These 15 Low in Fat High in Protein Foods are easy to add into your diet! In this article I’ll share the best foods that are low fat and high protein so you can boost the nutrition in your meals right away.
Are you looking to build muscle and lose fat? If so, you’ll need to pay attention to your diet. Consuming a diet that’s high in protein can help you build muscle, while consuming foods that are low in fat can help you lose weight.
In this article, I’ll share the top 15 low fat high protein foods that can help you achieve your fitness goals.
These foods are perfect for athletes, bodybuilders, or anyone who wants to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
15 Low in Fat High in Protein Foods
These 15 low in fat and high in protein foods are healthy and easy to work into meals you already eat! See below for ways to add them to your diet and the best benefits of these healthy foods.
1. Skinless Chicken Breast
Skinless chicken breast is a staple in many healthy diets, and for good reason. Not only is it low in fat, but it’s also high in protein, making it the perfect food for building muscle and burning fat. Here are a few benefits of consuming skinless chicken breast:
- Rich in protein: With 31 grams of protein per 100 grams of chicken breast, this food is an excellent source of protein for muscle growth and repair.
- Low in fat: Skinless chicken breast is very low in fat, with less than 1 gram of fat per 100 grams of chicken breast.
- Versatile: Chicken breast can be prepared in many different ways, making it a versatile food to include in your diet.
2. Greek Yogurt
Greek yogurt is a delicious and nutritious food that’s packed with protein. It’s a great option for those who are looking to lose fat. Here are a few benefits of consuming Greek yogurt:
- High in protein: Greek yogurt is an excellent source of protein, with around 10 grams of protein per 100 grams of yogurt.
- Low in fat: Most Greek yogurts are low in fat, making them a great option for those who are watching their fat intake.
- Good for digestion: Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics, which can help improve gut health.
3. Tuna
Tuna is a lean fish that’s high in protein and low in fat. It’s a great food to include in your diet if you’re looking to build a healthy meal. Here are a few benefits of consuming tuna:
- High in protein: Tuna is an excellent source of protein, with around 25 grams of protein per 100 grams of tuna.
- Low in fat: Tuna is a very lean fish, with less than 1 gram of fat per 100 grams of tuna.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Tuna is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.
4. Egg Whites
Egg whites are a great source of protein and are very low in fat. They’re a perfect food for building muscle and burning fat. Here are a few benefits of consuming egg whites:
- High in protein: Egg whites are an excellent source of protein, with around 11 grams of protein per 100 grams of egg whites.
- Very low in fat: Egg whites contain less than 1 gram of fat per 100 grams of egg whites.
- Versatile: Egg whites can be prepared in many different ways, making them a versatile food to include in your diet.
5. Turkey Breast
Turkey breast is a lean meat that’s high in protein and low in fat. It’s a great food to include in your diet if you’re looking to make a low fat high protein meal. Here are a few benefits of consuming turkey breast:
- High in protein: Turkey breast is an excellent source of protein, with around 30 grams of protein per 100 grams of turkey breast.
- Low in fat: Turkey breast is a very lean meat, with less than 1 gram of fat per 100 grams of turkey breast.
- Rich in vitamins and minerals: Turkey breast is a good source of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins and zinc.
6. Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a great source of protein that’s low in fat and calories. It’s a perfect food for weight loss and repairing muscles. Here are a few benefits of consuming cottage cheese:
- High in protein: Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, with around 11 grams of protein per 100 grams of cottage cheese.
- Low in fat: Cottage cheese is a low-fat food, making it a great option for those who are watching their fat intake.
- Rich in calcium: Cottage cheese is a good source of calcium, which is important for bone health.
7. Quinoa
Quinoa is a grain that’s high in protein and fiber. It’s a great food to include in your diet if you’re looking to burn fat, build muscle and lose weight. Here are a few benefits of consuming quinoa:
- High in protein: Quinoa is an excellent source of protein, with around 4 grams of protein per 100 grams of quinoa.
- Rich in fiber: Quinoa is a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Versatile: Quinoa can be prepared in many different ways, making it a versatile food to include in your diet.
8. Salmon
Salmon is a fatty fish that’s high in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a great food to include in your diet if you’re looking to build muscle and lose weight. Here are a few benefits of consuming salmon:
- High in protein: Salmon is an excellent source of protein, with around 20 grams of protein per 100 grams of salmon.
- Rich in omega-3 fatty acids: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for heart health.
- Versatile: Salmon can be prepared in many different ways, making it a versatile food to include in your diet.
9. Almonds
Almonds are a nut that’s high in protein and healthy fats. They’re a great food to include in your diet if you’re looking to build muscle. Here are a few benefits of consuming almonds:
- High in protein: Almonds are an excellent source of protein, with around 21 grams of protein per 100 grams of almonds.
- Rich in healthy fats: Almonds are a good source of healthy fats, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Rich in vitamin E: Almonds are a good source of vitamin E, which is important for skin health.
10. Edamame
Edamame is a type of soybean that’s high in protein and fiber. It’s a great food to include in your diet if you’re looking to burn fat. Here are a few benefits of consuming edamame:
- High in protein: Edamame is an excellent source of protein, with around 11 grams of protein per 100 grams of edamame.
- Rich in fiber: Edamame is a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Versatile: Edamame can be prepared in many different ways, making it a versatile food to include in your diet.
11. Black Beans
Black beans are a type of legume that’s commonly used in Latin American cuisine. They’re packed with protein, fiber, and a range of essential vitamins and minerals. Here are a few benefits of consuming black beans:
- High in protein: Black beans are an excellent source of protein, with around 21 grams of protein per 100 grams of beans.
- Rich in fiber: Black beans are a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Low in fat: Black beans are low in fat, making them a great option for those who are watching their fat intake.
12. Shrimp
Shrimp is a type of seafood that’s high in protein and low in fat. It’s a great food to include in your diet if you’re looking to lose weight. Here are a few benefits of consuming shrimp:
- High in protein: Shrimp is an excellent source of protein, with around 24 grams of protein per 100 grams of shrimp.
- Low in fat: Shrimp is low in fat, making it a great option for those who are watching their fat intake.
- Rich in antioxidants: Shrimp is rich in antioxidants, which can help protect your cells from damage.
13. Chickpeas
Chickpeas are a type of legume that’s high in protein and fiber. They’re a great food to include in your diet if you’re looking to build muscle recover after a workout. Here are a few benefits of consuming chickpeas:
- High in protein: Chickpeas are an excellent source of protein, with around 19 grams of protein per 100 grams of chickpeas.
- Rich in fiber: Chickpeas are a good source of fiber, which can help keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Low in fat: Chickpeas are low in fat, making them a great option for those who are watching their fat intake.
14. Bison
Bison is a type of lean red meat that’s high in protein and low in fat. It’s a great food to include in your diet if you’re looking to build muscle and burn fat. Here are a few benefits of consuming bison:
- High in protein: Bison is an excellent source of protein, with around 28 grams of protein per 100 grams of bison.
- Low in fat: Bison is low in fat, making it a great option for those who are watching their fat intake.
- Rich in iron: Bison is a good source of iron, which is important for oxygen transport in your body.
15. Turkey Jerky
Turkey jerky is a type of dried meat that’s high in protein and low in fat. It’s a great snack to include in your diet if you’re looking to build a healthy diet. Here are a few benefits of consuming turkey jerky:
- High in protein: Turkey jerky is an excellent source of protein, with around 33 grams of protein per 100 grams of turkey jerky.
- Low in fat: Turkey jerky is low in fat, making it a great option for those who are watching their fat intake.
- Convenient: Turkey jerky is a convenient snack that you can take with you on the go.
Why are these foods beneficial?
These 25 low in fat high in protein foods are packed with essential nutrients that can help fuel your body.
They’re low in fat, which means you can consume them without worrying about gaining weight.
Additionally, they’re high in protein, which can help you build muscle and burn fat.
How can I incorporate these foods into my diet?
There are many ways you can incorporate these 25 low in fat high in protein foods into your diet. Here are a few ideas:
- Add skinless chicken breast to your salads or sandwiches.
- Enjoy Greek yogurt with fresh fruit as a snack.
- Mix tuna with avocado and whole wheat crackers for a high protein lunch.
- Use egg whites in your morning omelet or scramble.
- Grill turkey breast and serve it with roasted vegetables.
- Make a lentil soup for a hearty and nutritious meal.
- Grill fish and serve it with a side of quinoa.
- Substitute bison for beef in your burgers or chili.
- Mix quinoa with black beans and fresh vegetables for a delicious and healthy meal.
- Snack on edamame for a quick and easy protein boost.
- Add cottage cheese to your smoothies or top it with fresh fruit for a tasty breakfast.
- Enjoy almonds and peanut butter as a quick and easy snack.
- Add chickpeas to your salads or use them as a base for a hummus dip.
- Substitute black beans for meat in your tacos or burritos.
- Substitute soy milk for regular milk in your recipes.
- Grill shrimp or scallops and serve them with a side of brown rice.
- Mix chia seeds into your greek yogurt or smoothies for added nutrition.
- Enjoy turkey bacon as a low-fat alternative to regular bacon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The amount of protein you should consume daily depends on your body weight and activity level. As a general rule of thumb, it’s recommended that you consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. So, if you weigh 70 kilograms, you should aim to consume around 56 grams of protein per day.
Yes, many of the foods on this list are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, such as tofu, tempeh, lentils, and quinoa.
Yes, these low fat high protein foods can be a great addition to a weight loss diet. Consuming protein can help keep you feeling full and satisfied, which can help prevent overeating.
Final Thoughts
Incorporating these 15 low fat high protein foods into your diet can be a great way to build muscle and burn fat.
Whether you’re a meat-eater, vegetarian, or vegan, there are plenty of options on this list that you can enjoy.
Remember to pair these foods with a balanced diet and regular exercise for the best results.