Christmas is just around the corner and people are already planning what to eat for their long-awaited dinner. Here are some healthy sources of protein for Christmas dinners.
Christmas can be a very difficult moment for anyone’s fitness goal. It’s time for most people to eat without regrets, at least the next day, until they feel full.
To maintain muscle mass, you need to eat enough protein. The list below shows a healthy source of protein for Christmas dinner. You will find that you do not have to sacrifice your fitness journey for Christmas.
1. Turkey
Source: Tengyart / UnsplashWhen it comes to entrees, Turkey has become a staple in many countries. And the best news is that turkey is one of the best sources of protein for Christmas dinners.
Two-thirds of roasted turkey may contain protein and is low in fat.
But when it comes to turkey for Christmas dinner, not everything is good news. In the United States, many families enjoy packing birds with other ingredients. It can turn turkey from a list of healthy protein sources for Christmas dinner to “you will regret this decision” very quickly.
Try to keep away from the super-processed ingredients, and you should be well.
2. Brussels sprouts
Brussels sprouts may not be what everyone likes, but because they thrive during the winter, countries in the northern part of the world are accustomed to using these vegetables at Christmas dinner parties.
A cup of cooked Brussels sprouts contains only 56 calories, including 4 grams of protein. It is also rich in vitamins C, K, folic acid, calcium, iron and potassium.
If you want to try something new with Brussels sprouts this year, why not try this roasted Brussels sprouts, turkey bacon and pomegranate recipe?
3. Roast beef
If you plan to lose weight but still want to taste the meat during Christmas, roast beef may be a good option for you.
85 grams of roast beef contains 257 calories, 26 grams of protein, and only 16 grams of fat. It is also rich in calcium and iron.
4. Quinoa
Quinoa is added to the list of healthy protein sources for Christmas dinners as it has the potential to replace other foods such as rice, couscous, and even pasta.
A cup of cooked quinoa provides 8-9 grams of protein.
You can add quinoa to your salad or grind it into flour for use in other recipes. Why don’t you pack quinoa in mushrooms?
5. Lentils
Source: Unsplash’s Gaelle MarcelIt’s my personal favorite and it’s very common to eat in my hometown (especially New Year’s Eve). Lentils will satisfy meat lovers, vegetarians and vegans alike.
A cup of cooked lentils contains 18 grams of protein, making it one of the best vegetarian options on the list of healthy sources of protein for Christmas.
Lentils can be the protagonist of your cooking and can be served with rice (or quinoa), mixed with salads, or turned into soups. There is no doubt about lentils.
Related: A Healthy Vegetarian Protein Source for Athletes
6. Nuts
Source: Unsplash’s Randy FathThe only downside to nuts is that no one can survive on nuts alone. They are high in calories and should be eaten in small amounts, which outweighs the downsides of eating nuts.
In addition to anti-inflammatory fats rich in calcium and vitamins, it contains excellent antioxidants.
Almost all types of nuts that you choose to sprinkle on your salad increase your protein intake and keep your heart healthy.
Try almonds, walnuts, brazil nuts, cashew nuts and even pistachios. Peanuts provide the most 38 grams of protein in a cup.
7. Fish
Source: David Fedulov / UnsplashFish is a low-fat, high-quality protein food source, and if you’re used to eating meat every Christmas, the pace will change dramatically.
Fish are filled with omega 3 fatty acids, help the heart in a variety of ways, and contain vitamins D and B2 and other minerals.
Tuna is 90% protein, halibut is 81% protein, and tilapia is 82% protein. Try this delicious spinach cake with a salmon recipe.
8. Tofu
Tofu is one of the best vegetarian friends when it comes to substituting meat in recipes. Not only can it be easily added to recipes, it is also an excellent source of protein.
100 grams of tofu contains 8 grams of protein.
It behaves like a sponge and you can taste the tofu as you like. It’s perfect.
Read more: Are carbs or proteins good for endurance?
