Pumping Up with Protein

MyPlate is a visual reminder that helps us make healthy food choices, integrate a variety of foods from all food groups, and eat a balanced diet. One of the most exciting things about MyPlate is that it can be personalized to different tastes, cultural heritages, and eating styles. A great way to start adding variety to your diet is to focus on one food group at a time, making small changes by switching out familiar foods for foods you haven’t tried before. This month we are highlighting the protein group!

Protein acts as the building blocks for our bones, muscles, skin, and blood. It is one of the three nutrients that provides our body with energy, also known as calories. Protein contains B vitamins, which help build tissue and aid in forming red blood cells, iron, which can prevent anemia, and several other important nutrients. The amount of protein needed depends on our age, sex, height, weight, and level of physical activity. Many Americans meet their protein needs mostly through meat, poultry, and eggs, with limited amounts from seafood and plant proteins. But these often-overlooked protein sources come with additional benefits, such as healthy fats in seafood and fiber in plant proteins. So, what are additional sources of proteins that you could try adding into your balanced diet?