What It Actually Means To Be A "Lean Protein" + 10 Healthy Protein Options 

Cutting out high-fat foods and sticking to low-fat foods like lean proteins is commonly recommended as a way to lose weight and reduce the risk of health conditions like heart disease. 

But are low-fat proteins healthier than proteins that are higher in fat? And when did lean proteins become such a thing in the first place?

Here's what you need to know about lean proteins, including what they are, when they're recommended over higher-fat protein sources, and if you should be prioritizing lean proteins in your diet.

Lean proteins are protein sources that are low in fat and cholesterol—a waxy, fat-like substance. Skinless chicken breasts, egg whites, and lean cuts of beef are examples of lean proteins.

While some protein sources are known as lean because they're generally low in fat, the USDA has its own categorization system for labeling lean protein products like meat. 

When you see "lean" stamped on a fish or meat product, it means that a 100-gram serving contains less than 10 grams of fat, 4.5 grams or less of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg of cholesterol.

An "extra lean" label means that the same serving contains less than 5 grams of fat, less than 2 grams of saturated fat, and less than 95 mg of cholesterol. 

Other food products, like frozen meals, can be labeled as "lean" and "extra lean" as well, as long as they meet certain fat content criteria.

Fat is a nutrient that's been demonized for decades1. Starting in the 60s, health organizations like the American Heart Association2 began recommending limiting high-fat foods—especially those high in saturated fat—as a way to lower heart disease risk and manage body weight.

Now, back to lean proteins. Most health care providers and regulatory agencies still recommend lean proteins over higher-fat foods in order to protect against heart disease6.

Saturated fat and cholesterol, found in foods like chicken skin, egg yolks, and full-fat dairy, are usually categorized as inherently "bad" for you, while unsaturated fats found in plant foods are viewed as "good" fats.

But experts argue1 that this oversimplification of fats—which are a highly complex group of compounds—is not helping anyone. Narrowing in on a single nutrient rather than viewing the diet as a whole has led to a lot of confusion in the nutrition world and has led most people to view any food high in saturated fat as unhealthy. 

While it's true that it's probably not great for your health to follow a diet that's super high in saturated fat and cholesterol, recent research7 shows that healthy sources of saturated fat8 aren't strongly linked with increased heart disease risk and that overall dietary intake is what's most important when it comes to reducing heart disease risk and promoting overall health.   

This doesn't mean you should make butter, fatty cuts of meat, and cream the focus of your diet, but it's important to choose foods based on their nutritional value rather than their fat, cholesterol, or calorie content.

Abby K. Cannon, J.D., R.D., CDN, agrees. "I'm more concerned with quality than leanness," Cannon tells mindbodygreen. "I usually use the term 'good quality' protein instead of 'lean' when discussing protein with my clients and when creating meal plans," she says.

For example, compared to egg whites9, egg yolks10 are high in fat and cholesterol but also provide essential nutrients lacking in egg whites like B12, zinc, iron, selenium, and choline. Higher-fat protein options like salmon with skin11 are much richer in most vitamins and minerals compared to lean, skinless fish like cod12. 

The bottom line is that lean doesn't translate to healthier. All it means is that a food is low in fat and cholesterol. 

While some people need to limit their overall fat intake due to medical reasons, most people don't have to choose their protein sources based on their fat content. 

Instead, when shopping for proteins, it's best to focus on variety and nutrient density.

Maggie Moon, M.S., R.D., recommends incorporating both plant and animal-based sources of protein into your diet to cover your protein needs. "I like to mix it up throughout the week between plant proteins and animal proteins. My favorite protein sources are plant protein foods like pistachios and tofu, plus all kinds of seafood. I also love getting protein from whole grains, all kinds of beans, nuts, seeds, chicken, and lactose-free yogurt," Moon tells mindbodygreen.

Here are a few examples of healthy plant- and animal-based protein sources, including both lean and higher-fat options: 

Beans and lentils are packed with plant-based protein and fiber, both of which help you feel full and satisfied after eating.

A 1-cup serving of black beans13 provides 15.2 grams of protein and 15 grams of fiber, which is important for digestive health and satiety.

TRY THEM IN: A Fiber-Packed Spiced Black Bean Soup

Fish skin is a concentrated source of nutrients like collagen14 and fatty acids15, so there's no reason to avoid it if you like it.

A 3.5-ounce serving of salmon with skin11 provides a whopping 60 grams of protein. Sardines are another excellent source of protein high in healthy fats. One can of sardines contains 22.6 grams of protein16 and is loaded with calcium, B12, and the omega-3 fats DHA and EPA. 

TRY IT IN: A Brain-Healthy Salad Bowl

Greek yogurt is higher in protein compared to regular yogurt. A 6-ounce container of Greek yogurt provides17 17 grams of protein, while the same serving of regular yogurt contains18 just 6 grams.

And you don't always have to choose low-fat yogurt! Some studies have linked full-fat dairy intake to a lower risk of obesity19. So, if you like higher-fat dairy products, that's perfectly fine. Just make sure to choose unsweetened yogurt whenever possible. 

TRY IT IN: A Mint-Chocolate Collagen Smoothie

One egg provides 6.2 grams of protein10, which is concentrated in the white. But, if you just eat the white, you'll be missing out on a bunch of important nutrients.

The yolk is where it's at when it comes to nutrition, providing zinc, B12, choline, selenium, iron, and many other vitamins and minerals. If you can, choose humanely raised eggs, like eggs from pastured hens.

TRY THEM IN: Make-Ahead Masala Egg Bites

Nuts and seeds are a high-fat protein source that is often recommended by dietitians, like Cannon. "Nuts and seeds are great sources of protein that are higher in fat. It's great when one food source provides both protein and healthy fats because it offers the benefits of both nutrients in a neat package,' Cannon says.

Peanuts (which are technically a legume) provide around 7 grams of protein20 per ounce, while almonds pack around 6 grams21 per ounce. 

TRY IT IN: No-Bake Nut Butter Cookies

Certain seeds, like hemp seeds and pumpkin seeds, are high in protein. Hemp seeds provide 9.522 grams of protein per ounce, while pumpkin seeds contain 8.523 grams per ounce. Although seeds are tiny, they're nutrient-dense and can be sprinkled on dishes like oatmeal and salads to bump up the protein content.

TRY THEM IN: A Mood-Boosting Nut & Seed Snack Mix

If you're looking for leaner sources of animal-based protein, chicken24 and turkey25 are good options, providing around 25 grams of protein per 3-ounce serving.

However, when you're choosing animal proteins, quality is important. "For my clients who want to incorporate meat and poultry, I recommend getting the highest quality available and that they can afford. This means prioritizing meat and poultry that are ethically and ecologically raised," says Cannon. 

TRY IT IN: Stir-Fried Turmeric Chicken

Protein powders, like plant protein and whey protein, can be easily incorporated into smoothies, chia pudding, oatmeal, and even soups to boost protein content. Most protein powders provide around 24 grams of protein per scoop.

Some protein powders can contain quite a bit of added sugar, so it's best to opt for unsweetened or naturally sweetened versions with minimal added ingredients.

TRY IT IN: Butterscotch Sea Salt Milkshake Smoothie

If you're looking for a high-protein breakfast or snack option, try out cottage cheese. It packs 23.5 grams of protein26 per cup and is rich in vitamins and minerals like calcium, B12, and selenium.

Plus, it can be paired with sweet or savory ingredients like berries or vegetables. Choose 1% or 2% if you'd like a lower fat version, or go for whole if you'd like a richer taste. 

TRY IT IN: Protein-Packed Savory Spinach Pancakes

Most people think of edamame as an appetizer, but it's also a high-protein vegetable that can be used to boost the protein content of plant-based meals.

Edamame provides 18.4 grams of protein per cup27 and is a rich source of magnesium and folate. Try tossing some edamame into grain bowls and salads for an extra boost of nutrition.

TRY IT IN: Vegan Watermelon Poke Bowls

Lean proteins are often thought of as healthier than protein sources that are higher in fat, but this isn't always the case. There are a number of higher-fat protein sources, like fatty fish, full-fat Greek yogurt, and whole eggs that are packed with important nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and essential fatty acids. 

Rather than choosing your protein sources based on their fat content, it's best to pick your proteins—and all other foods in your diet—based on their overall quality and nutrient density.