you've heard it time and time again. It started when you first picked up that twenty-pound dumbbell and curled it. Protein is needed for muscle growth, and you must get at least 1g per pound of body weight per day.
Whey protein is readily available and easily consumable, making it a top choice for lifters. However, sometimes you run out of your MTS Nutrition Whey, or simply feel like getting protein from alternative sources.
Related: 10 Best Healthy Snacks Under 200 CaloriesSo you might be thinking:
Oh great. If I don't use whey protein I have to eat a dozen chicken breasts per day to reach my protein goals. Right?
Wrong! There are numerous other whole food protein sources available that can help you reach your protein goals.
Stock up and make some serious gains! MTS Whey protein delivers big taste and quality.
Buy now.
8 Best Muscle Building Protein Sources
#1 - Greek Yogurt: 12g Per Serving
Greek yogurt has quickly gained mass appeal over the course of the last several years. This is due to the fact that it's low calorie, zero fat, and has a high protein content.
If you're in need of protein in a pinch, Greek yogurt is a good way to supplement your protein intake for the day. It comes in numerous flavors so don't limit yourself to the same old boring plain flavor. Mix it up!
#2 - Cottage Cheese: 31g Per Serving
Cottage cheese is extremely high in protein. In fact, it contains nearly as much protein per serving as a 6-ounce chicken breast.
So if you're looking to mix things up and don't feel like grabbing that last dry piece of chicken, reach for some cottage cheese instead.
#3 - String Cheese: 8g Per Serving
The same snack your mom put in your lunch as a child actually has some nutritional benefit to it.
A stick of "light" string cheese has only 50 calories but also includes 8 grams of protein. This is extremely high for such a low caloric value.
If you're in need of a snack don't hesitate to grab one of these bad boys or throw it in your brown paper bag lunch for old times sake!
#4 - Broccoli: 3g Per Serving
When you first look at the nutrition facts, 3 grams of protein may not appear like much protein. But when you take into account that a serving of broccoli has only 30 calories, it is extremely protein-rich given its caloric content.
Broccoli is one of the most protein-rich vegetables there is. Now, when you take into account all of the other nutritional benefits broccoli has to offer, it's not difficult to understand why broccoli has been a diet staple for athletes and bodybuilders for decades.
#5 - Black Beans: 7g Per Serving
Black beans have one of the highest protein values per serving of any bean. They are versatile and can be used in everything from burritos to chili to soup to a simple side dish.
As a side note, black beans are also extremely high in fiber and a good way to hit your daily recommended value of fiber content.
#6 - Almonds: 6g Per Serving
When consumed in smaller amounts, almonds provide the most health benefits of all nut varieties. A handful of almonds per day has been proven to assist in lowering risks of heart disease, diabetes, and aid in the prevention of numerous other diseases.
Oh yeah... and they have more protein than any other nut variety. So put Mr. Planters down and reach for some almonds instead.
#7 - Chickpeas: 5g Per Serving
Chickpeas can be used in a variety of ways alone, in salads, or even used to make hummus. When it comes down to it, chickpeas are high in protein and are never a bad way to supplement the protein content in your diet.
#8 - Quinoa: 8g Per Serving
Quinoa is like the trendy little brother of brown rice. Like brown rice, quinoa is a slower digesting carb source that fits perfectly in every bodybuilder's diet and also contains much more protein.
Each cup of quinoa has 8g of protein which is more than double the content of the same size portion of rice.
Wrap Up on Protein Sources
Making sure you hit your daily expected protein intake is arguably one of the most important aspects to any bodybuilder's diet. However, there will likely come a time when you reach into your MTS Nutrition Red Velvet Whey and come to the horrific conclusion that you used the last scoop yesterday!
Not to fear, no need to reheat that plainly boiled chicken breast for the third time today. There are other options available to suit your needs. don't be afraid to get your protein from other sources and switch it up.