How To Choose The Best Protein Source For Your Recipe
You can’t go wrong with a good source of protein – it’s a must-have in almost every recipe. Protein is a macronutrient that is a building block of the body and is the most important nutrient for a healthy diet. Protein is broken down by the body and used to build and repair muscles, for hormones and enzymes, and as a source of energy.
What is a Good Source of Protein?
There are animal and plant-based sources of protein, which is why the meal kits at Gobble are customizable for your dietary requirements. We’ve gathered some of the most popular sources of protein to inspire you to create your own delicious and nutritious meals.
What Is a Complete Protein?
A complete protein, also known as whole protein, refers to a food that contains adequate quantities of each of the nine essential amino acids needed to keep your body in maintenance. It is also used to describe foods that are high in protein.
These amino acids are the fundamental building blocks for the production of proteins in the human body. However, because the body is unable to store these building blocks, it transforms the amino acids into usable forms. Meat sources of protein including meat, dairy, poultry, and fish, as well as vegan protein sources like quinoa, tofu, tempeh, and edamame, are complete protein sources.
Key Health Benefits of Protein
Our body needs the right amount of protein every day to keep it healthy. The right amount of protein that we should eat depends on our size, age, gender, and level of activity. The average adult needs to eat about 45-60 grams of protein per day or about 0.36 grams per pound.
1. Protein Helps You Lose Weight
Protein is essential for weight loss because it promotes satiety, or the feeling of fullness. When you eat foods with protein, it takes longer to digest, which means you will feel fuller for longer. A high protein diet improves metabolism and leads to an automatic reduction in calories and sugar cravings.
2. Protein is Essential for Muscle Growth
Protein is essential for muscle growth and repair. It helps to build and repair muscle tissue, and it is also necessary for the production of hormones and enzymes.
3. Protein is Essential for Cell Repair
Our body has an amazing ability to repair itself, but it’s important to ensure our cells always have the nutrients they need to repair the damage to cells, tissues, and organs. Protein is used to repair injured tissue and to replace worn-out cells.
4. Protein is Essential for Healthy Bones
Protein is essential for healthy bones because it helps in the production of collagen, which strengthens bones, and it also helps in the formation of bone matrix, which is the hard material surrounding the bones.
High-Protein Food List
Animal Based Proteins
- Chicken
- Beef
- Pork tenderloin
- Fish
- Egg
- Greek yogurt
- Cheese
- Milk
Plant-Based Proteins
- Soy
- Quinoa
- Buckwheat
- Edamame
- Chickpeas
- Tofu
- Beans
- Nuts
For more information check out A Comprehensive Plant-Based Protein Guide.
How to Pick the Best Protein Source for Your Body
From the gym to the kitchen, there are certain things to consider when choosing your protein source. People may have a preference between a vegetable protein source or a meat source of protein based on dietary preferences. But what is important to consider is the individual who is consuming it. Depending on the goal that you are trying to achieve, you should take into consideration the source of protein that you consume.
The following are important questions you should ask yourself to determine which source of protein is good for you:
1. What is Your Goal?
If you are trying to lose weight, then you should consume a source of protein that keeps you feeling fuller longer. Proteins that are high in fiber and low in calories are good options. When selecting between different animal protein sources, it is healthier to choose the leanest protein sources.
2. How Will it Be Prepared?
Protein sources can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baking, broiling, boiling, and frying. There is also a great deal of versatility in the different types of foods that you can use to cook your protein.
3. Do You Have Any Allergies?
If you have any allergies, you should take this into consideration when choosing your protein source. While many people think that allergies are just to things like peanuts and shellfish, other common allergens include eggs, milk, and soy.
4. How Much Protein Do You Need?
The amount of protein that you need depends on a number of factors, including age, gender, size, and activity level.
5. What Is Your Budget?
The cost of protein varies depending on the type of protein as well as where you purchase it from.
You should also consider:
- Your dietary requirements and restrictions
- Healthy sources of protein
- High-quality protein sources
- Protein sources with different calorie and carb content
- Sustainable sources of protein
- Variety of protein sources each day
- Fiber content
The best protein source for your body is the one that will give you the most benefits. Always look for the protein that will give you the most benefits in terms of health, performance, and body composition.
Personalize Your Protein with Gobble
If you are looking for healthy meals with excellent protein content, but are short on time, consider Gobble. By exploring our meal plans like the Classic, Lean & Clean, and Double Your Protein subscription lines, you can easily find the protein source that fits your needs.
With our exquisite dinners, the Lean & Clean Dinner plan helps you eat healthily and in an enjoyable way. Lean proteins, healthy fats, low carbs, and calories under 600 are all part of the plan. The “Double Your Protein” plan allows you to increase the quantity of protein in certain recipes. This means that a 2-person plan can provide 4 portions of protein, while a 4-person plan can provide 8 portions.
At Gobble, we are committed to providing quality, fresh ingredients that will get you the protein you need in 15 minutes or less.
Check out the 10 Best High Protein Meal Delivery Services to Help Hit Your Fitness Goals.
