Swap Meat And Dairy For These 5 Protein Rich Alternatives

If you are new to the gym circuit then one word would be dominating your grocery list – PROTEIN. This muscle building and muscle repairing nutrient form's an important part of every fitness enthusiasts diet. However, sometimes we need an alternative to the usual meat, dairy and egg combinations. In order to stay on track, it’s important to diversify your grocery list and ensure you have plenty of snacks handy when that post-workout hunger strikes. 

Nuts: Enter the kitchen of any gym enthusiast and you are sure to find an array of nut canisters. Nuts such as almonds are no only packed with protein (20 grams of protein per cup) but are also full of healthy fats, fiber, and vitamins such as calcium. Mix it up and include pistachios, walnuts, cashews and peanuts in your mix. They offer a versatile snack option, as a small handful is enough to satisfy your hunger and cravings. You can also add them to your salads, yogurts and use them as a smoothie topper. 

Nut butter: We have long known the health dangers associated with conventional butter's, however nut butter offer's a healthier alternative. Despite the bad rep they receive for their fat content, nut butter's are packed full of healthy fats that reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes and if portion control is put in place, they have even been associated with helping reduce the risk of obesity. 

Lentils: Lentils offer a welcome alternative for those days when meat just won’t do. While they take a little longer to prepare, their meaty flavor makes them the perfect alternative to mince meat in pasta and taco recipes. Containing 18 grams of protein per cup means you receive all the benefits of meat while giving your digestive system a break. 

Quinoa: Add more protein to your vegetable stir-fry’s and salads by stocking up on this cult superfood. As one of the most protein-rich foods we can eat, quinoa is also packed full of fiber, iron, lysine, magnesium, vitamin B2 and manganese. All of these vitamins and minerals are essential to muscle recovery and promote muscle relaxation following those strenuous gym sessions. Prepare a quinoa slice or salad and leave it in your fridge to avoid snacking on empty calories when hunger strikes. 

Canned sardines: We all know that canned tuna offers an easy and versatile snack or lunch option however sardines will add an even bigger dose of protein to your next meal. Containing an average of 37 grams of protein per cup, canned sardines are nutritious, affordable and easy to store. Add them to your salad or pasta for a post-workout protein fix when time is of the essence.

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