Low Carb & High Protein Foods to Build Lean Muscle

31. Quinoa:

This is not just a grain, but a true super food. You are hearing more about quinoa as a whole grain, high fiber, protein packed alternative to traditional potatoes or rice. It has a nice texture, mixes well with meals, and adds some significant protein per serving. Try experimenting it and you are sure to find some great ways to make it into your meal plan. Quinoa has quickly become the protein powerhouse that you are sure to enjoy. Serving size 1 cup, 8 grams of protein, 229 calories.

32. Cottage Cheese:

Cottage cheese has long been known as a diet food, but it’s an excellent choice for building lean muscle. It’s low in calories but very high in protein per serving and so it should be a main focus in your eating plan. You can use it as a nice dip, enjoy it with fruit for breakfast, or make it a main part of any meal or snack. There are endless limits to how you can incorporate cottage cheese into your eating plan. Serving size 4oz, 14 grams of protein, 116 calories.

33. Greek Yogurt:

This is no regular yogurt and due to the high protein concentration, this is becoming a main fixture on many eating plans. You may get slightly more calories with Greek yogurt than other types, but the protein concentration can’t be beat. This makes for an excellent snack or meal. Find a type that you like and then put it on rotation for an amazing addition.
Serving size 1 cup, 24 grams of protein, 140 calories.

34. Cheese:

Not all cheese is the same, and so the information here is for a slice of Swiss cheese. You do want to pay attention to the type of cheese you pick as well as strongly focus on the serving size. Sure cheese can be higher in fat and calories, but a little bit will do you good for protein consumption. Enjoy a slice of cheese here or there or add to a meal for a nice protein boost once in awhile. Serving size 1 slice, 7 grams of protein, 106 calories.

35. Flax Seeds:

Flax seeds are another entry that consistently make the best food lists. They are loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids which means they are a good fat. They also happen to be a good protein source and have a nice texture. You can add them to a soup or salad, or just blend them in with a smoothie. They taste good and give you some great protein in the process. Serving size 2 Tablespoons, 3 grams of protein, 70 calories.

36. Tempeh:

This is a soy food unlike any other. It is newer to certain parts of the world, but has been around for centuries in some cultures. This is made from fermented soybeans and formed into a patty. It has a taste all its own and therefore stands out from other soybean foods such as tofu. It is well worth a try for a non-meat but high protein option that you can enjoy as part of your eating plan. Serving size 1oz, 5 grams of protein, 55 calories.

Building lean muscle comes through exercise and proper diet. Though you may not have realized that diet played such a key role in this, now you see what some of the best foods to eat are. Protein is a major element in building lean muscle tissue, and when combined with proper exercise, will really help you to get results.

Though you may have felt limited with your protein options before, you now see that there are more foods than you realized. These 36 foods represent the very best low carb protein sources and form a diverse and truly tasty eating ritual. Get creative, find new ways of implementing them, and enjoy the delicious taste that these healthy and protein packed foods can offer to your diet and your muscle building regimen.