6 easy ways to add protein to every meal

Protein is an essential macronutrient that provides our body with amino acids that are used for muscle and bone growth and repair, the growth of hair, skin, and nails and hormone and enzyme production. Although our body can produce some amino acids, others must come from food sources.

If you’re trying to increase your protein intake, adding small amounts of protein to each meal can be the easiest way to go about it. Here are some easy tips to add non-meat protein to your breakfasts, lunches and dinners.

Breakfast

• Add a scoop of protein powder when you make your smoothies, pancakes or waffles
• Sprinkle some nuts and seeds on top of your yogurt or cereal

Lunch

• Add an egg to your meal. Enjoy a scrambled egg on toast or add a boiled egg into your salad
• Include a tablespoon of hemp hearts or ground chia seeds with your meal

Dinner

• Add a high-protein grain to your meal. Options include quinoa, kamut or wild rice.
• Enjoy peas, broccoli, potatoes or asparagus for their vitamins, fiber and protein