Protein is hot-hot-hot right now. Protein is a building block for muscle, as well as hormones and enzymes in our bodies. As a beauty bonus, protein helps our bodies grow healthy hair and nails and keeps skin looking good too.
Protein is also very filling because it takes longer to digest and is less likely to cause blood sugar spikes than simple carbs. Most of us are eating enough protein, but we may not always space it out throughout the day. Many of us eat the majority of our protein at lunch and dinner and not as much in our breakfasts or snacks.
So, why an egg? Eggs are a complete source of potein. In one little 70-calorie package, you get 6 grams of protein as well important nutrients, like choline and eye-protecting antioxidants lutein and zeaxanthin.
But eggs aren’t the only good source of protein; in fact, many amazing vegetarian and vegan sources often get overlooked when people think of protein.
All meat and fish are high in protein, so we didn’t include them in this list. Ground beef has 21 grams per 3 ounces, chicken breast has 27 grams per 3 ounces, and 4 ounces of salmon has 23 grams of protein. So for this, we tried to choose foods that you may not think of as “protein” to show you how easy it can be to eat more protein.
Try these healthy high-protein foods with more protein than an egg to boost your protein intake throughout the day.
1. Quinoa
1 cup cooked quinoa = 8 g protein
Pictured recipe: Basic Quinoa
This protein-rich whole grain delivers 8 grams of protein per cup. Quinoa is also a rare complete plant-based protein, which means it provides all the essential amino acids. Not to mention, quinoa delivers 5 grams of healthy fiber per cup and cooks up quickly (learn all about cooking quinoa so it comes out perfectly).
2. Tofu
3 ounces = 8 g protein
3. Cheddar cheese
1 ounce = 6.5 g protein
Pictured recipe: Tomato-Cheddar Cheese Toast
An ounce of cheese just edges out an egg with its protein content, but it does have more. Cheese has gotten a bad rap for being higher in saturated fat and sodium but turns out cheese is healthier than we used to think. It makes a great snack on its own (or as part of an awesome cheese board).
4. Almonds
1/4 cup = 7 g protein
Pictured recipe: Dark Chocolate Trail Mix
While almonds are high in fat, it’s the heart-healthy kind that’s good for you and helps keep you full. They are also rich in protein, with a 1-ounce serving delivering 6 grams of protein. Try slivered almonds on top of your salad or spread nut butter on your toast.
5. Black beans
1/2 cup = 8 g protein
Pictured recipe: Black Bean Tacos
Black beans, or any beans really, are often overlooked as a protein source. But whether you use them as taco filling, stir them into soup or whir them into dips, beans are a great source of the filling nutrient. A half cup of cooked lentils has 8 grams of protein, and chickpeas and kidney beans aren’t far behind. Beans offer a protein-fiber one-two punch and since most of us aren’t eating enough fiber, eating more beans is a good place to start. Try dry-roasted chickpeas to get your protein on the go.
6. Chickpea pasta
Pictured recipe: Chickpea Pasta with Lemony-Parsley Pesto
We don’t often think of a bowl of pasta as being protein-rich, but new bean pastas are changing that. (Barilla is even making a red lentil pasta that’s protein-packed and tasty.) These relatively new noodles use bean flours instead of semolina to give you a meal that’s packed with protein and fiber. Chickpea pasta doesn’t taste quite the same as typical wheat-based pastas—the texture is a little heartier and you can tell it’s made from beans—but with a yummy sauce, it makes a tasty dinner.
7. Greek yogurt
1 cup = 23 g protein
Pictured recipe: Yogurt Banana Sundae
Greek yogurt is higher in protein than regular yogurt, so it delivers a lot more protein than an egg. Probiotic-rich yogurt is excellent at breakfast—try a parfait with berries and granola or add it to your smoothie.