How do I add more protein to my diet?

The typical person is usually over eating protein. If you are having 3oz of meat, poultry, fish (deck of cards size) for two meals of the day plus a serving of low fat dairy or cheese and including vegetables and whole grains you are probably already meeting your protein needs. However, if you are not a meat eater, you will need to add more foods like nuts, cottage cheese, lentils, dried beans, soy (tofu, edamame, soy beans), Greek yogurt, string cheese, nut butters to meals in order to have adequate protein. Meet with a Registered Dietitian to determine your protein needs and help you develop an appropriate meal plan. 

Here are a couple of tips on how you boost your protein intake besides eating a larger piece of meat!

• Add beans, lentils, or peas, to soups, chili’s, or stews
• Add tofu to your scrambled eggs
• Add  nuts, seeds, or nut butters as a snack or dessert to end your meal
• Consume Greek yogurt  for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack
• Use Greek yogurt in a smoothie recipe or use plain Greek yogurt to top a baked potato