April Health Tips: Let's talk PROTEIN

Protein is one of our 3 essential macronutrients that can be derived from many sources. Although animals sources do provide all of the essential amino acids that our bodies need; all of our essential protein needs can be derived from plant and grain sources as well. Protein has many important functions in our bodies, and it can also help us maintain a healthy weight by keeping us full and due to protein having a higher thermic effect (calories given off as heat in stead of being stored) compared to fat and carbohydrates. Protein powders are currently a big trend , and I think that they are a great way to get extra protein and nutrients in our bodies when we need it, but by no means do I encourage protein powder to completely replace meals since we can get our daily protein needs from food.

The average person only needs about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram body weight in order to reach their protein needs (the need varies from pregnant women, athletes, elderly, and other individuals with specific needs), but many people exceed their protein needs and end up storing excess protein as fat (which I am sure most people do not want!).

Bottom line, there is no need to over do it on your protein intake, and this month we will look into incorporating nutrient dense protein into your meals.

Here is a look at the amount of protein in foods: