The low-down on Protein

Why do we need protein?

Protein is one of the big three macronutrients along with carbohydrates and fat. Adequate protein intake is essential for good health: It’s necessary for maintaining the body’s normal growth and its muscle mass (which is mostly protein), its immune system, and heart and respiratory functions.

So how much protein do you need?
As a general rule, between 10 percent and 15 percent of your total calories should come from protein. So, if you consume 2,000 calories per day, at least 200 should come from protein, or about 50 grams. You should try to eat around one gram of protein per one kilogram of body weight, or around 0.4 grams per pound. An easier way to figure this out in your head is to take your weight, divide it in half, and subtract 10. The total will be the number of grams of protein you should consume each day. So, if you weigh 120 pounds, you should eat about 50 grams of protein.  If you do exercise however, your protein needs may increase since resistance training and endurance workouts can rapidly break down muscle protein.

Can you get too much protein?
Not really. Generally, the only danger is if you have liver or kidney disease. That’s because these organs are your body’s “workhorses” that metabolize protein. So, if you have kidney or liver disease, such as cirrhosis or fatty liver, talk to your doctor.

Ok, so what are the best sources of protein?

This is obviously going to vary depending on what type of diet you follow such as vegetarian or eating clean. But the key is to focus on lean proteins.

Egg whites

Turkey and chicken breast – stick to the white meat

Seafood - sole, cod, or salmon fillets, shrimp and even sushi!

Tofu

Beans    

Soy

Dairy -   non-fat or low fat milk, yogurt or cheese. Choose dairy carefully because calories and fat can easily add up.

And of course low-fat healthy Supplement shakes like shakeology and whey protein

Did ya know the word "protein" is derived from a Greek root meaning "of first importance"?  For good reason!  Your body needs it!

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CAREFUL OF THE SUPPOSED HEALTHY CHOICES

by Christine Dwyer on Thursday, February 10, 2011 at 10:37am

Many people get stuck in the habit of what they choose to eat for lunch or they choose an item because it's "billed" to be healthy for you.

I'm a firm believer in keeping your calories in check each time you eat a "meal". I'm also a firm believer in eating 5-6 times a day- small meals...I personally, don't like to say 3 meals and 2 snacks....but that's just me. My brain just works this way.

When it comes right down to it, when you are headed out to lunch- make sure you know exactly what is in your wrap, sandwich, panini, etc...

Too many times we take the "written word" for granted! If the menu says 330 cals in this wrap, but then you add a slice of cheese, mayo etc...there ya go! hitting the roof!

Don't be fooled by the supposed healthy choices for you either. Did you know that a standard "wrap" tortilla can have anywhere from 200-1000 cals in it--just for the wrap itself--not counting what's in it?

Check out some examples of the quick choices out there:



McDonalds Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken snack wrap- 330 cals (do you eat just one??? come on, tell the truth)

Starbucks breakfast wrap- 280, now do you have a latte with that too?

Subway Turkey Wrap- 270 cals with nothing else added!

Now, this is just WRAPS--we could go all day when we move into sandwich land!

Word of advice- take note of EACH ITEM you are adding to your sandwich or wrap and count each for calories.

I sometimes think if I don't look at the nutritional value on the item, then it's really not that bad for me to eat and I don't want to admit how many actual calories I'm taking in.

hahaha, well, we all know that doesn't work!