3 Ways To Get More Protein Into Your Diet

3 Easy Ways for ANYONE to get more protein into your diet

By Vicky Hadley 

So, you’ve recently decided to undergo a fitness transformation and are making all the right steps with your exercise but the one thing letting you down is diet. I’m sure you’ve heard that long word, ‘Macronutrients’ plenty of times or ‘macros’ from those in the know.

Everyone you are seeing on Instagram is screaming about protein and you’re left sitting there holding your salad bowl wondering what on earth they are talking about. Plus don’t get me started on how to get protein into your diet without having to weigh everything in sight.

Well, protein is essential for muscle growth and repair and is one of the three food groups that make up macronutrients. Carbohydrates and fats are the other two components but for today I’m going to help you get those protein macros up in these three simple steps.

1. Swap rice for quinoa

Such an easy step to make as quinoa takes just as long as rice to cook and don’t worry if you are one of those uncle ben ready meal lovers you’ll be thrilled to know quinoa comes ready made too. Quinoa is one of the only plant based proteins that is a complete protein with all 9 essential amino acids making it a healthy and nutritious part to your diet.

Quinoa is naturally gluten-free and contains iron, B-vitamins, magnesium amongst other vitamins. Swap your rice at lunch or dinner for a side of quinoa and reap the benefits.

2. Add a lean protein powder into your breakfast oats

A bowl of sugary cereal really won’t start your day off right. Protein keeps you feeling fuller for longer so incorporating it into your breakfast will definitely have you kick starting your day in the best possible way.

Mixing a protein powder into your porridge oats will get the needed macronutrients in straight away plus it tastes absolutely delicious. Whether you are a chocolate lover or prefer a vanilla flavour there is an option for you and you’ll turn bland, boring oatmeal into a tasty treat that will have you going to bed feeling excited for breakfast.

3. Add seeds to your salads

Okay, so we aren’t totally saying goodbye to salads but we are making them more exciting. Adding a sprinkle of chia seeds instantly adds a protein content plus essential fatty acids that help to balance hormones. If you fancy an extra crunch sunflower and pumpkin seeds are a great addition with a good protein content as well. Just don’t go too over board as their fats (even though they are healthy) are pretty high!