Meal Plan for Meeting Your Protein Needs - DEMO
In general, the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for non-pregnant, non-breastfeeding women over 19 years old is 46 grams. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, it is 71 grams. While this recommendation is for an average woman, it’s a great place to start to ensure you are meeting a minimum amoutnt.
Protein sources and gram amounts:
Meat, poultry, fish: 3 oz cooked contains 18-24 grams
Eggs: 1 whole egg contains 6 grams
Dairy: 1 cup has 8 grams. 1 ounce cheese has 6 grams. 1 cup low fat yogurt has 12 grams. 1 cup low fat Greek yogurt has over 15 grams.
Soy products: 1 cup soy milk contains 7 grams. 1⁄2 cup tofu contains 10 grams.
Nuts and seeds: 1⁄4 cup nuts or seeds has 5 grams.
Beans and peas: 1⁄2 cup beans have 7 grams.
Whole Grains: 1 cup cooked quinoa has 8 grams. 1 cup cooked oatmeal has 6 grams. 1 slice 100% whole wheat bread has 4 grams.
Pro Tip:
Not all protein sources are created equal. When choosing proteins, focus on lean sources such as: eggs, lean cuts of meat, soy products, safe-to-consume seafood such as salmon and cod, poultry without the skin, nuts, seeds, beans and peas, and whole grains. Consuming a variety of these foods will offer you many other nutrients in addition to the protein they provide. Aim to have a bit of protein at each meal and some snacks to help meet your goal.
The below meal, snack, and recipe ideas can help meet your protein needs.
Breakfast
Option 1:
Smoothie made with fruit, low-fat yogurt or milk, veggies (like spinach or kale) and 1 tablespoon almond or peanut butter (12+ grams protein)
Option 2:
2 Eggs, black beans, handful of veggies, and salsa wrapped in a whole grain tortilla (22+ grams protein)
Option 3:
Low-fat plain Greek yogurt with berries and chopped walnuts (18+ grams protein)
Option 4:
Oatmeal (1/2 cup dry oats), nut butter, and banana (10+ grams protein. 17+ grams if oatmeal is made with low fat milk or soy milk)
Option 5:
Eggs, whole grain toast, and an orange (16 grams if 2 eggs)
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Lunch
Option 1:
Shredded chicken (seasoned with dijon mustard) over a bed of lettuce with whole grain toast (16+ grams protein)
Option 2:
Tuna* or canned salmon mixed with olive oil and seasonings stuffed in an avocado, sliced tomato drizzled with olive oil, and brown rice (18+ grams protein)
Option 3:
Turkey (fresh, not deli meat), whole grain bread, baby carrots, hummus (30+ grams protein
Option 4:
Quinoa topped with spiced black beans, diced tomato, and a drizzle of oil, cilantro optional (15+ grams protein)
Option 5:
Chopped salad (use up those veggies left in the fridge!) drizzled with olive oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper; canned salmon, whole grain wrap (20+ grams protein)
Dinnner
Option 1:
Stir-fried veggies and chicken with quinoa (25+ grams protein)
Option 2:
Ground turkey, black beans, and veggies sautéed in a skillet with cumin, chili powder, and a can of low sodium diced tomatoes. Topped with sprinkle of cheese (35+ grams protein)
Option 3:
Shrimp, brown rice, green beans (22+ grams protein)
Option 4:
Broiled salmon, asparagus, millet (31+ grams protein)
Option 5:
Bean and vegetable soup with whole grain toast (10+ grams protein)
Snacks
Option 1:
White bean dip with fresh cut veggies (5+ grams protein)
Option 2:
Cup of low-fat plain Greek yogurt with whole grain cereal and berries (15-20 grams protein)
Option 3:
Walnuts, raisins, and a few dark chocolate chips (5+ grams protein)
Option 4:
Pear with cheese (6+ grams protein)
Option 5:
Two tablespoons almond butter on whole grain crackers (10+ grams protein)