I Smell Something Fishy!

With LOADS of protein and absolutely NO carbs, canned tuna has become my go to “power food” for my current high protein diet. I recently began my own personalized carb cycling diet. Along with this change, I started tracking my macros and focusing a lot of effort on increasing my intake of protein in order to assist with my muscle development and weight loss. Due to my struggle with consuming foods that have sufficient amounts of protein without being packed with carbs and fats, I have become best friends with a select few staple foods in my current diet. Despite its questionable aroma and the strong aquatic taste that fails to entice those who are more meticulous toward

s the flavour components of their diets, tuna is undeniably an incredible source of multiple vitamins, potassium, and of course, protein. To put the macronutrients into perspective, a 120g can of this particular fish contains only 0.8g of fat, 0g of carbs, and a whopping 28g of protein. This impressive ratio strongly appeals to those who are attempting to gain muscle, balance their macros, take part in a carb cycling diet, or to those who are merely interested in lowering their carb intake while still maintaining a steady and healthy intake of protein. Personally, I enjoy a snack made up of one can of flaked light tuna mixed with approximately one tablespoon of miracle whip or mayonnaise. The latter ingredient in said meal is not in itself, a very healthy food as it contains a higher ratio of fats and carbs, however adding such a small amount still allows the tuna mixture to maintain macro values that are incomparable to snacks with equivalent amounts of protein. For example, my "power snack” stated above adds up to being about 4.8g of fat, 2g of carbs, and 28.1g of protein. A comparable source of protein such as 1/2 of a medium sized chicken breast(~100g) contains 7.72g of fat, which is unappealing to someone trying to cut their fat intake. Similarly, the average 3-4oz steak contains 12.5-16.5g of fat. Looking at ingredient aside from meat, we can see that protein filled foods such as nuts and yogurt contain lower values of protein, as well as having fairly high amounts of fat and carbs. Greek yogurt is a good source of protein which lacks fat, but, it consequently contains higher carbs than it's water dwelling opponent! Tuna is also said to help with heart health, the immune system, blood pressure, circulation, and some sources even claim it can help with depression*! Overall, tuna has gradually moved its way up on my list of healthy snacks and has even secured a spot on my series of staple menu items for my current diet.

* http://www.lifehack.org/315317/20-amazing-health-benefits-tuna-fish