Jillian Michaels' Top 13 Protein Foods
You know that you should be eating grass-fed meat, free-range poultry, and wild seafood, but these specialty items are not always easy to find at local markets—and renowned fitness guru Jillian Michaels totally gets it. That's why she recently invested in Greensbury, a company that delivers healthy meat and fish from organic farms and sustainable fisheries straight to the plates of mindful eaters. All of the animals are free-range, fed organic diets, and are never given hormones or antibiotics. Even the soil where the animals live is free of toxic chemicals. Pretty impressive stuff!
Interested in getting your hands on some? The site allows customers to choose from individual products or pre-selected packs. And luckily for hard-core Jillian fans, the 42-year-old weight loss master has curated five specialty varieties; each meant to cater to people with different dietary needs. There's The No Red Meat Pack, The Gourmet Pack, The Primal Pack, The Pescetarian Pack, and The Just for Mom Pack. Each comes stocked with three to five great animal protein sources and sells for $130 to $190. High-quality food that's been handpicked by a fitness pro and gets delivered to your door? We're definitely interested! Read on to discover her go-to proteins, all of which make an appearance in her various packages.
Wild-caught Alaskan Halibut
According to "The Satiety Index of Common Foods," published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, halibut is the second most filling food on the planet—outdone only by boiled potatoes. Researchers found that white fish like halibut are surprisingly filling due to their impressive protein content and influence on serotonin, one of the key hormones responsible for regulating appetite. We also love that Greensbury sources their halibut from the Pacific, as numbers of the species in the Atlantic are running low.
Grass-fed Filet Mignon
Filet mignon may be one of the leanest cuts of beef around, but it's also the most expensive. So while it may not be an everyday option, it's great for a sensible special-occasion meal. Bonus: Grass-fed beef is naturally leaner and has fewer calories than conventional meat! To learn more about meats that can help you lose weight, check out these 5 Meats That Burn Fat!
Boneless Pork Chops
Coming in around 200 calories for a 4-ounce serving, pork chops are a great choice for those trying to lean out. And what's great about pork chops is its wide range of flavor possibilities. Check out our delicious Orange Sage Pork Chop recipe for some culinary inspiration.
Antibiotic-Free Ground Bison Patties
Though ground grass-fed beef is a healthy pick, bison actually has half the fat and fewer calories. According to the USDA, a 90 percent lean hamburger averages 10 grams of fat, while a comparatively sized buffalo burger has just two grams (and an impressive 24 grams of protein), making it one of the leanest meats around. What's more, just one serving provides a full day's allowance of vitamin B-12, which has been shown to boost energy and help shut down the genes responsible for insulin resistance and the formation of fat cells. For even more ways to blast away stubborn flab, check out these 44 Ways to Lose 4 Inches of Body Fat!
Sustainably Raised Salmon
While you can trust that Greensbury's Atlantic salmon won't have been exposed to antibiotics, added growth hormones, genetically modified seafood, or land animal by-products, we still suggest going for the wild variety. Why? It generally has four times the amount of fat-burning vitamin D, and fewer inflammatory omega-6s than farmed salmon.
Turkey Breast
Lean white meat turkey is one of the Healthiest Foods On The Planet, making it a great choice for all-around wellness and weight loss. It's also rich in DHA omega-3 acids, packing 18 milligrams per serving.
Wild-Caught Icelandic Cod
Get this: Studies show that a regularly consuming cod can aid weight loss and weight maintenance. Researchers attribute this effect to fish's hefty bulk of high-quality protein–an impressive 17 grams per 3-ounce serving. Thumbs up to Jillian for adding this one to the mix!
Grass-Fed Beef Bones
These would make the perfect addition to a pot of bone broth, an alternative to traditional soup that's all the craze these days. And it's easy to see why; its health benefits are plentiful! The warm liquid can aid nutrient absorption, diminish joint and cartilage pain, and even ease hangovers!
Lamb Rib Chops
Don't be fooled by its sheepish sounding name, these chops pack an impressive 60 grams of protein per serving—along with a full day's worth of stress-zapping zinc! This potent protein also contains a full day's allowance of niacin, which supports erectile function. For even more foods that can boost your sex life, check out these 30 Best Proteins for Your Penis!
Wild-Caught Key West Shrimp
Shrimp is the most commonly consumed seafood in the US, which is good news considering it has numerous health-promoting properties. Shrimp is not only rich in iodine, a building block of the body's metabolism-running thyroid hormones, but it's also low in fat and calories.
Wild-Caught Atlantic Sea Scallops
Though scallops aren't packed with as many omega-3s as other underwater creatures, one study published in the Journal of Food Science found that bioactive capsules made from scallop byproducts have significant anti-obesity effects. Animals fed the capsules—a mixture of scallop and seaweed—over the course of 4 weeks showed greater reductions in body weight and body fat, compared to a control, which authors attribute to scallop's high protein content. Just be sure not to ruin them with a creamy, fat-filled sauce like so many restaurants are guilty of doing. Instead, throw them on top of a salad or a lemony risotto for a filling and health-boosting lunch.
Skinless Chicken Breasts
It's clear why this is one of Jillian's go-tos. Skinless chicken breasts can be used in a variety of dishes. We're partial to soft chicken tacos with guac, grilled chicken salads, and chicken on a bed of pesto zoodles with sautéed tomatoes. Yum! For more delicious ways to prep your chicken, check out these healthy chicken recipes!
Grass-Fed Beef Patties
We love seeing grass-fed beef patties on Jillian's list of faves–not only is it leaner than conventional meat, but it also contains higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, according to a study published in Nutrition Journal.
