Non-traditional protein sources
Jessica George, Registered Dietitian
CentraCare Heart & Vascular Center
Whether it’s for building up strength or feeling full after a meal, protein is a vital building block for your body.
Protein isn’t just used for your muscles. It’s also used in your hair, skin and helps your cells function.
While meat, poultry and seafood are well-known traditional sources of protein, there are other foods that are good protein sources.
You don’t have to be on a vegetarian or vegan diet to appreciate these foods. Keep the following foods in mind when grocery shopping to help you make healthy meals and snacks for the whole family.
Dairy-based protein sources
- Eggs
- Milk
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
Soy and plant-based protein sources
- Tofu
- Soy beans
- Edamame beans
- Lentils
- Chickpeas and other dried beans
- Nuts and nut butters
- Quinoa and other grains
- Seeds (chia, flax, sunflower, pumpkin, etc.)
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Kale
Recipe ideas
For some meal ideas involving non-traditional sources of protein — check out some of the following ideas from our online list of recipes. These recipes — like all of those listed online at centracare.com — aim to be part of a heart-healthy diet and have been reviewed by one of our registered dietitians.
