Dietitians Caroline Susie and Natalie Rizzo share their favorite no-cook protein options for hot days. These proteins can help support muscle and tissue repair, immune system function, and hormone production.
No-Cook Protein Options
Some of the recommended no-cook proteins include beans, store-bought rotisserie chicken, peas, Greek yogurt, canned chickpeas, milk, pumpkin seeds, tinned fish, edamame, cottage cheese, tofu, and almonds.
Beans are a versatile and packed with protein and fiber, making them an excellent choice. Susie recommends blending beans to make dips or sandwich spreads. Rizzo uses black beans in easy weeknight dinners like tacos and quesadillas.
Greek yogurt is another great option, and can be used as a substitute for mayo or sour cream to add extra protein to favorite dishes. Canned chickpeas are also a convenient option and can be mashed onto toast or into a pita.
Tinned fish like canned tuna or salmon are packed with protein and can be a healthy addition to a meal. Edamame, cottage cheese, and tofu are also high in protein and can be easily incorporated into a diet.
What to Avoid
While convenient, some protein sources should not be the first choice. Processed meat, like meat sticks, are high in sodium and considered ultraprocessed food. Protein bars can also be high in calories and fat, and may not be the best choice.
Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
