Wanna find out a cheap way to up your protein intake? You have come to the right place then. Herein you will get to know about the most affordable protein sources and how to make delicious meals out of them. These protein sources, let me tell you, are great for your muscles. They aid healthy muscle mass growth and keep you in shape. They are convenient and low in cost, so you can cook them daily. Protein is in fact the largest macronutrient. It is known as the building block of the human body, so maintaining your daily protein level is important. Here’s how you can do so in a cheap manner.
HOW TO PICK A CHEAP PROTEIN SOURCE?
In order to find a cheap protein source first thing to consider is variety. So, go for at least 5-6 sources. Steak and egg, for instance, are good options. Next, compare the cost-to-protein ratio, when you pick a cheap protein source. The most common products to pick up are:
- Peanut butter
- Edamame
- Canned fish (i.e. salmon and tuna)
- Plain Greek yogurt
- Black beans
- Cottage cheese
- Lentils
- Oats
- Milk
- Pumpkin seeds
They make great additions to your diet. You can make individual meals out of them or use them for topping up your dishes.
COOK WITH BUDGET-FRIENDLY SEASONINGS
And now it’s time to get creative. Lay down all your favorite ingredients and seasonings on the kitchen countertop, bring in the cheap protein sources that you bought, mix and cook! My focus in this blog is specifically on cheap seasonings. You will find a plethora of seasonings in the market, but not all of them will fit in your budget. For instance, cinnamon, Himalayan salt, and butter are a bit expensive. Plus, many seasonings are calorie dense which will affect your weight. Surely you do not want to sabotage your physique maintenance endeavor. Keeping that in mind, go for the following seasonings and spices. They are cheap and will pair well with your protein products. The seasonings are:
- Salt (the regular, white kind)
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Soy sauce
- Ramen eggs (along with soy sauce, mirin, and water)
SEASON WITH CHEAP PROTEIN SUPPLEMENTS
In addition to your protein meal, take the cheapest protein supplement. You can get protein supplements in the form of powder, bars, and shakes. They are made with plant and animal protein sources so both vegans and non-vegans can use them. For instance, there are protein supplements made with whey, casein, soy, hemp, seeds, nuts, etc. They are fulfilling in nature, and make a nutritious substitute for snacks. If you want a mid-day snack to go for a protein bar or protein shake. They will boost energy instantly, uplift your protein levels, and render other nutrients like vitamins and minerals.
Taking the cheapest protein supplements will keep you in shape. The best part is they do not need any cooking and last long. You can take them while doing household chores, parenting, working out, hiking, cycling, etc. Protein supplements are the best option to be taken on a hectic day. When your schedule is busy and you do not have enough time to cook a meal, then simply take a protein bar or drink a protein smoothie. It will be a cheap nutrition source plus it will maintain your daily protein needs.
Protein powder:
Protein powders are manufactured from different plant and animal sources. They come in three forms: concentrate, isolate, and hydrolysate. They differ in the extent of filtration and refinement. While protein concentrate contains 70% of protein, isolate contains 80 to 90% protein and hydrolysate contains 100% protein. Protein powders are easy to consume. You can mix them in water or milk, blend them and make a nutritious shake. You can even add frozen or fresh fruits and nuts to enhance the nutrition and flavor. It can be even mixed in baked products such as cookies, cakes, biscuits, etc.
Protein bar:
It has become a common household thing. They are now taken as replacements for candy and chocolates by fitness freaks. Protein bars are made up of protein, carbs, fats, some sugar, and essential vitamins and minerals. Thus, protein bars offer both macro and micronutrients. They render significant calories to keep you energetic and active. Plus, they are satiating so you will stay full for a long time.
FOLLOWED BY TRAINING
Finally, follow your protein consumption with training and regular exercise. Together, protein intake and exercise will enhance your fitness. While training will lead to muscle growth, protein consumption will lead to optimal health. When it comes to choosing exercise, consider the following factors:-
- Exercise selection
- Training periodization
- Recovery
- Health needs
- Body type
To conclude, cheap protein sources can be an effective way to uplift your health. For best results follow the cheapest protein supplements like protein bars and shakes and regular exercise.
