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lean protein

/liːn ˈproʊtiːn/ · lean·pro·tein
noun
  1. A source of dietary protein that contains little or no fat, such as skinless poultry, fish, legumes, or low‑fat dairy. She added a serving of lean protein, like grilled chicken breast, to her salad for a balanced lunch.
  2. The concept or recommendation in nutrition to prioritize protein foods that are low in fat. The diet plan emphasizes lean protein to support muscle maintenance while keeping calorie intake modest.
Did you know? The term "lean protein" surged in popularity during the 1990s low‑fat diet craze, becoming a staple phrase on grocery shelves and in diet books to guide consumers toward healthier protein choices.
Written by Lexi Wordsworth, Dictionary Editor 2 lookups Added Aug 1, 2026