4 EASY WAYS TO INCREASE YOUR PROTEIN INTAKE

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Chefs For Seniors

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Chefs for Seniors

Posted on

Oct 03, 2023

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Florida - Southwest

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Most people watch their calories, sugar and salt intake and make sure they are eating enough fruits and vegetables, but do not always ensure they are getting adequate protein in their diet. Protein keeps us fuller longer, speeds up the metabolism and helps the body build and maintain muscle.  Proteins help your body repair, and are also essential as an energy source- which is why it’s critical that we get enough protein from high-quality food sources.

Recent studies have shown that 1 in 3 adults over the age of 50 are lacking in getting enough protein- which can say a lot about their overall health and diet. The good news is- there are lots of simple ways to increase your protein intake without changing your diet drastically!

UPGRADE YOUR BREAKFAST ROUTINE

We have all heard the phrase “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”, and for good reason- when we sleep, we essentially are fasting (not eating) for 7+ hours. When we wake up, our body needs a replenishment of glucose and other nutrients to produce energy. However, nearly two-thirds of American’s skip breakfast, which can cause symptoms like headaches, blood sugar dips, irritability and difficulty concentrating.

The unfortunate reality is that even those who eat breakfast don’t always eat a healthy meal. Instead of reaching for “convenience” items like donuts, muffins and breakfast cereals, try higher-protein foods like eggs, full-fat yogurt, cottage cheese or oatmeal with nuts.

SNEAK IN SOME PROTEIN POWDER

Supplementing a flavored or unflavored protein powder is an easy and convenient way to increase your protein intake with little effort. There are many high-quality protein powders on the market with different flavors and nutrients. This can be particularly helpful to those with a soft-foods diet or even those with a decreased appetite. Protein powder can be added to smoothies, salad dressings, beverages and even things like baked goods and mashed potatoes.

PRIORITIZE ANIMAL AND PLANT-BASED PROTEIN

Animal products like lean meat, dairy products and eggs have the highest concentration of bioavailable protein. Including high-quality animal products into your diet is one of the easiest ways to meet your protein goals, however, there are plenty of plant-based protein options that can work well for those who choose to be vegan or vegetarian. Food items like beans, lentils, chickpeas, nuts and seeds are higher in protein than other plant-based foods like fruits and vegetables, but you’ll likely need to be eating a higher concentration of these foods to meet your protein goals on a plant-based diet. Always consult a nutritionist or a healthcare professional if you have questions or want individualized recommendations!

MEAL PREP!

When it comes to eating a well-rounded, healthy diet, many people struggle to eat 3 balanced meals a day. This can be for a variety of reasons- you’re too busy, you’re on the go, you’re recovering from an injury or illness, you lack the motivation to cook, etc. This is why having meals prepared in advance is beneficial- you can have meals ready for you to eat right at your fingertips! This can be anything from overnight-oatmeal for breakfast to a casserole for dinner, all of which are healthier than swinging through the drive-through at meal time.

Need some help getting more protein in your diet, but don’t have the ability or desire to cook for yourself? If you struggle to prepare meals or could use some help in the kitchen, Chefs for Seniors puts a personal chef in the home that can prepare customized meals tailored to your dietary needs and preferences. Click here to find a chef near you!

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Local Services By This Author

Chefs for Seniors

Meal Preparation , Naples, Florida,

Chefs for Seniors offers a unique and affordable alternative to traditional senior meal delivery services. Our in-home personal chef service brings the luxury of customized, delicious meals right to your kitchen. With over 90 locations across the US and 2,550,000 meals served, we're dedicated to improving seniors' lives through food.Our highly skilled personal chefs create menus tailored to your dietary needs and preferences. From low-sodium to diabetic-friendly options, we work with you and your healthcare team to ensure your meals are both nutritious and satisfying. With over 175 menu options featuring fresh, local ingredients, you'll never get bored.Booking a personal chef is simple. Schedule weekly or bi-weekly visits, and our chefs will handle the rest. They'll bring fresh ingredients, cook your meals in your kitchen, and leave you with a week's worth of delicious dishes.Founded in 2013, Chefs for Seniors is a family-owned business with a mission to improve seniors' lives through food. Barrett Allman, a chef and restaurant owner with over 25 years of experience, started the company to honor his wife's grandmother's wish to stay in her home and enjoy homemade meals.Choose Chefs for Seniors for an affordable, long-term solution to your meal needs. Support your local community by choosing a locally owned and operated Chefs for Seniors location near you.