Where Should You Get Your Protein?

Did you know that aside from water, protein is the most abundant component of the body? Protein helps shed unwanted pounds, build muscle, and is great for overall health and wellbeing. Eating the right high protein diet typically results in a low carb diet as well. Our daily diets usually consists of 10-15% of calories comes from protein. However, when you increase your protein, this percentage increases to 25-35%.

If you opt to get your source of protein from food alone, be careful what you eat. Some foods high in protein are also high in fat. So be sure to select lean meats like chicken and fish. Shy away from too much red meat. Here are some more healthy options that have more benefits than just protein:

• Eggs - mix one whole egg with 4 egg whites
• Beans - loaded with lots of fiber
• Yogurt - opt for low fat, great source of Vitamin D
• Cheese - great source of calcium

If you feel you don't eat enough foods that contain protein or you want to add more protein to your diet, many people turn to powders, bars, drinks, etc. But, with so many options on the market and all ranging in costs, how do you know which one to try? I've tried quite a few different ones and have had a difficult time finding one that tastes good. I personally am not a fan of artificial strawberry or vanilla flavors, so I tend to stick with chocolate. The two protein powders I really like are the Slim-Fast 3-2-1 High Protein Chocolate Powder and MuscleTech Phase 8 Milk ChocolatePowder.

Now here's my reasoning:

• Great tasting - not chalky

• Mixes easily - not chunky

• Lower Calories - under 150

• High Protein - more than 15g

The one thing that gives Slim-Fast the upper hand, for me that is, is that it's packed with other vitamins and minerals, such as Vitamin A-E, magnesium, iron, calcium, etc. Check it out for yourself http://bit.ly/10nQ8kh. Oh, and it's a lot cheaper (under $10)! lol  

If you prefer a bar over a shake, I suggest ProMaxLS Mocha Latte. This makes a perfect between meals snack. Just be aware that it has 230 calories. But, it's gluten-free, lower sugar, and contains 18g of protein. With protein sales on the rise in recent years, more and more companies are formulating their own and it can be very overwhelming trying to pick one. Sometimes, places like GNC will have samples so you can try it before you buy it.

Once you do find your perfect protein, mix things up a bit by making yourself a protein smoothie for breakfast...this is my favorite one :)

Berry Protein Smoothie

1/2 Cup Yoplait Yogurt Fat Free French Vanilla

6 Blackberries

1 Banana

4 Medium Strawberries

1 Scoop Slim-Fast 3-2-1 High Protein Chocolate Powder

Ice

Add all to the blender, mix, and enjoy :) 

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