high protein foods

Adequate protein intake is essential for weight management. This nutrient is good for health as well. What are its advantages for the body? Which two are the best high protein foods that you should incorporate in your daily diet?

Proteins, health and weight management

Proteins are essential for the body. This macronutrient along with fats and carbs should be in adequate amounts for health and weight loss reasons. It builds muscles and is required for enzyme synthesis. And replacing part of the carbs and fats in your diet with proteins diminishes the food cravings. You feel full for a longer time. It acts as a fuel for your next workout. And it enhances metabolism to burn fats.

high protein foods
Weight management needs high protein foods (Source: American Heart Association)

Thus, adequate protein intake can help weight loss. There are two high protein foods that dietitians recommend to lose excessive belly fat.

The two best high protein foods for weight loss

Dietitians strongly advocate these two foods to help weight loss. They are black beans and salmon. These have a high thermic effect. They require larger amounts of energy to metabolize. The body works harder to digest and process it. More calories are consumed leading to weight loss.

Black beans

Trista Best, noted dietitian states that these black beans provide energy and nutrients for the day. She opines:

These black beans pack a ton of nutrients into any meal, which is helpful when you are working to get adequate protein on a plant-based diet and also to reduce your grocery budget.”

high protein foods
Black beans (Source: Isabel eats)

Further, she adds:

The fiber content of these beans will keep you full and satisfied long after a meal and is beneficial for feeding the gut’s good bacteria, binding and flushing out toxins and waste from your body, and even helps to reduce cholesterol and body weight.”

Eating them cooked with rice gives you all the nine essential amino acids. Dietitian Jesse Feder agrees with Trista. Jesse states:

“The healthiest high-protein bean choice that can support weight loss in my opinion, is the black bean.”

They are lowest in calories and richest in proteins amongst the pulses. These foods with high protein and dietary fiber and low calories preserve lean muscle mass. Even half a cup of cooked black beans daily can do wonders.

Salmon: high protein foods

Fish such as salmon has healthy fats and high protein too. Dietitian Heather Hanks says:

“Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D.”

These fatty acids reduce inflammation of body, aid digestion and support immune function. They are good for nails and aging hair too. Heather advises salmon once a week with high protein veggies. The dietitian explains:

“Try a salmon salad with low-carb veggies for lunch to promote satiety, increase energy levels, and improve digestion,”

high protein foods
Salmon (Source: Epicurious)

“Salmon also goes well with veggies at night or an [omelet] in the morning.”

Also, read Protein powder: Problems with excessive consumption!

These two foods reduce visceral fats. Combine these with exercise and adequate water for awesome results.