Great Protein Sources - Other Than Chicken!

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Have you been trying to make healthier eating choices and finding your eating chicken at almost every meal? If so, it may be time to spice up your diet. Here are 10 quality protein sources to shake things up! 

1. Greek Yogurt - A quick and easy snack or meal, Greek yogurt packs twice the protein of regular yogurt. Be sure to choose the plain variety to avoid added sugars and sweeten with a packet of stevia or truvia (or other natural sweetener) if you'd like. You can also try adding unsweetened frozen fruit for a naturally sweet treat. Let sit for 10 minutes or so and mix well. Yum!

2. Beans - Another quick option if you're grabbing the canned varieties. Just be sure to rinse well to limit your sodium intake. Choose from black beans, kidney beans, red beans, navy beans, black eyed peas, lentils and many others. Beans are the least expensive protein source in AMERICA (and probably every other part of the world as well). They are low glycemic and very high in fiber. Add them to your turkey chili, or any other meal you want for that matter.

3. Salmon - An awesome fatty fish containing loads of protein and a healthy dose of uber-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

4. Eggs - Eat the whole egg, not just the white. The yolk is actually the most nutrient dense portion of the egg, providing a ton of vitamins, minerals and essential omega-3 fatty acids! Not to mention the yolk certainly makes the eggs taste better :)

5. Ground Turkey - Be sure to choose at least 93% lean white meat turkey. It's great for chili, turkey burgers or stir-fries. 

6. Pork - The "other" white meat, just as lean as chicken when you get the right cut. Go for the boneless chops and trim the outer fatty edge. Pork tenderloin is also a great lean option, but be sure to buy those without marinades to avoid sodium and other artificial flavors and preservatives. 

7. Chicken Sausage - You probably won't notice the difference between chicken sausage and "regular" pork sausage, but it contains a much more moderate amount of total and saturated fat. Choose natural versions that do not contain nitrites and other preservatives.

8. Shrimp - Great for the grill or try sauteing them in some coconut or sesame oil. Mix with veggies and enjoy your feast!

9. Bison - This is an incredibly lean choice with a similar taste to beef. Be sure not to overcook as it becomes tough quickly. Try bison steaks or ground bison burgers! 

10. Grass-fed Beef - Grass fed beef is rich in Conjugated Linoleic Acid, a special fat that has actually been shown to result in fat LOSS. Eat this...tastes great, great for your figure. Like most foods, just be sure to watch your portion. Four to six ounces should be enough to keep you full in combination with a healthy serving of vegetables and/or whole grain.

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