MILK, PROTEIN & POWER

The Importance of High-Protein Foods for You and Your Family

Why Is it Important to Include High-Protein Foods in Your Family’s Diet?

No matter your age or nutrition goals, there are many reasons your body needs protein to be healthy and strong—from muscles to hair to healthy bones and teeth.

The latest research suggests that it’s not just about how much protein you need, but it’s also about when you get your protein. Protein foods for your kids, and for you, are important at every meal, especially breakfast.

Getting enough protein at breakfast can help you feel fuller longer, plus studies show eating breakfast helps kids concentrate and focus at school.

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Read on to find out more about this important nutrient and learn why high-protein breakfasts for your kids, as well as for you, are great choices to start the day off right.

What Is Protein?

Along with carbohydrates and fats, protein is one of the three macronutrients, or nutrients that provide energy (or calories) in your diet. Protein long has been recognized as the foundation for the body. In fact, the word protein comes from the Greek word protos, which means first. Scientists now have discovered more than 30,000 proteins in our bodies. Each of these unique proteins is made up of a set of building blocks called amino acids, which food sources of protein provide. Nine amino acids are considered essential because your body can’t make the unique proteins it needs to survive without them. High-quality proteins—like those from milk, meat or fish—contain all nine of these essential amino acids.

Why Do We Need Protein?

Protein is the nutrient of the decade and its profile continues to rise. It’s a nutrient that more people want to get more of every day and often make sure to meet their daily protein requirements. That’s because protein is a valuable multitasker and does many important things in our bodies. In fact, protein is part of every cell in your body.

Getting enough protein, especially as part of a healthy breakfast, can help with:

Building lean muscle – Protein supplies your body with the amino acids it needs to build strong muscles. Along with being physically active, getting enough protein in your diet helps build and repair muscle.

Keep you and your kids fuller, for longer – Protein has a more powerful effect on satiety than either carbohydrates or fats. Including enough protein at breakfast can help everyone feel full and satisfied with their meal so you don’t feel hungry again by mid-morning.

Energy and focus – Power up your mornings with a high-protein breakfast. Many experts now recommend adults start the day with 25 to 30 grams of protein to help energize their morning. While the recommendations may differ for kids, (especially young kids who won’t likely require 25 to 30 grams at breakfast), it’s important for kids to get high-quality protein at every meal too. Including enough protein foods for kids at breakfast can help them stay focused until their next meal. Studies show that eating breakfast helps kids concentrate and focus at school.

Maintaining bone health – Along with key bone-building nutrients like calcium and vitamin D, research shows protein is also a key factor in building healthy bones.

Maintaining a healthy weight – Protein plays a role in maintaining a healthy weight. As part of a calorie-controlled diet, protein has been linked to more lean muscle and less fat. It’s important to keep in mind the type, amount and timing of your protein.