Get Your Protein From Sources Other Than Meat or Dairy
Well, it looks like Popeye was right all along. If you want to stay “strong to the finish,” you have to eat your spinach. Or at least some other types of protein rich foods.
As we age, lean muscle mass begins to decline, but this trend can be significantly slowed with regular exercise and a generous amount of protein heavy meals. A recent study by the Institute for Aging Research has shown that older adults with considerably high protein intakes have more muscle mass and greater functional strength than those who consume less protein.
The research also demonstrated another important fact which is protein from plant based sources is just as beneficial for overall strength as protein from meat or dairy. In order to maintain your strength and muscle mass into a ripe old age, you don’t have to choke down chalky protein shakes or pile on the grilled chicken. Beneficial protein can be found in many plant based sources like cooked spinach. A one cup serving can add 5 grams of protein to your plate, the most of any leafy green. While 5 grams is not a huge amount, when combined with other protein rich foods, it can help jump start you on your quest toward the recommended 50 grams of protein per day. (For an optimum protein punch, choose cooked spinach over raw)
Not into spinach? No problem. There are plenty of other plant based foods ready to help you reach your protein goals. So pull out your grocery list and be sure to jot down our top five little known plant based protein sources:
1) Edamame – This favorite hor d’oeuvre is not only healthy, but also packed with protein. One cup of cooked edamame provides 18 grams of protein.
2) Navy Beans – One cup of cooked navy beans, often found in Boston Baked Beans, yields 15 grams of protein.
3) Quinoa – It’s okay if you can’t pronounce it, just make sure you’re piling it high. One cooked cup of this gluten free grain (technically a seed) brings an additional 7-9 grams of protein to your plate.
4) Chia Seeds – Sing it with me now, “cha-cha-chia!” The Chia seed is not just remarkable for its ability to sprout weird green hair on your favorite 80’s Chia Pet; it’s also a plentiful source of protein. You can find 4 grams of protein in only two tablespoons.
5) Nuts – It’s no tough nut to crack. Include one serving of nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, cashews or others) and you can add 7-9 grams of protein to your daily intake.
Well, it looks like Popeye was right all along. If you want to stay “strong to the finish,” you have to eat your spinach. Or at least some other types of protein rich foods.
As we age, lean muscle mass begins to decline, but this trend can be significantly slowed with regular exercise and a generous amount of protein heavy meals. A recent study by the Institute for Aging Research has shown that older adults with considerably high protein intakes have more muscle mass and greater functional strength than those who consume less protein.
The research also demonstrated another important fact which is protein from plant based sources is just as beneficial for overall strength as protein from meat or dairy. In order to maintain your strength and muscle mass into a ripe old age, you don’t have to choke down chalky protein shakes or pile on the grilled chicken. Beneficial protein can be found in many plant based sources like cooked spinach. A one cup serving can add 5 grams of protein to your plate, the most of any leafy green. While 5 grams is not a huge amount, when combined with other protein rich foods, it can help jump start you on your quest toward the recommended 50 grams of protein per day. (For an optimum protein punch, choose cooked spinach over raw)
Not into spinach? No problem. There are plenty of other plant based foods ready to help you reach your protein goals. So pull out your grocery list and be sure to jot down our top five little known plant based protein sources:
1) Edamame – This favorite hor d’oeuvre is not only healthy, but also packed with protein. One cup of cooked edamame provides 18 grams of protein.
2) Navy Beans – One cup of cooked navy beans, often found in Boston Baked Beans, yields 15 grams of protein.
3) Quinoa – It’s okay if you can’t pronounce it, just make sure you’re piling it high. One cooked cup of this gluten free grain (technically a seed) brings an additional 7-9 grams of protein to your plate.
4) Chia Seeds – Sing it with me now, “cha-cha-chia!” The Chia seed is not just remarkable for its ability to sprout weird green hair on your favorite 80’s Chia Pet; it’s also a plentiful source of protein. You can find 4 grams of protein in only two tablespoons.
5) Nuts – It’s no tough nut to crack. Include one serving of nuts (such as walnuts, almonds, cashews or others) and you can add 7-9 grams of protein to your daily intake.