meat and vegetables served on a plate

Which High Protein Foods Support Weight Loss?

It is critical to maintain a healthy body composition for overall health and well-being. It can improve your physical appearance and has several short-term benefits, such as increased energy levels, improved mood, and better sleep. Long-term, keeping a healthy weight can make it less likely that you will get heart disease, diabetes, or some cancers.

One effective way of achieving healthy weight loss is through the foods we eat. Out of all the different macronutrients, a high-protein diet is an effective way to lose weight and maintain healthy body composition.

Importance of high protein in the weight loss process

Protein is a vital macronutrient that plays a critical role in weight loss. It is essential for preserving muscle mass and promoting fat loss. High-protein diets may be beneficial for weight loss. They can increase satiety and reduce overall calorie intake, leading to weight loss. Research has shown that individuals who increase their protein intake lose more weight than those who don’t.

One of the most important benefits of a high-protein diet is that it helps preserve muscle mass. When you lose weight, you want to ensure that you lose fat, not muscle. Muscle is an active tissue that burns calories, even when you are at rest. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn. Additionally, muscle mass helps improve metabolism, making it easier to lose weight and keep it off.

A high-protein diet also promotes fat loss. Protein makes you feel fuller than carbs or fat, which can help you eat less. People who eat more protein may consume fewer calories overall since high protein foods can help you feel fuller for longer. Also, when you eat protein, your body releases hormones that make it easier to burn fat.

Low protein intake, on the other hand, can hamper weight loss. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that a low-protein diet combined with a low-calorie diet led to a greater loss of lean muscle mass and a slower metabolic rate, which made it harder to lose weight.1

What are some high-protein foods that support weight loss?

Protein is key when it comes to weight loss. High-protein foods are more filling, help to preserve muscle mass, and promote fat loss. Here are some high-protein foods that are beneficial for weight loss:

Meat, fish, and poultry

  • Chicken breast: 27g of protein per 3.5 ounces. A great source of lean protein is also a great source of essential amino acids that are important for muscle growth and repair.
  • Tuna: 25g of protein per 3.5 ounces. Tuna is a lean source of protein that is low in calories and high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to promote weight loss and improve heart health.2
roasted chicken served on a plate with many other food servings around it
  • Beef: 26g of protein per 3.5 ounces. Beef is a rich source of protein high in iron and B vitamins, which are important for energy production and overall health.
  • Pork tenderloin: 22g of protein per 3.5 ounces. Pork tenderloin is a lean source of protein that is low in fat and calories.
  • Salmon: 22g of protein per 3.5 ounces. Salmon is a rich source of protein that is also high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to promote weight loss and improve heart health.3

Dairy and eggs

  • Greek yogurt: 20g of protein per 7 ounces. Greek yogurt is a high-protein food that is also high in calcium, which is important for bone health.
  • Cottage cheese: 14g of protein per 1/2 cup. Cottage cheese is a low-fat protein source high in calcium and casein protein, which is slow-digesting and promotes satiety.
sliced cheese and bread on a table
  • Eggs: 6g of protein per large egg. Eggs are an affordable and versatile source of high-quality protein rich in vitamins and minerals.

Beans, legumes, and nuts

  • Lentils: 18g of protein per 1 cup. Lentils are a plant-based source of protein that is also high in fiber, which promotes satiety and weight loss.4
  • Black beans: 15g of protein per 1 cup. Black beans are a plant-based source of protein that is also high in fiber and antioxidants.
almonds in a bowl and spread around the table
  • Peanut butter: 8g of protein per 2 tablespoons. Peanut butter is a high-protein food high in healthy fats and antioxidants.
  • Almonds: 6g of protein per 1/4 cup. Almonds are a high-protein food high in healthy fats and antioxidants.

Options for vegan and vegetarian individuals

  • Tofu: 15g of protein per 3.5 ounces. Tofu is a plant-based source of protein that is also high in iron and calcium.
  • Tempeh: 15g of protein per 3.5 ounces. Tempeh is a plant-based source of protein that is also high in fiber and B vitamins.
tofu on a plate
  • Quinoa: 8g of protein per cup. Quinoa is a plant-based source of protein that is also high in fiber and antioxidants.
  • Seitan: 21g of protein per 3.5 ounces. Seitan is a plant-based source of protein that features both iron and B vitamins.

Why you should reach out to a healthcare professional for support

While a high-protein diet can benefit weight loss, it may not be right for everyone. A healthcare professional can tell you the best ways to lose weight and put you in touch with a registered dietitian who can help you make a meal plan that fits your needs.

Additionally, a doctor can prescribe weight loss medication like Wegovy, an injectable medication that reduces hunger and promotes weight loss. A study showed that Wegovy helped obese adults lose over 12% of their body weight over two years.

It is also important to note that weight loss is not just a physical process but can also involve emotional and mental aspects. A healthcare professional can also refer you to a mental health professional to help with weight loss. Dietitians can also make a difference in weight loss by helping people identify and overcome unhealthy eating habits and behaviors and providing education on nutrition and healthy meal planning.

Final thoughts

As you can see, a high-protein diet can help support weight loss and maintain healthy body composition. Eating a variety of high-protein foods makes you feel fuller, keep your muscle mass, and lose fat. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional to determine the best method to lose weight, as a high-protein diet may not be appropriate for everyone. A healthcare professional can refer you to a registered dietitian or mental health professional for additional support and guidance.

Remember that weight loss is a journey that takes time, so be patient with yourself and make sustainable changes over time.

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References

[1] Jessica D. S. - Changes in intake of protein foods, carbohydrate amount and quality, and long-term weight change: results from 3 prospective cohorts;

[2] Delpino FM. - Effects of omega-3 supplementation on body weight and body fat mass: A systematic review.;

[3] Ko YH. - Structural Variation of Prostate Urethra Reflected by the Ratio Between Prostate Volume and Prostatic Urethral Length is Associated with the Degrees of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.;

[4] Miketinas DC. - Fiber Intake Predicts Weight Loss and Dietary Adherence in Adults Consuming Calorie-Restricted Diets: The POUNDS Lost (Preventing Overweight Using Novel Dietary Strategies) Study.;