5 Easy Ways to Increase Protein Intake

July 24, 2024

Protein isn’t just for people who want to build extra muscle! Eating a diet high in protein offers your body a number of additional benefits, from improving metabolism to stabilizing blood sugar, boosting the immune system, helping with weight loss and more. Yet, oftentimes, we don’t consume enough protein in our diets. It’s recommended that adults aim to consume about one gram of protein for every pound of their ideal body weight each day. Here are 5 easy ways you can increase your protein intake:

1. Go Greek Over Regular Yogurt

A simple change you can make to increase your protein intake is to swap out regular yogurt for Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt is loaded with protein, in fact it often contains as much as twice as much protein than regular yogurt. Because Greek yogurt is higher in protein and lower in carbohydrates, it makes a great option for those who are watching their blood sugar, like patients with type 2 diabetes.

2. Snack on Cheese, Nuts & Seeds

Replace those fatty chips or sugary treats you often reach for when you need a snack with much healthier options like cheese, nuts and seeds. You get roughly 7 grams of protein for every ounce of low-fat cheese you consume. Low-fat cottage cheese is another particularly helpful option. Nuts and seeds are packed with protein and provide a convenient, ready-to-eat option perfect for snacking.

3. Try a Protein Supplement

If you struggle with regularly consuming enough protein through your diet, consider using a protein supplement. Protein supplements make it quick and easy to boost your body’s levels of protein. We recommend trying our Active Lean Vegan Protein! It’s an easy-to-mix functional food for vegans, those who are sensitive or allergic to soy and/or dairy, or for anyone looking for an alternative protein source. Simply add the product to water and consume.

4. Add Collagen to Your Coffee or Tea

Another great way to supplement your protein intake is to use a collagen product! Collagen is the most common structural protein in the skin and connective tissue of the body, but over time it breaks down. IZZIE Hydrolyzed Collagen provides a healthy boost of collagen that helps your body’s self-repair process, supports connective tissue health, and helps with inflammation as well as the lubrication and cushioning of joints. Collagen is often used to help with the health and appearance of skin.

5. Prepare Your Meals for the Week

By planning your meals ahead, you can ensure you’re getting all the protein your body requires. For instance, you can pick a day on the weekend to cook up some of your favorite protein sources, whether that be meat, chicken or fish. With that done, simply store it in the fridge and all you have to do is heat it up when you need a meal. These cooked protein sources are easy to add to salads, casseroles, tacos or any other dish you may love. Prepping your meals in advance makes it easier for you to stick to your diet and hold yourself accountable.

Now you know some easy ways to increase your protein intake! If you’re turning to protein in hopes of shedding some pounds, take a look at our top tips for weight loss!