1. Protein
The body’s building blocks

2. Protein has multiple functions
Build and repair body tissue
Maintain cell growth
Energy

3. How often do we need Protein?
Daily!
The body does not produce protein. You must eat it.
Every night your body uses protein to repair body tissue.
Excess protein is converted to fat tissue.

4. Not enough fats or carbs?
If your body doesn’t have enough carbohydrates or fat…it will burn protein.
SO…protein can be used as a source of energy, it can take the place of carbs and fat if needed.
BUT…It breaks down muscles and protein into glucose to use for energy thus deteriorating muscles.

5. Protein needs influenced by
Age
Body Size
Quality of the proteins
Physical state of the person

6. The best sources of protein
Come from animals
Milk
Eggs
Fish
Poultry
Red Meat
5 ½ ounces per day or 2-3 “servings”
4 calories per gram of protein

7. Proteins are made of Amino Acids
Building Blocks from which new proteins are made.
There are 22 different amino acids
9 are essential for good health.
                                                                

8. A Complete Protein Any food that has all 9 essential amino acids.
All animal proteins are complete proteins.
Exceptions:
soy bean

9. Incomplete Proteins Lack 1 or more essential amino acids
Comes from plants
Can be made complete when combined with other incomplete proteins.
Sources:
Nuts
Legumes (dried beans), Grains and Cereals

10. SO….. Knowing what you now know about proteins, why would it be important to eat a variety of foods that contain proteins?
Variety can make protein complete
Combine plant and animal food
Combining plant protein from variety of cereals and grains

11. Incomplete Combinations
Peanut butter + wheat bread
Cereal + milk
Mac + cheese
If you don’t use all the incomplete proteins they are either eliminated or converted to fat.

12. “Sparing” = Extending Proteins
Combining plant protein with animal protein or carbs
Examples
Chicken and Rice
Chili con carne
Tuna Noodle Casserole

14. Vegetarian Eats foods from plant sources, and some animal products.
Eggs or Milk or Cheese and Plants

15. Vegan Eat foods only from plant sources vegetable oil soy plants
Where is the
Protein?

16. Insufficient Protein Lower resistance to disease Tiredness Weight loss
Stunt growth
Not common in U.S.