High-Protein Diet Guide for Beginners

High Protein Diet 101

How much protein did you eat yesterday? You probably can’t think of a number on the spot, but you might remember the scrambled eggs for breakfast, the grilled chicken salad at lunch, and the bean burrito for dinner. Those all count! Protein is essential for life. It’s one of the three major macronutrients in our diets: Protein, carbohydrates, and fats. Protein performs important bodily functions such as carrying molecules throughout our bodies, protecting us from viruses, and repairing cells.

A high-protein diet, however, can take a little extra planning. You’ll likely need to plan ahead to make sure you’re getting enough. Here’s our guide to all things protein—what benefits a high-protein diet offers, what the best protein sources are, and how to cook them.

Benefits of a High-Protein Diet

Remember to talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider before changing your diet. It's advised to make sure you’re getting enough carbs (and ones that are high-quality). Go light on processed meats, which are high in saturated fat and may increase your risk of heart disease. Beware that if you have kidney disease, a high-protein diet might make things worse because your body might struggle to get rid of the extra waste from protein breakdown in your blood.

How Much Protein Do I Need?

What If I’m Vegetarian or Vegan?

10 Good Protein Sources (and How to Eat Them)

1. Chicken

Protein per serving: 43 grams. Low in calories and high in protein, chicken is a good source of vitamin B, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and zinc. Choose white meat instead of dark meat and remove the skin to cut down on on fat. Chicken breasts serve as a great starting point for a variety of meals. From slow cooker recipesto soups to weeknight dinners with sides, the choices are virtually endless.

2. Fish

Protein per serving: 40 grams (salmon). Fish is known to be one of the leanest source of protein. Fish also contains omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin B2, calcium, phosphorus, iron, zinc, iodine, magnesium, and potassium—in other words, all kinds of good stuff. It’s fast and easy to cook a fish filet. Create a meal by adding a starchy side like rice or a baked potato, and vegetables such as asparagus or beans.

3. Turkey

Protein per serving: 24 grams. Turkey isn’t just for Thanksgiving! This delicious meat contains vitamins, minerals, and of course, lots of protein. Remove the skin for less fat. You don’t have to cook a full Thanksgiving dinner every time you make turkey. Keep things simple by roasting some sweet potatoes and broccoli alongside the turkey breast. Or make a salad with the turkey.

4. Shrimp

Protein per serving: 20 grams. Shrimp, a type of crustacean, is a low-calorie yet nutrient-rich food. Containing nutrients like potassium, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, shrimp also provides iodine—a mineral that your thyroid and brain need in order to function correctly. You can cook shrimp on the stovetop, in the oven, or in your air fryer. Add a side of veggies and rice and you have a delicious, healthy lunch or dinner ready to go.

5. Protein Powder

Protein per serving: 17 grams (whey). Whey protein is found in dairy products and extracted to make protein powder. It can be a helpful source of protein if you’re looking for ways to add more protein to your diet. Mix protein powder into a smoothie, add it to baked goods, or simply mix it with water and drink. If you follow a plant-based diet, plant protein is also an option. Most plant-based protein powders have about 20 grams of protein per scoop. They are made from seeds or grains.

6. Tofu

Protein per serving: 10 grams. Tofu, or bean curd, is made by pressing curdled soy milk into blocks. This popular vegan protein is also gluten-free, contains many important vitamins and nutrients, and is low-calorie. Tofu tastes bland and lends itself to many flavourful recipes. You can scramble tofu, bake it in the oven, or sauté it in a pan on the stove. Try a tofu stir-fry and serve with brown rice and veggies. Or get creative and use tofu to make a quiche.

7. Beans

Protein per serving: 8 grams. Beans serve as a good protein source for vegans and non-vegans alike. Choose options like garbanzo beans, black beans, or pinto beans to add to your soups and salads. You’re not only getting protein when you eat beans. You’ll also benefit from the iron, folate, antioxidants, fibre, and other important nutrients found in this food.

8. Dairy

Protein per serving: 8 grams (whole milk). Dairy products include Greek yogurt, cow’s milk, cheese, and butter. Many of these items naturally lend themselves to breakfast. In other cases, you might choose to include them in your meals by adding cheese to a salad or sandwich; putting whole milk in a smoothie; or stirring a handful of berries into Greek yogurt for a snack. Dairy provides you with calcium, which keeps your bones and teeth healthy and strong. Calcium also helps your blood clot, your muscles contract, and your heart and nerves work normally. If you’re vegan, make sure you’re getting enough calcium elsewhere in your diet. Good vegan sources of calcium include tofu, beans, sweet potatoes, kale, chia seeds, and almonds.

9. Eggs

Protein per serving: 6 grams. If you’re looking for a good protein source, you can’t get much healthier than eggs. This nutrient-rich food holds vitamin A, vitamin B12, selenium, folic acid, omega-3 fatty acids, and other good stuff. With so many ways to prepare eggs—from scrambling to hard-boiling to frying—you’ll never get tired of this excellent protein source.

10. Nuts and Seeds

Protein per serving: 6 grams (almonds). Nuts and seeds are a great source of protein for vegetarians, vegans, and virtually any diet. Nuts include important nutrients like vitamin E, magnesium, and selenium. Enjoy them alone as a snack or add them to a savory stir-fry or a sweet breakfast dish.