5 Protein-Rich Foods That Help You Shed Pounds

Protein is an important nutrient for those trying to lose weight for a variety of reasons. Not only does protein create a satisfying, full feeling, but it also burns calories when it is processed and fuels fat burning efforts in the body.

If you're putting yourself on a weight loss regime, you need to fill your diet with protein-rich foods that are also low in calories and fat. The following are five great foods to work into your daily meal plans if you're looking for low-calorie protein sources:

Spinach

Spinach isn't associated with that iconic muscle-bound sailor for no good reason. Popeye gets a rich source of protein every time he indulges in this flavorful veggie, and so can you!

Just one cup of cooked spinach packs in 11 percent of your daily protein intake needs. That cup of spinach totals only 41 calories and offers a wide variety of vitamins and minerals. 

Spinach is a bulky food that will leave you feeling satisfied without contributing any excess bulk to your waist line. 

Peas

The pea is a legume that is a great vegetarian source of protein. While peas can be a tasty and healthy food for weight loss regimes, be careful as many pea recipes include a lot of butter or oil. 

Halibut

If you're a seafood lover, halibut is a great fish to try when you're looking to get in a lot of protein without consuming a lot of calories.

One serving of halibut contains 42 grams of protein, and this is almost a full day's requirement of protein intake for an average sedentary woman. 

Lentils

Like the pea, the lentil is a legume. It is rich in not only protein, but also iron and fiber.

The lentil has long been a staple of Indian cuisine. Because of its compact size, lentils are much easier to prepare than other legumes like beans. They are a popular ingredient among chefs thanks to their ability to easily absorb flavorings and spices. 

Soybeans

The soybean is the most protein-rich bean out there. One serving of soybeans will contain a total of 28.62 grams of protein. The soybean protein is a compete protein, meaning that it is just as high in quality as the protein found in meat and dairy products. 

Soybeans are ideal for not only packing a lot of protein into a meal, but also for making meals tasty. Soybeans can be enjoyed in a wide variety of forms, including as tofu, soy milk, and bean curd. 

For more information on healthy foods and other methods of losing weight, contact a weight loss clinic near you.