Every cell in the human body contains protein, and one could argue that proteins are the building blocks of life. You need protein in your diet to help the body repair cells and produce new ones. Protein is also necessary for growth and development in children, teenagers, and pregnant women. 

By adding protein-rich foods to your diet, you can support immune function and create necessary hormones and neurotransmitters. Protein can also improve body composition, support blood sugar regulation, and aid weight loss. Be mindful of your protein sources, though, as some foods and drinks can both meet and exceed daily protein needs. Some foods and drinks may also not contain as much protein as you think. We’ve detailed some common culprits in this article. 

Chia Seeds

Don’t get us wrong, we love some chia seeds because they contain a lot of fiber, magnesium, selenium, calcium, and zinc. Although they are rich in these nutrients and other healthy fats, they are not particularly high in protein. One ounce of chia seeds contains 4.68 grams (g) of protein. Because you typically consume chia seeds in smaller portions (such as one or two tablespoons at a time), they should not be labeled a high-protein food. That said, they do contain a diverse mix of nutrients that are beneficial for overall health.

Granola Bars

These bars may be convenient for snacking, but they are not the best protein sources. In fact, many granola bars contain lots of processed ingredients and excess sugar. Sometimes, the healthier varieties provide complex carbs and fiber, but only contain a few grams of protein. Choose high-protein bars that offer at least 12 g of protein per serving. That amount of protein can help keep you satiated between meals and promote blood sugar regulation. 

Nut Milks

Although nut milks are great non-dairy alternatives to regular cow’s milk, they are not particularly high in protein. Cow’s milk typically provides 9.5 g of protein per cup, on average. Most people choose not to consume it nowadays for health preferences, dietary concerns, or environmental reasons. Nut milks provide other nutrients that are beneficial, but only a couple provide a sufficient amount of protein, specifically coconut milk, pea milk, and soy milk. Some people can compensate for the low protein content of nut milks by adding a scoop of collagen peptides to the beverage, as they tend to provide 12 g of protein per scoop.

Regular Yogurt

Yogurt makes for a great breakfast and snack option. Some types of yogurt are healthier than others, though, and the same rule applies for protein content. Plain Greek yogurt is the best yogurt option regarding nutrition. It is a great source of protein, providing nearly twice the amount of protein compared to regular fruity yogurts. Not to mention, Greek yogurt doesn’t contain the sugars and processed ingredients that flavored yogurts do. A six-ounce container of Greek yogurt offers 17.3 g of protein! It also contains 50% fewer carbs than regular yogurt. 

Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is commonly thought to be an excellent source of protein. While it offers vitamin E, folate, healthy fats, and other beneficial nutrients, it only offers a small amount of protein. Peanut butter provides eight g of protein per two tablespoons, which is not enough to be categorized as a high-protein food. That same serving contains 200 calories, so you would need to consume several hundred calories to get a lot of protein from peanut butter. 

Broth

Trying to get more protein in your life via soups, stews, and other recipes means that you have to select the right broth. One cup of regular chicken broth contains 3.26 g of protein, making it a low-protein food. Bone broth, however, is more concentrated and contains more protein. Be mindful that packaged broths, even bone broths, tend to contain a lot of sodium. Bone broth also helps to increase your collagen intake. 

Hummus

Hummus is a wonderful dip and chickpeas are naturally rich in protein. One cup of cooked chickpeas offers 14.5 g of protein! Because you consume hummus in small amounts, it is not as high in protein as people think. A quarter cup of hummus provides 4.77 g of protein, which is not enough to be classified as a high-protein dip. If you want to consume more protein, consider eating hummus with high-protein foods, or eat more chickpeas.

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This vegan Greek inspired recipe is easy to just pop in the oven making dinner cooking time efficient. By cooking everything in one sheet, not only is the cooking time reduced but you spend less time washing up after the meal!

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It is easy to feel defeated if you’ve been hitting the gym five days a week with a consistent program and you don’t see muscle growth. Is something wrong with your plan? You are working hard to build your biceps, calves, lats, glutes, and pectorals, but you don’t see a difference. This begs the question, “What are you eating?”

Certain foods can help build muscle, but some foods actually hinder muscle growth. Sculpting your physique requires drive, sweat, and, of course, the right food. You may be getting your daily pump in, but if you are pumping your body full of the following foods, you may be depriving your muscles of the nutrients they need to grow.

A Six-Pack Of Beer

You won’t achieve your six-pack if you drink six-packs. Not only does alcohol mess with your body’s ability to process protein, but it may also prevent muscle recovery. All the extra carbohydrates from beer make it more difficult for muscle growth. If you are after a six-pack, put the bottles down and focus on fueling your body with whole grains, asparagus, almonds, Greek yogurt, and green tea. Additionally, stay away from hydrogenated oils and ultra-processed foods.

Diet Soda

The zero-calorie aspect of diet soda attracts a lot of people who want to lose weight and build muscle. Although diet soda doesn’t have calories, sugar, or fat, it has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes in several studies. The empty calories from diet soda add up in other ways, according to recent research. When people consume artificial sweeteners, they end up eating more calories throughout the day. That excess caloric intake can lead to weight gain, and that gain doesn’t show up in your biceps or lats. 

Doughnuts

Any food or beverage that is high in fat and low in protein is a problem if your aim is to build muscle. The reason for this is because you are eating way too many calories with very little protein. Say goodbye to the doughnuts and other sweets or fried treats because they don’t contain the nutrients that your growing muscles crave. Instead, feed your sweet tooth with protein-rich plain Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit and a little drizzle of raw organic honey.

High-Sugar Breakfast Cereals

If you are running low on time in the morning and need to eat something in a pinch, cereal is a popular choice. Pour cereal in a bowl, add milk of choice, and enjoy. The problem with cereal is that some appear healthy, but in reality contain much more sugar than you realize. If you find sugar (or another name for sugar) in the top three ingredients on the nutritional label, skip it. If there are more than five grams of sugar per serving, toss it out. There are healthier cereal options, but you have to do your research. Choose options with at least three grams of fiber per serving and fewer than five grams of sugar per serving. Alternatively, start eating overnight oats or chia pudding because they are more nutrient-dense breakfast options.

Bagels

Did you know that your average store bought bagel contains about 400 calories? Add cream cheese to your bagel and you are consuming a breakfast full of refined carbohydrates and saturated fat. Neither the bagel nor the cream cheese aids your muscle gains. It is better to skip the bagel and opt for a slice of whole grain bread topped with all-natural peanut butter or almond butter. 

Sausages

Seemingly harmless and undeniably tasty, sausages are brimming with saturated fat, excess calories, and sodium. Additionally, sausages contain nitrites, which are preservatives that help prevent bacterial growth and maintain the appealing red colors in meat. Nitrites can lead to the formation of nitrosamines, which are chemicals that have been linked to cancer. It is healthier, and better for your muscle growth, to choose lean cuts of meat whenever you can. If you have a craving for sausage, choose nitrite-free options.

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Meet one of our new favorite raw vegan spreads that can be easily made in about 10 minutes. This recipe uses hemp seeds to yield a creamy texture, but they also provide you with a healthy amount of protein. The herbs enhance the nutritional value and add depth of flavor to this traditional Greek dip.

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Quinoa is one of the few plant-based foods that contains all nine essential amino acids, which the body cannot produce on its own. It’s also rich iron, fiber, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, and more! Add the avocados, tomatoes, bell peppers, and spinach into the equation, and you’ve got yourself a superfood salad that is great for the several days after you finish cleansing.

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It is very difficult to mess up this potato salad. In fact, we can guarantee that you won’t mess it up. For potato salad, it is very light and refreshing, and the assertiveness of the dill commands center stage, bringing all the other ingredients together into the spotlight.

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