High-Protein Diet Ideas

Although protein in the diet is important for everyone, there are some people who are encouraged by doctors to follow diets that have higher amounts of protein. For example, a person being treated for cancer requires a lot of protein in order to aid recovery and maintain strength. Protein can be added to your diet without requiring you to make drastic changes.

Dairy products

By increasing the amount of dairy products you eat and drink and by consuming slightly different types of dairy products, you can significantly increase the amount of protein in your diet.

Although water is a healthy drink, when you need to increase your protein intake, it may be a good idea to replace at least some of the water you drink with milk. Do not quit drinking water altogether, however.

If you use dressing on your salads, you may want to consider making them with low-fat sour cream or yogurt. Likewise, yogurt or sour cream can also be used as toppings for potatoes or bean dishes, or as a dip for fruit.

For snacks, consider foods like yogurt or cottage cheese. Try to eat as many low-fat dairy items as possible. Although it is important to get enough protein, it should not be done at the expense of eating too much fat.

Non-dairy products

Although meats and fish include high amounts of protein, too much red meat can be damaging to your health. Eat meat in moderation. Small portions of meat that are grilled, baked or steamed can effectively increase your protein intake and keep you healthy. One of the best ways to add a little extra protein to your diet is to sneak some meat into meals that normally may not have meat in them--for example, putting some beef or chicken into vegetable soups.

Eggs, which are also high in protein, can be added to soups and sandwiches as well. You may wish to make egg-drop soup by slowly pouring the egg yolk into boiling broth while you stir. Because whole-grain bread contains protein as well, eating toast and eggs in the morning can also be a good meal for increasing your protein intake.

To follow a high-protein diet, you may want to supplement your diet with frequent snacks consisting of items like crackers and cheese, bagels and low-fat cream cheese, peanut butter and toast, and cookies made with oatmeal or peanut butter. Increase the amount of nuts and seeds that you eat. Nuts are a good snack to eat on their own or as a part of a trail mix.