1. The body’s building blocks
Protein
The body’s building blocks

2. Proteins main function
Build and repair body tissue
It also provides some energy

3. Protein is a food group in myplate and includes meat, poultry, eggs, nuts, beans and seeds
Protein provides 4 calories per gram

4. How often do we need Protein?
Daily! The body does not produce protein. You must eat it.
Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean
Include at least 8 oz. of seafood per week

5. Proteins are made of Amino Acids:
Amino acids are the building blocks from which new proteins are made.
The body cannot manufacture essential amino acids so they must be obtained from food

6. Amino Acids There are 22 different amino acids
9 are essential for good health.

7. Complete Proteins Any food that has all 9 essential amino acids.
Complete proteins come from animal sources.
Meat
Poultry
Fish
Exceptions:
Tofu, made from soy bean

8. Incomplete Proteins Contain some but not all amino acids
Comes from plants sources:
Grains
Dried Beans
Nuts
Seeds

9. Complementary Proteins
Complementary proteins are a grain combined with any nut, seed or legume
Incomplete proteins can be combined to create complementary proteins

10. Incomplete Combinations
Peanut butter + wheat bread
Cereal + milk
Mac + cheese
Beans + Rice

11. Vegetarian
Eats foods from plant sources, and some animal products.

12. Vegan
Eat foods only from plant sources
vegetable oil
soy
plants

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