Affordable Sources of Protein
By Sara Butler
Your health is important, but so is your budget. If you're smart about it, you can absolutely buy foods at the store that are good for both your body and your wallet, it's simply a matter of knowing what to look for. Protein is vital to your continued health and wellness, but you don't have to eat steaks each night (and you shouldn't!) to get the protein that you need. Here are some high-quality sources of protein that are good for you but won't break the bank.
Almonds
A handful of almonds make for a great snack, supplying you with fiber, monounsaturated fats, and protein to help you feel full and satisfied. Almonds are also rich in Vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps to protect your cells and keep them functioning optimally.
You should choose unsalted almonds to help keep your sodium intake down throughout the day. You can also use slivered almonds on your morning oatmeal, mix it into yogurt, or throw some on top of a salad for some extra crunch. They're a really versatile source of protein and affordable too.
Eggs
Eggs are almost the perfect protein. They're low in calories while also being low in cost. They're also full of protein so they help to fill you up and stay that way.
There's evidence that high protein breakfast choices such as eggs help those who eat them to feel fuller for longer as well as eat less over the course of the day. That's an incentive to eat an egg-cellent breakfast if there ever was one!
Black Beans
If you're looking for a great source of protein you can stock up on, look no further than black beans. They're full of fiber and protein while also being low in calories. Plus, you can buy them dry in bulk or in cans for a low price. If you choose canned, simply make sure to rinse them off after taking them out of the can to help cut the amount of sodium you get along with them.
Chickpeas
Another bean that's a great source of protein, chickpeas (also called garbanzo beans) are full of protein, fiber, and resistant starch to help you feel fuller for longer. They're low in calories and also full of other key nutrients such as folate and manganese.
There are plenty of ways to get protein in your diet. Explore some of these!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Lake Forest, Calif.