Scripps Cancer Center

Tips for Adding Protein

Medical Nutrition Therapy

 

About

Protein is an important nutrient in the diet. It is part of a strong immune system, hormone regulation, and works to repair and build muscle, connective tissue, and red blood cells. In some situations, the body may need more protein. For example, this can be due to physiological changes related to the tumor, after a surgery, or to improve wound healing. Speak with your Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to discuss individual protein requirements and assess current protein intake.

Nutrition Tips

  • General

    • Include protein with every meal and snack

    • Aim to meet protein needs from whole foods first and if falling short, consider a protein supplement

    • Whole foods with protein include:

      • Dairy

      • Meat, poultry, and fish

      • Eggs

      • Beans, legumes, nuts, and nut butters

      • Soy products

    • Soy is a high-quality, plant-based protein and contains nutrients with many health benefits

      • It is safe to consume moderate amounts (1-3 servings a day) of soy products

         

*Many dairy products contain lactose. Do not consume if lactose intolerant or have an allergy. If preferred, you may consume these foods with Lactaid pills® or choose lactose-free products.

 

Ideas of How to Add Protein to Meals and Snacks

  • Add beans, tofu, and/or meat to salads, soups, and casseroles

  • Add chopped cheese and meat to omelets, scrambled eggs, and quiches

  • Add a cooked egg to soups, noodles, Mexican dishes, and on toast

  • Eat hard boiled eggs plain or make deviled eggs

  • Chop hard boiled eggs plain or make deviled eggs

  • Chop hard boiled eggs and add to salads, tuna salads or make egg salad

  • Double your portion size of meat or peanut/nut butter on sandwiches

  • Add cheese to salad, soups, sandwiches, pasta, casseroles, and potatoes

  • Serve slice cheese with crackers or enjoy alone

  • Add tofu to stir fry, soups, and smoothies

  • Add edamame to salads, bowls, stir fry, or enjoy as a snack

  • Use Greek yogurt instead of regular yogurt

  • Choose cow or soy milk instead of almond, rice, or oat milks

  • Use quinoa instead of rice or add to salad, soups/stews, and baked goods (such as muffins and cookies)

  • Use cow milk, soy milk or Greek yogurt as a smoothie base

  • Add dry milk powder or Carnation Breakfast Essentials® to pancake and waffle batter, milk, smoothies, shakes, pudding, Greek yogurt, and hot cereals

  • Add dry milk powder to mashed potatoes and soups

  • Add peanut/nut butter to sandwiches, toast, bagels, muffins, crackers & fresh fruit

  • Add peanut/nut butter to smoothies shakes, and oatmeal

  • Add nuts to salads, Greek yogurt, baked goods, ice cream, pudding or eat alone as a snack

 

Easy Swaps to Add More Protein

       

 

Protein Powder

  • The best way to get protein is through food

  • Protein powders may be beneficial as they provide convenience and may be used to add extra protein into foods and beverages

  • There are many types, including:

    • Whey or casein - proteins found in milk (avoid with milk allergies)

    • Egg white (avoid with egg allergies)

    • Collagen

    • Soy* (avoid with soy allergies)

    • Rice/quinoa/hemp*

    • Pea/legume*

    • Peanut/almond/nut* (avoid with peanut or tree nut allergies)

      *vegan/vegetarian

  • Protein powders are supplements, and supplements are not regulated by the government

    • If consuming, find supplements that are tested by a third party to ensure quality

    • Look for labels that show the powder is third party tested:

      • Examples: Consumer Labs (CL), U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP), and NSF International (NSF)

  • How to use in food:

    • Mix into yogurt, cottage cheese, pudding, applesauce, and hot cereal

    • Add into casseroles, mashed potatoes/sweet potatoes, cream soups, and sauces

    • Use with homemade gelatin and waffle, pancake, cookie, and muffin batter

  • How to use in beverages:

    • Add to milk and juice

    • Add to any hot beverage

      • Examples: coffee, tea, and hot chocolate

    • Mix into shakes, smoothies, and nutritional supplements