25 High-Protein Foods Your Weight Loss Routine Desperately Needs

You keep being told to eat more of it...here's how.

So you want to lose weight, huh? If you've been down this road before (um, who hasn't?), then you already know you've gotta start with snack recipes and toning exercises designed to help you reach those #goals. But if you're struggling to get rid of that annoying AF belly fat—and can't bear the thought of yet another smoothie—it might be time to tweak your diet to squeeze in some extra protein. Studies have shown that those who regularly fit in the daily recommendation—60 grams per day for a 160-pound woman—can lose more weight than those who don't. And fortunately for us, David Perlmutter, M.D., author of Brain Maker, says protein is hiding out in all kinds of food so you aren't stuck eating turkey meat 'til the end of time. So grab your grocery list and fill your cart with these—they're the best sources of protein that will help you say goodbye to those extra pounds for good.

1Peas

While most veggies average between one to five grams of protein per serving, a cup of peas can contain up to 10 grams, making it one of the most important plant-based protein sources out there, says Mary Dan Eades, M.D., author of Protein Power. But that's not all: Unlike other plant sources, peas also contain high levels of glutamine, an amino acid compound that helps repair your muscles after workouts, improve digestive health, and they've even been shown to reduce sugar and alcohol cravings. In other words, start defrosting that bag in the freezer, like, right now.

Getty

2Wild salmon

"Out of all the protein sources, I would put organic wild fish as the best protein choice out there," says Perlmutter. Considering a five-ounce portion packs a hefty 39 grams of protein in it, we totally get why. Not to mention it's full of omega-3 fatty acids, which helplower the risk of coronary heart disease, keep your LDL cholesterol levels in check (that's the bad kind), and reduce inflammation. While farmed salmon has a decent amount of nutrients in it, Perlmutter says it's worth getting the wild variety, which the USDA says has around 130 fewer calories per serving.

Getty

3Cottage cheese

Cheese fans, rejoice: You don't need to make a huge sacrifice when you're trying to lose weight. With a whopping 25 grams of protein and only 200 calories in a cup, a scoop of cottage cheese makes for a filling afternoon snack. Plus it's chock-full of casein, a dairy protein that ultimately keeps you full longer, so you won't be so tempted by that damn vending machine come 3:00 PM.

Resource: redbookmag.com