10 Foods That Are High In Protein

By: Brenna Coleman

Break Studios Contributing Writer

What are 10 foods that are high in protein? Protein is needed by the body for growth, development, energy, and immune health. You need protein to grow new hair, for tissue repair, and for the production of hormones, antibodies, and enzymes. While the average adult only needs about 60 grams of protein a day to thrive, getting a little more isn't a bad idea for athletes and people trying to gain weight. Try out these 10 healthy foods that are high in protein.

  1. Eggs. One egg has six grams of protein, so a three egg omelet is going to supply almost one-third of the protein that you need for the day. This high protein food is also a good source of iron and B vitamins. It is also high in cholesterol, so make this an occasional part of your diet.
  2. Go for the tofu. This is by far one of the best foods that are high in protein. Why? Because it consists of vegetable protein, which is much easier for the body to digest and use. It is also very low in fat and high in nutrients such as iron, calcium, and isoflavones. A one-half cup serving has ten grams of protein.
  3. Snack on walnuts. Want a healthy source of protein to snack on? Try walnuts. A one ounce serving has seven grams. You are also getting brain-healthy omega-3 oils as well as fiber, and plenty of manganese for healthy nerves and reproductive health.
  4. Eat chicken breast. A three and a half ounce serving of chicken breast is low in fat and high in protein. You will get a whopping 25 grams of protein for only 260 calories.
  5. Turkey breast is another good source. Like chicken, turkey is a great food to enjoy if you are looking for foods that are high in protein. For only 126 calories for three and a half ounces there are 22 grams of protein.
  6. Drink your milk. Drink a glass of milk and you've taken in eight grams of protein. Milk is also a great source of calcium, and it is generally fortified with vitamin D.
  7. Beef. What list of ten foods that are high in protein is complete without a slice of beef? While red meat is high in saturated fat and cholesterol, having a serving of beef once in awhile is good for you, especially if you are looking for concentrated protein. One ribeye steak, three and a half ounces, has 28 grams, along with iron, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
  8. Lentils. Lentils, as well as other types of beans, are very high in protein, but also fiber, and nutrients such as iron, folate, and the trace mineral molybdenum, which helps with enzyme activity. Lentils are also extremely low in fat. One cup of these delicious little beans contains eighteen grams of protein.
  9. Have a piece of salmon. A three ounce serving of wild salmon is packed with nutrients, including selenium, B vitamins, and vitamin D, omega-3 oils, and seventeen grams of protein.
  10. Peanut butter. A peanut butter sandwich is a great high energy snack. Peanut butter is a great food that is high in protein with eight grams for a serving of two tablespoons. Peanut butter is also rich in vitamin E, manganese, folate, the antioxidant reversatrol, and essential fatty acids.


 

Posted on: Oct. 16, 2010