Today, we’re chatting about protein!! It’s a pawty in ya bawdy!

Protein is one of the three macronutrients (protein, carbohydrate + fat) that comprise all of the foods we eat. While all three macronutritnets can technically be used to produce energy in the body, that role is typically filled by our carbohydrate (quick energy) and fat (sustaining energy) intake. Outside of being utilized for energy in cases of inadequate consumption of carbohydrate + fat, protein plays numerous other vital roles in the optimal function of our bodies!

Most of us know that protein is important for cell growth, maintenance & structure (strong muscles + strong bones!!), but did you know it’s also involved in:

• Hormone creation and release (hunger hormones, such as leptin and ghrelin, are made of protein and are released based on protein intake, as is insulin, the hormone that shuttles energy out of our blood into our cells!)

• Neurotransmitter function & endorphin production (Neurotransmitters, or the chemical messengers in our bodies, are made from amino acids, which are the building blocks of protein!)

• Immune system function!!! (antibodies, the type of cells that attack foreign invaders in our bodies, such as viruses and bacteria, are made of protein!!)

There are two things to consider when choosing a Quality Protein at your meals (the foundation of a #PECPlate):

First, is this food a complete protein? This means that the food contains all 9 essential amino acids (the building blocks of protein, remember?) that our bodies cannot synthesize without outside resources, meaning we must make a point to eat them regularly for optimal function!!

Secondly, are the majority of calories provided from this food derived from protein? Many foods contain protein, but the majority of the macronutrient distribution is skewed toward carbohydrate (think something like quinoa) or fat (think something like peanut butter). The calorie content of Quality protein sources will be majority protein (see examples below!!).

The graphic below lists a few of the best Quality Protein sources that we can make a point to include in our diets! This way, you can be efficient in knowing that you’re eating adequate protein to support the various needs of your body.

Happy eating!!!