Happy New Year, you guys! Congratulations!!!! We made it!!!!! Here’s to a brand new year! 2021, we’re coming for you. A brand new year means brand new fitness goals.  I’m so excited that our FITwithASD 8 Week New Year Challenge begins on January 4th.  This is one of my favorite challenges because it’s a fresh new start for the New Year and if you can dedicate 8 weeks to your fitness and health then you can do anything! To be a part of the challenge, you just have to be a subscriber of FITwithASD.com!

Protein goes hand in hand with fitness goals, in my opinion.  It’s one of the most crucial parts to your nutrition and helps you maintain your toned muscles.  I get it — it can be hard to consume protein! If you use our macro calculator, then it can feel overwhelming to go from 30 grams of protein a day to 100 grams of protein a day (for example).  So, today, I’m rounding up a few different ways that you can increase your protein intake! These ways are easy, yummy (I promise), and are great additions to a well-balanced nutritional diet of lean meats and legumes. I always find myself ordering my protein powders, bars, AND new activewear from Walmart.  It’s so easy and plus, Walmart has the best selection of athleisure and supplements to make sure you kick off the New Year right!

How To Increase Your Protein Intake

Joggers: Athletic Works Soft Joggers | Sports Bra: Avia Seamless Keyhole Sports Bra | Sneakers: Avia Slip-On Sneaker | Watch: Apple Watch

Incorporate Protein Powder

So, this is the obvious one that people gravitate to — but, let’s chat a little bit about protein powder.  I love our Optimum Nutrition whey powder because it’s high quality, doesn’t break the bank, and the flavors are really great.  You can make a protein shake (with almond milk, etc.) and drink it on its own in a smoothie or shake, add it on top of cereal, or throw it in some oatmeal for a yummy breakfast or snack.  We love the bananas and cream for a different yet satisfying flavor!

Pro tip: keep a few different flavors in your cupboard so you don’t get burned out on it!

Snack on Some Protein Chips

Do you love salty snacks? I sure do! I loveeee Doritos and these Quest Protein Tortilla Chips have been on repeat for years now.  Yeah, that’s right, you heard that correctly: YEARS.  All of their tortilla chip flavors are amazing (like taco, cool ranch, and chili lime), but my fave would have to be the nacho cheese.  It tastes JUST like a Dorito! Eat it as a snack or with your lunch and that’s an easy 20 g protein with only 5 g carbs.  Yes, please.

Pre-Made Protein Shakes

J and I always keep these Premier Protein Shakes on hand in the fridge.  Sometimes you’re on the go and you don’t have time to make a protein shake from scratch! These are great immediately post-workout, for breakfast, or on-the-go.  I specifically like the one with oats for post-workout because it gives you a nice dose of protein AND carbs to help fuel your muscles. We love pouring the caramel shakes in our coffee for a quick one-cup breakfast (with a dose of caffeine aaay!) or topping the vanilla shake on top of some cereal at night.  30 grams of protein, SO tasty (I promise, it tastes like a milkshake), and convenient.  It’s every fitness lover’s dream!

Swap Out Your Peanut Butter for Peanut Powder

Okay, okay, so this totally depends on how many macros you’re dealing with! If you’ve got enough for some health fats at the end of the day, go for your original peanut butter, buttttt I find myself at night craving peanut butter but wanting something that packs a bit more of a protein punch.  This PBfit peanut powder is my go-to (and has been for awhile). Mix with water to form a paste and lather up on some toast, or add a couple tablespoons to your protein shake for even more added protein + PB taste! PBfit has 87% less fat and about 1/3 of the calories compared to regular peanut butter, and it’s made from real roasted peanuts. It’s the best macro hack yet!

Protein Bars…but specifically these bars!

I love having protein bars on hand for when I’m really in a time crunch or having a sweet tooth.  Sometimes, I’m craving a dessert and opt for these Power Crunch bars (they have this delicious wafer texture that reminds me of my childhood and are so yummy! It’s like eating a cookie!).  Other times, I opt for these vegan Aloha chocolate chip cookie dough bars (very yummy and filling!).  Another protein bar I love is the Think Thin bar (chunky peanut butter has the perfect crunch)! Regardless of the reason, life can get busy, and it’s nice to have these filling protein bars on hand that break the stereotype of a typical ‘protein’ bar.

What do you think of these protein sources? Yay or nay?

Thank you to Walmart for sponsoring this post.  All opinions are my own.