Protein and Good Nutrition
Good nutrition is an essential consideration in your daily life.
There are three important macronutrients that provide energy, keep you healthy, and are required for your body to function properly:
The important role of protein
Protein is a foundational nutrient of your diet. Like fat and carbohydrates, protein is considered a “macronutrient,” which means that you need fairly large amounts of it to keep your body healthy. In contrast, vitamins and minerals are considered “micronutrients” and are required in smaller amounts.
And unlike fat and carbohydrates, the body is not able to store protein and cannot draw on a reservoir of it when it needs to replenish.
Protein can be found in many sources:
- Meats and poultry
- Fish
- Dairy products such as milk, yogurt and cheese
- Eggs
- Plant foods such as soy products, beans, grains and peanut butter
Meats and poultry in particular are great sources of protein that the body absorbs very well. A great option to add protein into your diet is to stick with lean cuts of pork, beef, chicken or turkey to control fat intake while still getting the desired protein. Also, consider lean luncheon meats and Canadian bacon.