Protein holds every cell in your body together, ranging from powering muscles to strengthening hair. You can spot protein in everything from pancake mix to bottled water. Here, we break down how much is an optimal amount to eat (or drink) daily, the best sources that supply complete proteins, how it powers muscles through workouts and recovery, and its link to weight loss. Plus, there are quick and easy recipes for every meal, including our best burger recipes, plant-based dishes that keep you full and a guide to sourcing sustainable beef. Inside this new special edition, you'll also find our workweek strategy for prepping high-protein dinners and the dish on when to eat your protein to see the most benefit.
The Power of Protein
The Perfect Amount of Protein For You • If a little protein with each meal is great for building lean muscles, keeping us fuller longer and, well, keeping our bodies functioning, wouldn’t eating more protein be even better? Not so fast.
Fuel Your Health • Understanding protein—and what foods to find it in—can help you optimize your intake. Here are the research-backed basics.
An Essential Nutrient • Proteins are the body’s building blocks, and knowing how these macronutrients work can help you make a game plan for meals.
A Weight-Loss Winner • Protein is proven to help you shed pounds. That doesn’t mean simply eating more of it and calling it a day.
The Scoop on Protein Powder • Adding a spoonful into a pancake mix or smoothie sounds like an easy way to help fill you up. But before you add it, here’s what you need to know.
The Mighty Egg • Loaded with nutrients—some of them hard to come by from other food sources—eggs pack a healthy and protein-rich punch.
Eggs to Start Your Day • These delicious egg-based breakfast recipes are perfect for weekend brunch or preppable for busy weekday mornings.
10 Meatless Protein Sources • When you’re looking for a high-protein food to eat, these healthy options all deliver more than 6 grams.
Fuel Your Fitness • Getting a great workout goes beyond the number of reps you do. What you put into your body before and after can make a difference.
Sourcing Smarts • An intentional approach while food shopping can allow you to enjoy your protein while also easing up on the environment.
Are Greener Pastures Ahead? • While global researchers urge you to limit beef consumption, scientists and farmers propose a different future for your burger.
Will Lab-Grown Meat Go Mainstream? • An expert on food innovation weighs in on the prospects of cell-based meat.
A Hearty Staple • Legumes (lentils, beans, chickpeas and the like) can be a good, environment-friendly source of plant-based protein.
Hog Heaven • Russ Kremer’s delicious pork starts on the farm, where he’s perfected the art of raising pigs sustainably.
Well-Raised Recipes • Source some high-quality pork as a step toward a spectacular supper.
Hit the Kitchen • From pub-inspired burgers to flavorful tofu dishes, these recipes put our favorite proteins on center stage.
Tofu: Reimagined • A meat expert and founder of Aidells Sausage Company gives this favorite flavor-challenged protein a makeover.
Change Up Your Chicken • It’s your go-to dinner starter. Plus, it’s a versatile and reasonably priced protein. Here are some recipes for America’s favorite fowl.
The Mighty Burger • These burger recipes are bursting with flavor, and there’s something from everyone—from beef to plant-based.
Off the Hook • Make a delicious, protein-packed meal with these seafood dinner recipes.
6 Easy High-Protein Dinners • By prepping these healthy meals ahead of time, you can breeze through the week.
Eating Well
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