Importance of protein in our diet
In order to be healthy and in great shape, it is essential that we have a healthy, well-balanced diet. Such a diet must contain these three macronutrients: carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Proteins are essential for muscle and tissue growth, recovery and regeneration — as well as for our survival. Protein is also a natural, dietary source of energy. There are two types of proteins: complete and incomplete.
Complete Proteins
Complete proteins are those that contain all eight of the essential amino acids (valine, lysene, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan and methionine), and all 14 of the non-essential amino acids (alanine, aspartic acid, asparagine, cysteine, glutamine, glutamic acid, glycine, proline, serine, arginine, histidine, tyrosine, taurine and selenocystine). There are many delicious dietary sources of complete proteins, including soy, rice, egg whites, hempseed, seafood and quinoa.
Incomplete Proteins
Incomplete proteins are pretty much as they sound: protein foods that do are incomplete because they do not contain all of the essential and non-essential amino acids. These foods are still very healthy to eat, and, when eaten in combination, will provide the total proteins needed to ensure great health, as well as loads of energy.
How Much Protein Do We Need in Our Diet?
According to the American Heart Association, the average adult should be getting about 35% of our daily caloric intake from proteins. Children and pregnant women require more protein, sometimes as much as 60% of the daily caloric intake. These proteins can come from a number of sources, including lean red meats, poultry, fatty fish, whole grains, soy, milk and milk products, and a number of other sources.
When Do We Need Protein?
We need to have protein-rich meals and snacks throughout the day. A breakfast that is high in protein will help you to get the day started off right and provide the energy you need to get you through the morning. For an added pick-me-up, a high-protein mid-morning snack is also a good idea. You should have protein in your lunch, even if it’s just a glass of milk and a slice of cheese, and it is also recommended that you have a high-protein afternoon snack as well. You can easily make a great-tasting high protein meal at dinnertime, and, after all of these meals (which ensure you never go hungry), you will have gotten plenty of protein, as well as other important vitamins and nutrients.
The next time you are out grocery shopping, make sure you get some high-protein foods to complete your healthy, well-balanced diet. You will feel great and have more energy when you have enough protein in your diet.
This article was contributed by Stephen Wiley of UltimateFitnessGear.com, your best source for the Shaun T Insanity Workout. Get Insanity today and get your body transformed.
