Food Groups - Proteins
Food Groups Continued...
This
page gives an overview of the proteins group. While proteins make up the smallest portion on the MyPlate graph, it is an important component to every meal.
When you think protein you generally think meat, poultry and fish.
However, you can get proteins from nuts, eggs and processed soy products as well.
So even if a person is a vegetarian, there are sources of protein they can get from non meat meals.
When picking your protein portion of your plate, make them lean cuts to help reduce fats and calories.
Proteins Food Group
Additional sources include processed soy products, eggs, nuts / seeds and beans and peas.
Beans and peas are also part of the vegetable food group.
If you typically get your protein from meat, poultry etc., then you can count the beans and peas within the vegetable group.
If you are a vegetarian or you seldom eat meat, poultry or fish, then you would count some of the beans and peas into the protein food group.
Here are some examples of each of the different types of protein groups.
| Meats Lean cuts of beef, ham, lamb, pork and veal. Game meats such as bison, rabbit, venison. Lean ground meats of beef, pork and lamb. Lean luncheon meats. Organ meats such as liver and giblets. Nuts and Seeds Almonds Cashews Mixed nuts Peanuts Peanut Butter Pecans Pistachios Pumkin Seeds Sesame Seeds Sunflower Seeds Walnuts Eggs Chicken Eggs Duck Eggs |
Poultry Chicken Duck Turkey Goose Ground chicken and turkey Processed Soy Products Tofu Veggie Burgers Tempeh Texurized Vegetable Protein (TVP) Fish / Seafood Fresh Water Fish (catfish, cod, salmon, trout, tuna) Shellfish (clams, shrimp, scallops,lobster, calamari) Canned Fish (anchovies, clams, tuna, sardines) |
As with the other food groups, the protein recommended serving is based on your age and gender.
Here are the guidelines for less than 30 minutes of moderate activity per day in addition to your normal daily activities.
Here's more on the recommended portion sizes based on the food pyramid food groups.
Additional Articles
Parmesan
Tilapia Recipe
Get in some healthy proteins with this recipe. This fillet is broiled, not fried, and is such a light yet flavorful
entree.
Tips for
Eating Healthy
Use these tips to build your plate into a healthy meal.
Eating healthy can ensure you get all the vitamin and minerals your
body needs.
Diabetic Diet
If you have diabetes the you know how important it is to pick the right
foods. Check out this article to help you eat healthier for your needs.