Dietary supplements that are low in calories but high in protein are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people seek to shed weight while still building lean muscle mass.
Protein is an important macronutrient since it helps in the development and repair of muscle while also keeping you satisfied so you don’t overeat. Protein is not found in all foods in the same amounts in yours.
Despite what we all believe, not all people require the same quantities of protein in their diet. Individuals who are aiming to shed weight, gain lean muscle, or increase their athletic abilities or stamina need a high plant protein intake in their diets.
Protein rich foods that are practically pure protein, with 80% or more of their calories coming from protein, are included in this list.
What is Protein?
Animal products are the most common source; however, nuts and legumes are also rich sources of dietary protein powder. Amino acids are chemical molecules that are used to build protein.
Carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, and sulfur are the elements that make up these compounds. Just as amino acids are responsible for the formation of proteins, proteins are responsible for the formation of muscle mass.
Protein levels between 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight and 2 grams per kilogram for very active athletes are safe. The USDA says that all foods made from meat, poultry, fish, beans, peas, eggs, processed soy products, nuts, and seeds are protein rich foods.
Low-Calorie Protein
On a daily basis, the amount of calories one needs to ingest varies among individuals, too. Weight loss or weight gain requires the calculation of a healthy calorie diet, which must then be followed as closely as possible in order to achieve your desired body weight.
When attempting to lose weight, setting a deadline and then concentrating on one week at a time can be really effective.
Determine the maximum amount of weight you can safely lose without jeopardizing your health. It’s important to be aware of nutritious low-calorie high-protein meals that you may integrate into your diet if you want to lose weight as quickly as possible.
Protein Rich Foods that are Low in Calories
1. Tuna
The low calorie and fat content of tuna make it an almost pure source of protein, making it a healthy addition to any diet. A serving of cooked yellowfin tuna contains about 110 calories and 25 grams of protein per 85 grams serving.
B-vitamins, magnesium, phosphorus (and potassium) are all found in this diet, as well as other nutrients. Tuna has high levels of selenium, which makes it a good source of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties.
One serving (100 grams) contains 196 percent of the recommended daily allowance. Another advantage of tuna is that it contains a high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory qualities and are found in abundance in this fish.
2. Shrimp
Shrimp is a nutritious food that everyone should consume. It is minimal in calories, carbohydrates, and fat, yet abundant in protein. 85 grams of shrimp have only 60 calories and 12 grams of protein.
As a source of selenium, choline, and vitamin B12, shrimp is high in these micronutrients. It also includes significant levels of niacin, zinc, vitamin E, and vitamin B6, among other nutrients.
Furthermore, shrimp include antioxidants such as astaxanthin, which has been shown to prevent inflammation and oxidative damage in the body.
3. Spinach
The protein in three cups of spinach (85 grams) is two grams, the carbohydrates are three grams, and there is no fat. Spinach is a fantastic source of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium and other minerals.
Three cups of spinach have about 20 calories or just under 7 calories per cup. So, it has about the same number of calories as kale, which has 7.2 calories per cup.
4. Lentils
Lentils are edible legumes commonly utilized as a source of protein by vegetarians. Lentils are a good source of B vitamins, potassium, magnesium, zinc, and other nutrients.
Considering that lentils contain more than 25% protein, they are a fantastic meat substitute. They are also a good source of iron, which is a mineral that vegetarians may find difficult. 100 grams of cooked lentils have only 116 calories (as per the USDA data).
5. Green Peas
Peas are a member of the “legumes” group of protein rich foods, which are a type of legume. Legumes are plants that produce pods with seeds or beans within, which are known as legumes. Beans, lentils, soybeans, chickpeas, and chickpeas are all legumes.
Peas are an excellent source of antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, zinc, and other phytonutrients that help to strengthen your immune system. Other nutrients, such as vitamins A and B, as well as coumestrol, can help to reduce inflammation and increase your chance of developing chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and arthritis.
Boiled lentils contain 116 calories and 9 grams of protein per 100 grams, making them prominent among protein rich foods that are extremely low in calories.
6. Egg Whites
Eggs, like the majority of other animal meals, have high-quality protein that contains all of the essential amino acids. The yolk of the egg contains the greatest concentration of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
The egg whites, on the other hand, contain at least 60% of the protein in the egg. An egg white serving of one cup (243 grams) has 27 grams of protein and only roughly 126 calories.
Bottom Line
Protein can be found in abundance in the foods listed above. Because of their high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals, many provide additional health benefits.
The high protein content of these foods makes them extremely full, despite the fact that they are low in calorie content as well. You may choose from among them, or you may seek the advice of a trained dietitian or nutritionist who can guide you toward foods that are both nutritious for you and likely to help you in losing weight more quickly.