Protein-Packed Meals at the 5 Most Popular Restaurants in Denver

I’m Baltazar, a trainer, nutritionist, and owner of Relentless Spirit. I’m always on the prowl for the best meals around Denver to complement my fitness regimen, especially regarding protein intake. In this article, I provide my top 5 picks for restaurants in Denver that serve protein-packed meals on their menu.

Why is protein important for your diet?

I often get asked why protein is so crucial for our diets. Here’s the scoop: protein is vital for muscle maintenance and it’s very satiating, which keeps you feeling full longer. This is a key reason why high-protein diets like the carnivore diet are popular, especially among those looking to lose weight.

When you’re trying to shed pounds, not all weight loss is beneficial because you could be losing muscle along with fat. That’s where protein steps in; by aiming for about 1 gram of protein per pound of your desired body weight, you help your body preserve lean muscle tissue.

Protein-Packed Meal Recommendation: Whole/half/quarter cut of chicken with side of charred veggies.

At Chook, I love that you can choose the amount of protein to suit your needs — whether it’s a whole, half, or quarter chicken. These are fantastic for rebuilding muscle after a tough workout. Plus, their sides like charred veggies, chicken noodle soup, or smashed cucumber are low in calories but high in flavor, helping to manage calorie intake while providing necessary nutrients without the bloat from hidden fats and salts.

Other protein-forward choices at Chook:

• Protein Options: Pick your preferred cut of chicken.
• Family-Sized Meals: Great for a post-gym family dinner while keeping everyone’s protein needs in check.
• Guilt-Free Sides: Pair your meal with light sides for a balanced diet.
• Greek Salad Avocado
• Chicken Sandwich
• Chicken Caesar Wrap
• Falafel Wrap

Protein-Packed Meal Recommendation: 2 scoop poké bowl with a salmon base, cucumbers, and spicy aioli.

Next up, Rocky Fin Poké Bowls — where freshness meets fitness. Their salmon is a superstar, rich in omega-3s, which are great for your heart and reducing inflammation, and packed with high-quality protein for muscle recovery. I always go for at least two scoops to make sure I’m hitting my protein marks, and I suggest you do the same for that ideal balance of flavor and nutrients.

Building the perfect poké bowl:

• Protein Focus: Opt for lean fish or chicken to keep it packed with protein.
• Balanced Nutrition: The emphasis on fish not only supports muscle recovery but also plays a vital role in overall health and aesthetics.

Protein-Packed Meal Recommendation: The Breakfast Sandwich – Just-Egg egg patty, vegan bacon, vegan cheddar cheese, and cracked pepper aioli with spicy maple aioli (all vegan).

At Watercourse Foods, I’m always impressed by their knack for whipping up plant-based dishes that pack a protein punch. They creatively use ingredients like beans, lentils, tofu, and tempeh, ensuring you’re fueled whether you’re hitting the gym or just going about your day. Contrary to what many people may think, plant-based proteins can support an active lifestyle as long as you balance it correctly. So, don’t be afraid to give Watercourse Foods a try, even if you aren’t a vegetarian!

Explore more at Watercourse Foods:

• Beyond the Basics: Instead of relying solely on typical complete proteins, this spot pushes creative boundaries with unique ingredients.
• Diverse Menu: The turkey and brie, a classic Philly sandwich, or even French toast give you a variety of choices that feel indulgent yet wholesome. All vegan.

Protein-Packed Meal Recommendation: 100 gram bulking bowl – order a burrito bowl with double chicken, add extra white rice and black beans, top with extra cheese and your favorite salsa.

Who doesn’t love Chipotle, right? As a nutritionist and trainer, I’m a big fan of how Chipotle allows you to tailor your meals perfectly to fit your dietary needs. Doubling up on the chicken is my go-to move for those extra protein needs, especially after a tough session at the gym. I also like to load up on veggies for that crucial fiber and nutrients, making each meal a powerhouse of energy that aligns with the fitness and health goals we champion at Relentless Spirit.

Other craveable Chipotle power bowls:

• Light Chicken Bowl:
  • Nutritional Breakdown: 470 Calories, 18g Fat, 11g Carbs, 68g Protein.
  • Ideal For: Individuals focused on weight loss while still packing in protein.
  • How to Order: Order a salad with double chicken. Skip the rice and beans. Add extra fajita vegetables and light cheese. Top with red tomatillo salsa.
• High-Protein Vegan Bowl:
  • Nutritional Breakdown: 565 Calories, 23g Fat, 66g Carbs, 26g Protein.
  • Ideal For: Plant-based eaters who still crave a hearty dose of protein.
  • How to Order: Start with a salad base and add double sofritas. Mix in black beans and fajita veggies. Finish with red tomatillo salsa and roasted corn salsa.

Protein-Packed Meal Recommendation: The spinach, feta, and egg white wrap has 18g of protein and is under 300 calories! I typically eat 2 of these wraps to keep me fueled through the day.

Yes, Starbucks does more than coffee! Don’t overlook their protein-rich wraps for a quick bite that keeps you energized and aligned with your health goals. It’s about making smart choices, even on the go. Choosing wisely here can make a significant difference in your daily nutrition intake.

More meal options & smart ordering tips for Starbucks:

• Turkey, Provolone, and Pesto on Ciabatta: Great for a protein boost in the middle of your day.
• Keep it Light on Coffee: Stick to simpler, lower-calorie coffee drinks to keep your meal plan on track.

Wrapping It Up

I hope you’re as excited as I am to visit these spots. Each one brings something unique to the table — literally! — and makes it easy to keep those protein levels up while enjoying every bite. Fueling your body right doesn’t have to be a chore, especially not in Denver’s vibrant food scene.

Feeling pumped to get more tips on how to eat healthily and smash your fitness goals? Swing by my nutrition coaching page at Relentless Spirit and let’s get you set up!