18 Hacks To Eat More Protein That Actually Work

I've tried every single fad diet known to man – and yet, I failed to recognize the importance of protein. If you’re wondering why, it’s because I was just set on losing weight. I didn’t care about my overall health and ignored what my body truly needed. It took way too long for me to realize how big of a deal protein is. You mean it can help build muscle, regulate hormones, curb cravings, and keep you fuller longer? And that I shouldn't just focus on low-calorie, low-carb foods to attain weight loss? Duh!

The problem didn’t stop at the discovery stage, unfortunately. After learning about how it's key for muscle retention, metabolism, and even hormone balance, I struggled to get my protein in. It wasn't easy.

Luckily, girls on social media had the same issues as I did, and they decided not to gatekeep their hacks. Soon, I was getting the amount that I needed thanks to their help. It's easier than you think – here's how.

1. Add Protein Powder to Your Coffee

A high-protein breakfast is a great way to start your day. Most people begin theirs with coffee, so why not add protein powder to it? It’s called proffee, and it will change your mornings. Just blend it so it doesn’t get clumpy. Iced works best.

If you're looking for more high-protein breakfast ideas, check out our article here.

2. Mix Cottage Cheese Into Your Scrambled Eggs or Quiche

It melts in, makes it creamier, and adds like 10g of protein without doing anything extra. Need a recipe? I got you.

For Eggs:

Whisk 2 eggs with 1–2 heaping spoonfuls of cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and cook low and slow in a nonstick pan. Optional: add chives, hot sauce, or a slice of cheese on top.

For Quiche:

Blend or whisk four eggs with 1/2 cup cottage cheese, a splash of milk, sautéed veggies, and shredded cheese. Pour into a greased dish (or crust, if you’re fancy), bake at 375°F for 30–35 minutes until golden and set. High-protein, meal-preppable, and actually good cold if you’re too lazy to reheat it or can’t stand the microwave. 

3. Make a Yogurt Bowl  

I get it, yogurt can be tiring. But it doesn’t have to be! Use Greek or Skyr yogurt (17–20g protein), then add peanut butter, or protein powder, berries, chia seeds, or even protein granola. It’s a snack that feels like dessert.

Want to try something else? Check out this viral fluffy yogurt on TikTok:

4. Make Overnight Oats That Actually Have Protein

Overnight oats are having a moment right now, and it’s easy to understand why. They’re easy, tasty, and low-budget. 

Base recipe:

• 1/2 cup rolled oats

• 1/2 cup milk (or higher-protein milk like Fairlife)

• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or Skyr

• 1 scoop protein powder (vanilla or chocolate works best)

• 1 tbsp chia seeds or hemp hearts

• Optional: cinnamon, berries, almond butter, cacao nibs, etc

Mix it all up in a jar, pop it in the fridge overnight, and boom, 20 to 30g of protein before 9AM. You’re welcome! 

5. Blend Cottage Cheese Into Pasta Sauce

You’ll never notice it. Add it to tomato sauce or pesto for a creamy, high-protein upgrade.

6. Use Protein Shakes as Coffee Creamer and in Baked Goods

A splash of vanilla protein shake in coffee gives sweet-cream vibes without the sugar crash. Use it to sweeten your baked goods.

7. Swap Your Dips

Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream or mayo in dressings, dips, or even tuna/chicken salad. Tastes the same, plus it’s lower in calories. 

8. Don’t Forget Eggs Have Protein

Boil a bunch and keep them in the fridge. Add one to a meal, snack on one mid-afternoon. Easy!

9. Sprinkle Hemp Seeds on Literally Anything

Did you know that hemp seeds have 3g of protein per tablespoon? Top them on salads, rice bowls, your overnight oats, or avocado toast… go wild.

10. Use Protein Pasta or Chickpea Pasta

Is it as good as regular pasta? No, but you won’t even care that it’s not the “real” thing once you see it has double the protein. Make some high-protein pasta with turkey meatballs if you want an enjoyable, lean meal. 

11. Make High-Protein Pancakes

You don't have to feel guilty eating pancakes! Here's a great recipe by HealthyRecipesBlogs.com. You’re mixing eggs, Greek yogurt, protein powder, and vanilla into a batter that cooks up into the kind of pancakes you don’t have to feel bad about. They’re small, fluffy, and packed with ~31g of protein per serving (yes, really). The serving is 9 pancakes, but don’t freak out! They’re really small.

Ingredients:

• 2 eggs

• 1 tbsp vanilla extract

• 1 tsp stevia (or leave it out if your protein is sweetened)

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 40g unsweetened whey protein powder

• 1 tsp baking powder

• Spray oil for the pan

How to make it:
Whisk everything together until smooth, let the batter sit for a few minutes, then use a small scoop (about 1.5 tbsp) to portion it out. Cook low and slow on a nonstick skillet until bubbles form, flip, and cook for just a few more seconds. That’s it.

12. Make “Ice Cream” With Protein

Yes, you can make actual ice cream that’s high in protein and doesn’t taste like sadness. This no-churn recipe from The Big Man’s World is made in a blender with just three ingredients and comes out creamy and smooth.

Here’s what you need:

• 1 can (28 oz) of chilled coconut milk

• 1 cup of your favorite protein powder

• A tablespoon or two of allulose, honey, or dates for sweetness

• Optional: splash of vanilla extract

Blend it all up, pour into a loaf pan, and freeze. For best texture, stir it every 20–30 minutes for the first hour. Let it sit out a bit before scooping or eat it soft-serve style straight from the blender. Your call!

13. Pick Meats With the Most Protein Per Ounce

Chicken breast, turkey, lean beef, shrimp. Rotate them so you don’t get bored.

14. Pre-Cook Your Proteins

If it’s not made, you won’t eat it. Bake a tray of chicken thighs or boil a dozen eggs at the start of the week.

15. Snack Like a Gym Rat, Just a Little

Head to your Trader Joe’s and splurge on beef jerky, deli turkey, string cheese, and protein bars. Not glamorous, but they work.

16. Make Your Own Chicken Salad or Tuna Salad

Canned protein (I won't judge!) + Greek yogurt + mustard + seasoning = an easy lunch you actually look forward to. Chicken and tuna already bring the protein, but Greek yogurt takes it up a notch. Make a bunch to eat throughout the week. Once my bestie and I learned this hack, we seriously upped our protein game. Anytime we got hungry and didn’t feel like cooking, we had chicken or tuna salad ready for us in the fridge.

17. Eat the Full-Fat Dairy

Low-fat is okay, generally, but whole dairy products are more satisfying and usually higher in protein. Just check the label! Skyr and whole milk yogurt are MVPs.

18. Add Tofu or Tempeh to Stir-Fries

Even if you're not a vegetarian, tempeh and tofu are amazing options. It absorbs flavor like crazy and gives you 15–20g per serving.