Protein Sources: This or That
on Aug 15, 2017, Updated May 11, 2024
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For most women, protein seems to be the most challenging macronutrient to eat each day. Believe it or not, simply increasing your protein consumption daily will most likely result in a loss on the scale and significant changes to body composition. Protein helps build and repair muscle, it helps prevent muscle loss when in a calorie deficit, it is the slowest macronutrient to digest(which helps burn more calories), and it keeps you fuller, longer. Chances are if you’re not keeping an eye on your protein intake you’re probably falling short. I don’t want eating enough of this super macronutrient to be burdensome for you. Let’s talk about how much protein you should be eating each day, compare some typical protein sources, and I’ll even show you an easy new recipe packed with protein.

So how much protein should you be eating each day?
Ideally you should be eating 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. Now this may seem extremely high for some of you, so I suggest starting small and maybe working up to 1 gram per pound of your goal body weight.
Example: A 150 pound adult should eat 150 grams of protein each day.
The next question is, what does 150 grams of protein look like?
Here are some of the easiest protein packed whole foods to consume and an idea of how many grams per serving you’re likely to be eating.
Average Serving Sizes & Macros
| Boneless, skinless chicken breast | 100g (raw weight) | 23P/0C/1F |
| Ground Beef-85/15 | 100g (raw weight) | 18P/0C/15F |
| Ground Turkey-93/7 | 100g (raw weight) | 19.4P/0C/7.1F |
| Salmon | 100g (raw weight) | 20P/0C/13F |
| Shrimp | 100g (raw weight) | 13.2P/0C/0.9F |
| Egg Whites (AllWhites® Brand) | 3 Tbls. | 5P/0C/0F |
| Canadian Bacon | 4 slices | 10P/1C/1.5F |
| Turkey Lunchmeat | 2 oz. | 9P/4C/1F |
| Tofo | 3.5 oz. | 12P/4C/2F |
| Black Beans | ½ cup cooked | 7P/20C/0.5F |
| Lentils | ½ cup cooked | 9P/20C/0.4F |
| Kale | 4 oz. | 5P/10C/1F |
| Broccoli | 1 cup raw | 2.6P/6C/0.3F |
| Fat Free Cottage Cheese | ½ cup | 15P/5C/0F |
| Plain, Nonfat Greek Yogurt | ½ cup | 12P/5C/0F |
Keep in mind you can also increase your protein intake with protein powder and protein bars. These products were created for convenience and shouldn’t be consumed in large quantities. Whole food sources are always best, but don’t hesitate to use a scoop of protein powder daily, especially if you’re struggling to consume enough protein.
Overnight Oats
If you’re a busy mom like me, you need a quick breakfast or pre workout meal you can grab and eat on the go! Since returning to work last week I’ve been keeping my fridge stocked with overnight oats. I’m all about convenience and this recipe is just that. Liquid egg whites are rich in protein, fat-free, and safe to consume uncooked because they are pasteurized. I like adding them to smoothies or dressings, but created this recipe for when I’m in a hurry and need something I can just grab and go with. Did I mention yet how yummy these overnight oats are!? I love topping mine with banana slices and cinnamon, strawberries, or blueberries.
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To make these overnight oats you simply need AllWhites 100% liquid egg whites, old fashioned oats, plain Greek yogurt, and some liquid stevia. I like making mine in these wide mouth mason jars, but any small container will work. See below for step by step instructions for whipping up this simple recipe! I love using Clean Simple Eats protein powders with my code: stayfitmom because it has clean ingredients and they have so many good flavors. You can use our discount code to save 10%! It’s stayfitmom and you can order here.
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup old fashion oats(27g)
- 1/3 cup liquid egg whites
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (75g)
- 1/2 scoop (17g) protein powder
- Save 10% on all Clean Simple Eats flavors with my code: stayfitmom
- 3 drops liquid stevia*optional
Instructions
- In a wide mouth mason jar or small container combine all ingredients.
- Stir well and refrigerate overnight.
- Enjoy the next morning cold topped with fresh fruit, sprinkled with cinnamon, 1 tablespoon of powdered peanut butter, or even 1 tablespoon of coco powder.
Nutrition Facts
Overnight Oats
Serves:
|
Amount Per Serving: 1 jar
|
||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 239 | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 2 | 3.1% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0 | |
| Trans Fat | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 | |
| Sodium | 0 | |
| Total Carbohydrate 22.5 | 7.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 2.7 | 8% | |
| Sugars | ||
| Protein 31.6 | ||
| Vitamin A | Vitamin C | |
| Calcium | Iron | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Stay Fit Mom
Notes
It's always best to calculate your macros per serving using your exact ingredients.
Follow us on Pinterest for more great recipe suggestions! We love seeing Stay Fit Mom recipes in your kitchen! Post your meals to Instagram and be sure to tag @stayfitmom_Krista and @stayfitmom_Tracy!
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of AllWhites 100% liquid egg whites. The opinions and text are all mine.



Love, I have told everyone at work about this recipe!
Thanks for spreading the work!
I can’t wait to try these- sound delicious!
I love this idea but what if you don’t have the egg whites? Any way to up the protein with our simultaneously upping the carbs?
The egg whites are the highlight of this recipe becuase they help soften the oats and provide a large portion of the protein. You could use some sort of milk instead, but you will be sacrificing protein and adding carbs.
Love these ideas but what if you don’t have the egg whites? Any way to up the protein without adding more carbs at the same time? Thanks for posting this.
I’m definitely trying these for Jacob!!
These look delicious and will be perfect for having somethig ready to grab with the craziness of back to school! Thanks!
I’m going back to school in a few weeks (I teach second grade) and this recipe sounds perfect for my hectic mornings. Thanks!!
Yes! I have been taking it with me in the car this week and it’s perfect.
I love the idea of having breakfast ready in the fridge on days I know I need to run out the door! Would love to win the running belt and smoothie blender! Thanks for the tips and recipe!
Will definitely try the recipe! I always keep the same egg whites on hand. Would love the giveaway!!!
I can’t wait to try these!!