The 20 Best High-Protein, Low-Carb Foods from a Registered Dietitian

Protein is the number one macronutrient that most gym rats and athletes associate with building muscle. It’s usually the centerpiece of a goal-focused diet plan, whether it’s a big serving of grilled meat taking up the majority of room on a plate or a shaker bottle filled to the brim with protein powder.

Some of us don’t mind eating an unvaried diet of the same few foods, day in and day out, year after year. Others need more variety in their diet to accommodate differing tastes, overall compliance, and the simple practicality of eating with family and friends.

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With all of the different protein options available, along with some creativity, you will never have to endure a repetitive diet again. Let’s go over a list of 20 high-quality, high-protein, low-carbohydrate foods to make your diet varied, interesting, and, most of all, effective.

Editor’s Note: The content on Breaking Muscle is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as medical advice. When starting a new training regimen, diet plan, and/or supplement protocol, it is always a good idea to consult with a trusted medical professional. We are not a medical resource. The opinions and articles on this site are not intended for use as diagnosis, prevention, and/or treatment of health problems. They are not substitutes for individualized consulting with a qualified medical professional.

High-Protein, Low-Carbohydrate Foods

The Benefits of a High-Protein, Low-Carb Diet

While protein does function in the repair and building of muscle tissue, it also is used by our bodies for more biological, less obvious, functions including make hormones and enzymes.

Protein also beats fat and carbohydrates for the thermic effect of food (TEF) — the increase in your metabolic rate that naturally occurs after eating. A higher TEF essentially means that you can eat more of it, compared to the two other macronutrients, with less chance of those calories being stored as body fat. (1)

Additionally, protein has a higher satiating effect than the other macronutrients. You’ll feel more full after a meal rich in protein, compared to a meal that’s carb- or fat-dominant. (2) All these benefits of protein can combine to make you leaner, more muscular, more satisfied, and potentially more healthy overall — just by focusing on a relatively high-protein diet.

Muscular person outdoors eating big breakfast — Credit: Vlada Tikhonova / Shutterstock

Depending on your individual goals and current body composition, protein is typically prescribed at 0.8 to 1.25 grams per pound of body weight (1.76 to 2.75 grams per kilogram of body weight). Because athletes and lifters have varying goals for their target weight and body composition, the total calories and macronutrient breakdown are calculated respectively for weight loss, muscular weight gain, or maintenance.

Since protein is most often the macronutrient not drastically changed depending on your specific goal — while carbohydrates and fats are significantly scaled up and down — incorporating enough high-protein, low-carbohydrate food items can be an important part of designing a successful nutrition plan.

The 20 Best High-Protein, Low-Carb Foods

Your individual daily meals certainly don’t need to include each of these foods throughout the day — that would be beyond impractical. However, regularly rotating your protein choices can deliver a variety of micronutrients (including vitamins and minerals), while also adjusting your macronutrients (total carb and fat intake).

Muscular person holding tray of food — Credit: George Rudy / Shutterstock

While the foods listed are all relatively high in protein and low in carbohydrates, the fat content varies, which allows you to more accurately choose foods that fit your individual plan and goals. Try to get past any reluctance to trying some new foods or new methods of cooking. No rule says your options are limited to “grilled or boiled.”

Eggs

Eggs contain protein and healthy fats. They can be prepared in omelets, stews, scrambles, and frittatas to which meats, vegetables, cheeses, and herbs are often added. This provides a variety of flavors and textures. Hard or soft-boiled eggs can also make a convenient, portable snack, and can be used to complete a range of salads from classic egg salad to a comprehensive “chef’s salad.”

Serving Size: One large egg
Protein: 6 grams
Fat: 5 grams
Carbohydrates: 1 gram
Calories: 74 calories

Egg Whites

Using exclusively egg whites in an omelet or scramble is a way to bump up a meal’s protein content without adding extra carbohydrates or fat. The whites can also be used in smoothies and muffins for added texture and volume, along with additional protein. Pasteurized liquid egg whites, sold in cartons, provide convenience because they do not have to be painstakingly separated from the yolks in a whole egg.

Serving Size: ½ cup
Protein: 13 grams
Fat: 0 grams
Carbohydrates: 1 gram
Calories: 63 calories

Salmon

Salmon contains protein and heart-healthy omega-three fatty acids. (3) Because it contains a moderate amount of fat, it has a smooth mouthfeel unlike some more lean fish. It can be pan-fried, roasted, poached, broiled, or grilled, or even served over a salad. Salmon is also available canned and pre-cooked, making it a convenient, go-to source of protein when short on time.

Serving Size: 6 ounces
Protein: 40 grams
Fat: 22 grams
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Calories: 236 calories

Sardines

Sardines, like salmon, are another source of protein and omega-three fatty acids. The fresh variety can be similarly pan-fried, broiled, roasted, or grilled, or served over a salad. They are commonly available canned, packed either in water or oil, sometimes available with a variety of herbs, seasonings, and sauces, making them another convenient source of pre-cooked protein. Oil-packed sardines will contain higher levels of fats.

Serving Size: 6 ounces
Protein: 42 grams
Fat: 19 grams
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Calories: 354 calories

Tuna

Tuna is a low-fat source of protein. Again, the fresh variety can be pan-fried, baked, or grilled, or served over a salad. It is commonly available canned or in pouches, packed in water or oil. Oil-packed tuna will contain higher levels of fats.

Serving Size: 6 ounces
Protein: 42 grams
Fat: 3 grams
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Calories: 190 calories

Shrimp

Shrimp is a lean shellfish that has relatively few calories for its volume. A relatively large amount can be eaten without necessarily “overeating,” making it a satisfying choice for people on weight-loss diets.

It can be grilled, sauteed, baked, or skewered for kebabs. It’s also a popular choice for tacos, burritos, and seafood salads. High-quality shrimp may be served raw in shrimp ceviche — a salad in which acid from citrus juice and onion denature its protein, instead of traditional cooking.

Serving Size: 6 ounces
Protein: 35 grams
Fat: 3 grams
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Calories: 180 calories

Pork Chops

Pork chops are a source of protein with varying amounts of fat depending on the cut. Because some cuts are fairly lean and subject to dryness, they are sometimes brined or marinated before cooking, adding both moisture and flavor. They are suitable for pan-frying, grilling, or roasting. They are available bone-in or boneless.

Serving Size: 6 ounces
Protein: 36 grams
Fat: 18 grams
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Calories: 306 calories

Pork Shoulder

Pork shoulder is a moderate-fat source of protein. It is a traditional barbecue item and can be braised, smoked, roasted, or skewered. It can be used in tacos, sandwiches, salads, soups, stews, and pasta, or served on its own as a main entree.

Serving Size: 6 ounces
Protein: 63 grams
Fat: 30 grams
Carbohydrates: 0 grams
Calories: 454 calories

Ham

Ham is a relatively lean source of protein. It is a pork leg cut that has been preserved by curing. It is sometimes additionally preserved by smoking. It can be consumed in sandwiches, omelets, frittatas, pasta, rice dishes, salads, or as a main entree.

Serving Size: 6 ounces
Protein: 37 grams
Fat: 8 grams
Carbohydrates: 2 grams
Calories: 236 calories

Sirloin Steak

Sirloin is one of the leaner cuts of steak. It can be prepared by grilling, roasting, pan-frying, or skewered for kebabs. Like most cuts of steak, it is commonly served as a main entree, but can be served over salads, alongside eggs at breakfast, and in sandwiches, fajitas, tacos, omelets, or frittatas.