Protein-packed foods

Gone are the days when protein shakes were the only easy way to up your protein intake. Check out these protein-packed foods to keep your post-workout refuel interesting.

Have you seen the packs of pasta with added protein or bread that is high in protein? It all seems a little crazy, and too good to be true – but it’s not.

Ray Brilus, Managing Director of Dr Zak’s, explains, ‘Protein added foods or ‘functional foods’ as they are becoming know, is a collective term increasing in popularity, which describes food that has a health-based function. Often infused with special ingredients, these foods offer benefits above and beyond their traditional counterparts. There is a mounting movement away from powders and pills in the sports and fitness markets and back to real food.’

Our top three Protein-packed foods are:

1. Whey Hey Ice Cream £18 for a pack of three 500g tubs
Yes, you read that correctly – ice cream that’s high in protein! Hallelujah! All Whey Hey products are made using Whey Protein Isolate – the finest and highest quality protein available. The ice cream is all natural, without sugar, low in fat and carbs, and gluten-free! It’s also suitable for vegetarians and diabetics. Each tub of ice cream contains a whopping 22 grams, so – I thought I’d never say this – you can eat ice cream post workout if you want to!

2. Dr Zak’s Protein Bread £17.96 for a pack of four
We know it sounds crazy, but this is bread that’s high in protein – amazing! So you can have a sandwich or toast while smug in the knowledge that it’s helping towards your gym goals. Ray explains, ‘In the Dr Zak’s baked range, we remove wheat flour from the recipe and replace it with protein isolates. By removing wheat flour from our products, this allows the carbohydrates to drop (wheat flour is a high-carb ingredient) and the protein to increase as we add the protein isolates.’ Dr Zak’s Protein Bread is made from 100% British wholemeal flour, and has a huge 214 grams of protein per loaf – with an average of 14 slices per loaf!

3. Muscle Mousse £32.99 for 750g tub
Just when you think all of your dreams have already come true – this is a mousse that’s high in protein! Muscle Mousse is a gluten-free, soya-free dessert that can be enjoyed at any time of the day – even just before bed! It contains a scientific blend of strategic timed-release proteins, which are formulated to deliver nutrients to the body over a period of hours. The whey and micellar casein used are of the highest quality – imported from grass-fed dairy cattle in Switzerland. Each dessert serving provides an impressive 30 grams of protein – meaning guilt-free dessert!

Eating ‘functional food’ is a great way to increase your protein intake – Ray explains, ‘Increasing your protein slightly if you lead a sedentary life, can help you feel fuller and help avoid you going for the wrong snacks. If you’re looking to get the perfect bod and start training for it then your protein intake should increase to help achieve goals. As with all diets, you should seek advice from a professional before embarking on a training programme to make sure your diet is balanced and helps meet your goals.’