Tips for Finding High-Protein Foods Nearby
Getting enough protein is key for building and maintaining muscle, controlling hunger and calories, supporting weight management goals, and keeping energy levels stable. When you’re out running errands, at work or school, or traveling, finding convenient high-protein foods nearby can take a little extra effort. With some simple preparation strategies, prior planning and creative thinking though, you can discover plenty of tasty and satisfying protein options close to home.
Check Out Nearby Grocery Stores
Your local supermarket likely sells precooked chicken, boiled eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, protein bars, jerky, nuts, seeds, canned tuna and salmon, and other portable high-protein foods. Swing through the deli section too for freshly sliced meats and cheeses to assemble quick protein snacks or mini-meals on the go.
Look for Fast Casual Restaurants
Chains like Chipotle, Panera Bread, Au Bon Pain, Noodles & Company, and McAlister’s Deli allow you to customize entrees, salads, bowls, and sandwiches with extra proteins like grilled chicken, tofu, eggs, steak, tuna, and more. Their menus offer balanced meals with veggies and whole grains too.
Scope Out Your Area’s Salad Spots
Build your own salad concepts like Chop’t Creative Salad Company, Crisp & Green, Just Salad, and Sweetgreen are ideal for packing in proteins with lots of nutrition. Load up bowls with shrimp, salmon, chicken, chickpeas, eggs, beans, cheese, nuts and seeds for a hearty, portable meal.
Find a Healthy Food Prep Service
Look online or check social media for nearby meal prep companies catering to specialized diets like ketogenic, Paleo, or high-protein. You can often order individual servings packed with proteins to conveniently grab-and-go.
Meal Prep Your Own High-Protein Foods at Home
Planning ahead and preparing balanced meals and snacks at home allows you to control ingredients and customize nutrition to meet your individual protein needs. Consider batch prepping and packing items like:
Overnight Oats
Combine oats, milk, Greek yogurt, chia seeds, nut butters and protein powders in jars or containers. Refrigerate overnight for an easy morning meal.
Quiches or Frittatas
Whip up a baked egg dish loaded with your choice proteins (ham, bacon, sausage), veggies and cheese over the weekend. Individual slices make nutritious snacks.
Mason Jar Salads
Layer salad greens, grains like quinoa, chopped veggies, beans, nuts, seeds, cooked chicken breast, hardboiled eggs, tuna, and shredded cheese in a mason jar. Seal and store in the fridge until ready to shake up and enjoy.
Burrito Bowls
Bake chicken seasoned with taco spices and rice or quinoa. Portion into containers and add beans, salsa, Greek yogurt, cheese, avocado – whatever suits your tastes.
Convenient Ways to Add Extra Protein On-the-Go
When you need an extra protein boost away from home, look for these grab-and-go options:
Protein Bars and Shakes
Supplement companies offer endless varieties of portable protein bars and ready-to-drink shakes. Check labels for sugar content and watch added calories.
Beef or Turkey Jerky
This dried and cured meat makes for a tasty high-protein snack, though sodium content varies widely between brands. Seek low-sodium options when possible.
Cottage Cheese
Pick up single serving cups for an easy nutrient-dense snack. Top with fruit, granola, and nuts for more staying power.
Nuts, Seeds and Nut Butters
Stash individual packs of nuts, nut mixes and seeds in your bag, car or office drawer. Nut butters spread on celery sticks or whole grain crackers also work.
Canned Tuna, Salmon and Chicken
These shelf-stable options need little preparation. Swap mayo-based tuna salads for mashed avocado or hummus to cut calories and boost nutrition.
Creative Ways to Discover New Protein Sources Locally
Checking out restaurants and cuisines you don’t normally frequent can uncover fun new favorite high-protein foods in your community. Try a few of these ideas:
Choose Ethnic Restaurants Strategically
Dishes from cuisines like Mexican (fajitas with beans, shrimp), Middle Eastern (chicken shawarma, grilled lamb), and Indian (chickpea curries, paneer cheese) offer plentiful proteins.
Order Appetizers as a Mini-Meal
Share a few vegetable-based small plates rich in proteins, like edamame, chicken lettuce wraps, grilled shrimp skewers, and steak tips.
Talk to Your Server
Ask about high-protein dishes not necessarily featured on the menu, like adding tofu or chicken to salads and rice bowls. Servers can guide you to the best options.
Leverage Online Resources to Locate Protein
Websites and apps can assist your local protein food search by providing info like:
Menus and Nutrition Details
Review full nutritional information including protein content before you order takeout or dine at restaurants.
Dish and Ingredient Filters
Search for specific cuisine types, dishes or ingredients high in protein like chicken, fish, eggs, Greek yogurt and tofu.
Restaurant Recommendations
Get suggestions for high protein-friendly establishments nearby based on your current location.
User Reviews
Read first-hand praise of menu items and dishes with extra proteins before you visit.
Talk to a Dietitian or Health Coach
For personalized guidance tailoring your high-protein food search to your individual health conditions, preferences, goals and needs, meet with a qualified nutrition professional. They can assess your unique situation to help you effectively locate satisfying protein options nearby.
FAQs
Where are some quick places to get high-protein foods near me?
Grocery stores, fast casual restaurants, salad-based chains, and healthy meal prep companies often offer convenient ready-to-eat protein foods you can take to-go near your home or office.
What are some easy high-protein snacks I can prepare at home and bring on-the-go?
Good portable protein snack options to batch prep include overnight oats, hard boiled eggs, homemade protein bars, jerky, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, seeds, and canned fish or chicken.
What are creative ways to find new sources of protein in restaurants near me?
Try ethnic restaurants focused on protein-centric cuisines, order veggie-based appetizers, ask your server for off-menu recommendations, read online reviews about high-protein dishes before visiting, and leverage restaurant apps with filtering capabilities.
How can I get personalized guidance on finding protein foods nearby?
Consider booking an appointment with a registered dietitian or certified health coach in your area. They can provide tailored advice based on your health conditions, tastes, lifestyle and nutrition goals to effectively locate protein options close to you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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