Consuming a diet low in protein can be difficult but necessary in some cases. Medical conditions such as chronic kidney disease and phenylketonuria, or PKU, for example typically require you to follow a low-protein diet. If you have chronic kidney disease you may also need to limit sodium, potassium and phosphorous according to the National Institutes of Health. Foods high in protein include meat, fish, poultry, milk, dairy products, eggs, nuts, seeds, soy-based products and legumes. However, plenty of low-protein alternatives exist.
Fruits
Fruits are naturally low in protein. In fact, many types of fruits are essentially protein-free. Fruits are generally low in calories and fat and high in fiber, making them a heart-healthy choice for people following a low-protein diet. People with kidney disease may be required to limit certain fruits.
Vegetables
As with fruits, most vegetables are typically low in protein. There are a few exceptions such as green peas, so read the food labels to be sure. Or, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture Nutrient Data Laboratory online to view the nutrient content of your favorite vegetables. Vegetables are also high in fiber, vitamins and minerals and low in fat and calories. People with kidney disease may be required to limit certain vegetables.
Juices
Most fruit and vegetable juices are low in protein and offer fat-free calories to your diet. Most fruit juices contain vitamin C and some are fortified with additional nutrients.
Low-protein Grains
Some varieties of grain products such as breads, cereals, rice and pasta contain low amounts of protein. However products made with whole grains such as whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, brown rice, oatmeal and whole grain cereals contain higher amounts of protein than products made with refined grains. Read the food labels to choose lower-protein grain products.
Vegetable Oils
Vegetable oils are protein-free and typically contain heart healthy mono- and poly-unsaturated fats. Cooking with vegetable oils is a good way to add flavor to low-protein meals.
Sugars, Honey and Sweets
Although added sugars and sweets do not provide many nutrients, they are a good source of low-protein calories. Sugar and honey are protein-free; many sweets and desserts are low in protein. However, desserts prepared with eggs, milk or peanut butter typically contain protein.
Member Comments