Protein Power!

• Protein is necessary for the building and repair of body tissues.




• It produces enzymes, hormones, and other substances the body uses.




• It regulates body processes, such as water balancing, transporting nutrients, and making muscles contract.




• Protein is contained in every part of your body: the skin, muscles, hair, blood, body organs, eyes, fingernails and bones.




• Next to water, protein is the most plentiful substance in your body.




• Proteins are made of small units called amino acids (the building blocks of protein).




• There are 8 amino acids that we must get from foods these are called ESSNETIAL amino acids.




• Excess protein will be stored as fat.




• Without exercise, the fat will keep building.




• Excess protein may also result in osteoporosis (bone loss) and kidney stones (a solid piece of material that forms in a kidney).

Eat Protein Properly:
Not all protein is found in meat. Other great sources of protein include:
o Soy: Edamame, soy nuts, tofu, soy milk
o Dairy: Yogurt, milk, cottage cheese,
o Nuts: All different kinds!
o Whole grains: Bread, rice, pasta
· Do not make protein the largest portion of your meal; that honor should go to vegetables.
· Limit your intake of red meat as much as possible.
· Eat fish a couple times a week.
· Try and replace meat with beans or tofu 2-3 times a week.

Visit http://www.savvyvegetarian.com/ to learn some delicious recipes that don’t involve meat!