Sometimes I wonder if I sound like a broken record when it comes to protein, but then I speak with a new prospective client who wants to balance their blood sugar and improve their metabolic health, and I learn they are nowhere close to 30g per meal and I realize I need to keep talking about it.
Eating more protein -- 30g per meal, give or take -- was the way I finally took control of my sugar cravings. And let me tell you, nobody loved sugar more than me!! (Yes, I still enjoy dessert from time to time, but it's not on my mind 24/7.) Not to mention, it's incredibly important after a workout.
Until you’ve truly tracked your daily protein intake, it can be really unclear if you’ve reached your daily protein goal (~0.8-1 grams of protein per pound of ideal body weight), and just how much protein should be on your plate at every meal.
For today's article, we're breaking down what 30 grams of protein looks like across 8 different protein sources. Whether you eat meat, you’re vegan, or somewhere in between, there are options for everyone!
An easy favorite: 100 grams (about the size of a deck of cards) of cooked chicken breast.
A fiber-rich choice: 1 ¼ cups of black beans.
Rich in calcium: A little over 1 cup.
Ideal for plant-based diets: 150 grams of firm tofu (roughly ¾ cups).
Perfect for a satisfying snack: Approximately 1 ½ cups
Versatile and quick: About five large eggs.
*Bonus: Egg Whites are a fantastic protein option & easy to add to boost your protein intake. 1 cup of Egg Whites (26 grams of protein)
Salmon – Packed with omega-3s and protein: 100 grams (3.5 oz) of cooked salmon.
Convenient and on the go: One scoop of protein powder (typically 20-25g) mixed with 2-3 TBSP hemp seeds (7-10g).
Integrating these protein sources into your diet can help smooth out blood sugar spikes and provide lasting energy. Combining your protein sources with healthy fats and fiber for meals is not only delicious but will keep your blood sugar levels steady.
If you'd like to chat more about your health and how to balance your blood sugar, sleep beter, lose weight, improve sugar cravings, improve blood markers fr heart disease or balance your hormones, book a complimentary discovery call.