Why should we have protein in our diet?
Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells and make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development in children, teens, and pregnant women.
Which foods are high in protein?
lean meats – beef, lamb, pork
poultry – chicken, turkey, duck
fish and seafood – fish, prawns, crab, clams
eggs dairy products – milk, yoghurt (especially Greek yoghurt), cheese (especially cottage cheese)
nuts (including nut pastes) and seeds – almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, macadamias, hazelnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds
Legumes and beans – all beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas, tofu.
Eating high-protein foods has many fitness benefits, including:
• Speeding recovery after exercise and/or injury
• Reducing muscle loss
• Building lean muscle
• Helping maintain a healthy weight
• Curbing hunger
So when you’re next preparing a meal have a check that you have some protein included.