5 High-Protein Foods a Dietitian and Personal Trainer Always Buys

• Protein is important for overall health, but it’s also important for building muscle and keeping you feeling full.
• Nutritionist and personal trainer Kara Mockler keeps certain high-protein foods in her kitchen.
• She shared staples like lean meat and edamame with Insider.

Registered Dietitian and Personal Trainer Kara Mockler To help her perform at her best, she shared five protein-rich foods she always has in her kitchen.

Mockler follows a high-protein diet, aiming for 0.8 to 1.2 grams of protein per pound of body weight (or 1.6 to 2.4 grams per kilogram) each day for several reasons.

“Protein is utilized throughout the body not only for building muscle, but for hair, skin, and almost every other cell in the body.

She said it’s important to eat protein evenly throughout the day rather than eating a large, high-protein meal at once.

“Consistently consuming protein throughout the day allows our bodies to continually rebuild our cells as they are constantly being turned over.

Another reason protein is important in your diet is that it makes you feel full.

“Protein makes us feel full, which is especially useful for weight management,” says Mockler, so protein is important for anyone looking to lose fat.

High-protein foods help mokklers reach their daily goals.

1. Greek yogurt

Greek yogurt, or a similar dairy product like Icelandic Skyr, is significantly higher in protein than other types of yogurt, and thanks to the variety of flavor options on offer, Mockler says it’s filling. I feel that it is delicious.

“I use Greek yogurt. smoothieto make a parfait, and by itself,” she said.

2. Eggs and egg whites

Mockler mixes whole eggs and egg whites from a carton to make an omelet.

“This lowers the total fat content a bit (all of the egg’s fat is in the yolk) and increases the protein content with extra egg whites,” she said. You can get vitamins and minerals from egg yolks that are packed with fat, but not as much fat.”

3. Red meat

Mokler regularly buys chicken breasts, lean turkey and lean ground beef, she said.

“I put chicken breasts in the slow cooker and shred them for a few days’ worth of protein,” she said. I love using it.”

4. Peeled edamame

Edamame are a great protein option for vegans, and Mockler said he likes to buy bags of frozen beans for convenience.

“It’s also a complete protein, which means it contains all the essential amino acids, but it doesn’t include all vegan and vegetarian options.

One cup of shelled edamame contains 18 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber, Mockler said.

5. Ready-to-drink protein shakes

Mockler tries to get her protein from whole foods, but she said protein shakes can come in handy when you’re on the move or don’t have time to sit down to eat.

“With dairy-based and non-dairy options, everyone can find something to suit their dietary preferences.