. Have a protein shake for breakfast. ...
  7. Include a high protein food with every meal. ...
  8. Choose leaner, slightly larger cuts of meat.

What happens if you don't eat enough protein? ›

Weakness and Fatigue

And over time, a lack of protein can make you lose muscle mass, which in turn cuts your strength, makes it harder to keep your balance, and slows your metabolism. It can also lead to anemia, when your cells don't get enough oxygen, which makes you tired.

What has a lot of protein? ›

eggs. dairy products – milk, yoghurt (especially Greek yoghurt), cheese (especially cottage cheese) nuts (including nut pastes) and seeds – almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, macadamias, hazelnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds. legumes and beans – all beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas, tofu.

How much protein do I need a day? ›

The recommended dietary allowance to prevent deficiency for an average sedentary adult is 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. For example, a person who weighs 165 pounds, or 75 kilograms, should consume 60 grams of protein per day.

Is peanut butter high protein? ›

Peanut butter is rich in heart-healthy fats and is a good source of protein, which can be helpful for vegetarians looking to include more protein in their diets. A 2-tablespoon serving of peanut butter contains up to 8 grams of protein and 2 to 3 grams of fiber.

Why is my body protein low? ›

You can become deficient in protein if you don't eat enough food sources. Severe protein deficiency is called kwashiorkor. This condition is more common in low income countries where people don't have enough to eat. Some people do not consume enough protein in their diet, possibly due to dietary choices or aversions.

What foods are protein foods? ›

Animal-based foods (meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy foods) tend to be good sources of complete protein, while plant-based foods (fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds) often lack one or more essential amino acid.

What does 80g protein look like? ›

80 grams of protein:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, OR. 4.5 cups of cooked lentils, OR. 4-5 servings (28-32 ounces) of low- or nonfat Greek yogurt, OR. 2 pounds of firm or extra-firm tofu, OR.

Which fruit has most protein? ›

Guava. Guava is one of the most protein-rich fruits around. You'll get a whopping 4.2 grams of the stuff in every cup. This tropical fruit is also high in vitamin C and fiber.

Are Bananas high in protein? ›

Like most fruits, bananas are not a source of fat or protein, just carbohydrates.

What are 4 food that are high in protein? ›

Johns Hopkins nutritionists recommend five foods — high in protein and other nutrients, but with no meat — and explain their health benefits.
  • Eggs. Eggs are a great source of protein. ...
  • Tree Nuts. Tree nuts include walnuts, almonds and pecans — don't confuse them with peanuts, which are legumes. ...
  • Legumes. ...
  • Soy. ...
  • Yogurt.

What protein can I eat for breakfast? ›

The best high-protein breakfast foods
  • eggs.
  • lean pork or chicken sausage.
  • turkey bacon.
  • black beans.
  • Greek yogurt.
  • cottage cheese.
  • nut butter.
  • nuts.
27 Sept 2022

How long does it take to get your protein up? ›

Its absorption rate has been estimated at roughly 10 grams per hour. At this rate, it takes just 2 hours to fully absorb a 20 gram-dose of whey.

How can I increase my protein intake without calories? ›

Eating lean meats, such as lean cuts of beef, chicken, fish or seafood is an excellent way to increase the protein in your diet without adding lots of additional calories. Baking or grilling your meats is a healthy way to prepare them, without adding extra calories from frying.

How can I get 140 protein a day? ›

So in order to get to 140 grams, you would need to eat a lot of meat (12 ounces+) per day along with other high protein sources including eggs, whey protein, and possibly dairy (yogurt, milk).

How can I absorb protein better? ›

Try these 5 tips to boost protein absorption —
  1. Add Enzyme-rich + Fermented Foods. ...
  2. Eat animal proteins earlier in the day. ...
  3. Keep portions small. ...
  4. Try digestive bitters. ...
  5. Avoid pairing protein with starchy carbs.
30 Aug 2020

What foods are high in protein and low in calories? ›

The healthiest lower energy-dense choices are foods that are high in protein but low in fat and calories, such as:
  • Beans, peas and lentils, which are also good sources of fiber.
  • Fish.
  • Lean meat and poultry.
  • Low-fat or fat-free dairy products, such as milk, yogurt and cheese.
  • Egg whites.

How much protein does a woman need a day? ›

Studies have shown that most women need between 50 and 60 grams of protein per day, but this number may vary based on factors like activity level, muscle mass, and overall health. How do I get protein in my diet?

What 2 foods can you survive on? ›

4 Foods You Could (Almost) Exclusively Live Off Of
  • Potatoes. Advertisem*nt. ...
  • Human Breast Milk. Advertisem*nt. ...
  • Kale. Advertisem*nt. ...
  • Trail Mix.
7 Jul 2016

What are 7 examples of protein foods? ›

Including these 7 high-protein foods in your diet will get you better results at the gym.
  • Eggs. Eggs are rich sources of protein because they contain all the essential amino acids. ...
  • Almonds. ...
  • Chicken. ...
  • Ricotta. ...
  • Skyr. ...
  • Quinoa. ...
  • Tuna.
31 Jul 2019

What single food has the most protein? ›

  • Top 10 Foods Highest in Protein.
  • #1: Turkey Breast (and Chicken Breast)
  • #2: Fish (Tuna, Salmon, Halibut)
  • #3: Cheese (Low-fat Mozzarella and Cottage Cheese)
  • Protein in 100g 1oz Slice (28g) Protein to Calorie Ratio. 32g. 9g. 1g protein per 4.7 calories. ...
  • #4: Pork Loin (Chops)
  • #5: Lean Beef and Veal (Low Fat)
  • #6: Tofu.

Are potatoes high in protein? ›

Protein. Potatoes are low in protein, ranging from 1–2% when fresh and 8–9% by dry weight ( 1 , 11 ). In fact, compared with other common food crops — such as wheat, rice, and corn — potatoes have the lowest amount of protein.

Do cucumbers have protein? ›

According to the USDA, one 142-g cup of unpared, raw, chopped cucumber contains the following nutrients: water: 137 g. calories: 17. protein: 0.8 g.

Do oats have protein? ›

Oat protein. Oat is considered to be a potential source of low cost protein with good nutritional value. Oat has a unique protein composition along with high protein content of 11–15 %.

What is the best cheap protein? ›

17 Cheap and Healthy Sources of Protein
  1. Natural Peanut Butter. Share on Pinterest. ...
  2. Eggs. Eggs are one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, and are very affordable with an average price of $2 to $4 per dozen. ...
  3. Edamame. ...
  4. Canned Tuna. ...
  5. Plain Greek Yogurt. ...
  6. Sunflower Seeds. ...
  7. Black Beans. ...
  8. Sardines.
25 Dec 2017

What happens when you eat too much protein? ›

Eating too much protein for a prolonged period of time can cause place a burden on the kidneys, liver and bones, as well as potentially increase the risk for heart disease and cancer.

Are protein shakes good for you? ›

But protein shakes aren't a magic way to lose weight. Some studies find that consuming a higher than usual amount of protein in your diet may offer benefits. For example, eating or drinking products that are high in protein may help you lower body fat, keep lean muscle, feel full and lose weight.

Is canned tuna high in protein? ›

Yes, canned tuna is a healthful food rich in protein and contains many vitamins and minerals such as B-Complex vitamins, Vitamins A and D as well as iron, selenium and phosphorus. Tuna also contains healthy omega 3 essential fatty acids DHA and EPA.

Is cheese high in protein? ›

Not only are dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt excellent sources of protein, but they also contain valuable calcium, and many are fortified with vitamin D.

Is avocado a protein? ›

A whole medium avocado contains about 240 calories, 13 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams protein, 22 grams fat (15 grams monounsaturated, 4 grams polyunsaturated, 3 grams saturated), 10 grams fiber, and 11 milligrams sodium. Along with their low sodium levels, avocados contain no cholesterol.

How do I know if I eat enough protein? ›

The Recommended Dietary Allowance or “RDA” for protein is 0.8 grams per kilogram body weight. So to calculate this, take your weight in pounds, divide it by 2.2 (to get your body weight in kilograms) then multiply that number by 0.8.

Can low protein cause anxiety? ›

Assessment of diets through AMQI revealed that low intake of protein rich foods like milk and legumes was significantly associated with higher mean scores of depression (p<0.001) and anxiety symptoms (p<0.001).

How can I increase my protein naturally? ›

Eat high-quality sources of protein including meat, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy, eggs and soybeans. These foods contain a broad mix of amino acids that meet the requirements of humans. Beans, peas, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds also contain significant amounts of protein, but a narrower range of amino acids.

What are 8 foods that give your body protein? ›

8 Protein-Rich Foods to Add to Your Diet
  • Eggs. One large egg not only has 13 essential vitamins and minerals, it contains 6 grams of protein, which helps to support muscle growth and repair. ...
  • Cottage Cheese. ...
  • Protein Drink. ...
  • Edamame. ...
  • Tuna. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Almonds. ...
  • Tempeh.

What foods have 20 to 30 grams of protein? ›

5 No-Cook Foods That Pack Almost 30 Grams of Protein
  • Greek Yogurt. One cup of low-fat Greek yogurt contains between 22 and 23 grams of protein, depending on the brand you buy, says New York City–based dietitian Michael Perkins, R.D.N. ...
  • Canned Tuna. ...
  • Protein Powder. ...
  • Whole Cuts. ...
  • Cottage Cheese.
16 Nov 2017

How can I get 25 grams of protein for breakfast? ›

20-30 grams of protein for breakfast ideas
  1. High-Protein Breakfast Bowl. Heat 1 tbsp. ...
  2. Steak and Eggs. ...
  3. Sweet Potato Salmon Avocado Toast. ...
  4. Sweet Potato Hash with Bacon. ...
  5. Strawberry Milkshake with Collagen. ...
  6. Chocolate Coconut Smoothie Bowl. ...
  7. Bulletproof Coffee with Collagen Protein.
8 Jun 2020

How can I get 100g of protein in one meal? ›

To get 100g of protein in one meal, try making cheeseburgers out of 93/7 lean ground beef: 2 1/3lb ground beef patties = 66g of protein and 473 calories. 2 slices of American cheese = 11g of protein and 270 calories. 2 whole wheat buns = 12g of protein and 260 calories.

What has 100 grams of protein in it? ›

High Protein Foods by Nutrient Density (Most Protein per 100 Grams)
FoodServingProtein
1 Spirulina View (Source)100 grams115% DV (57.5g)
2 Dry-Roasted Soybeans View (Source)100 grams87% DV (43.3g)
3 Grated Parmesan Cheese View (Source)100 grams83% DV (41.6g)
4 Lean Veal Top Round View (Source)100 grams73% DV (36.7g)
6 more rows
26 Sept 2022

Can I have 100g of protein at once? ›

You can eat as much protein as you want in one sitting. There is a limit in how fast your body can absorb protein, but any excess protein will simply reside in your gut.

What is the cheapest way to get 100 grams of protein per day? ›

Peanut is yet another natural source of plant based protein. In fact, it is the most widely available and affordable source of protein that can give your body around 26grams of protein in every 100grams, which ideally will cost you as good as Rs 10 as the average cost of 1 kg peanuts is around Rs 80-100.

What foods contain 100 grams of protein? ›

Eating 100 Grams of Protein

The main sources include eggs, cheese, legumes, poultry, meat, nuts, seafood, seeds and soy products. All of these sources of protein are healthy, although most should be consumed in moderation.

How often should I eat protein? ›

Your body uses the nutrients from your meal or snack to build muscle for somewhere around four to five hours, says Brad Schoenfeld, assistant professor in exercise science at Lehman College. “That means that to stimulate muscle growth throughout the day, you should consume protein every four hours or so,” he says.

How many protein shakes a day? ›

If you're of average build and go to the gym regularly, two protein shakes a day is enough to maintain your body mass. But if you're seriously involved in athletic sports, fitness practices and strength exercises, you may need to drink three to four protein shakes daily to sustain your physique and performance.

What is an easy protein to eat? ›

  • Eggs. Whole eggs are among the most nutritious foods available. ...
  • Almonds. Almonds are a nutritious tree nut rich in essential nutrients like fiber, vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium ( 7 ). ...
  • Chicken breast. ...
  • Cottage cheese. ...
  • Greek yogurt. ...
  • Milk. ...
  • Lentils. ...
  • Lean beef.
25 Dec 2017

What liquids are high in protein? ›

Protein Liquid Meal Plan:
  • Soup.
  • Broth.
  • Milk.
  • Soymilk.
  • Lactaid milk.
  • Blended Light Yogurt low-fat, without fruit pieces, sweetened with artificial sweetener.
  • Yogurt.

How do you get high-protein? ›

High-protein diets typically include large quantities of protein and only a small amount of carbohydrate. Most people can follow a high-protein diet by eating meat, fish, dairy products, beans and legumes, eggs, and vegetables that are relatively rich in protein, such as asparagus and spinach.

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