Making sure to get an appropriate amount of protein should be anessential part of anyone’s diet because unlike fat and carbohydrates the bodydoes not store protein. Protein deficiency can cause hair loss, weak nails,skin rashes, fatigue and other issues, which is why it is important to makesure the body gets a sufficient amount protein everyday from the right sources.

According to Cari Neirenberg, writer of the article “How Much ProteinDo You Need,” many Americans get plentyof protein each day and Neirenberg believes that they may be getting too much fromsources such as poultry, meat, and eggs. Also, Neirenberg notes that themajority of people benefit from eating less processed meats. Bacon, hot dogs,and lunchmeats are just a few types of processed meat. Furthermore, soy foodssuch as edamame, tofu, and veggies burgers can be great substitutes in order tolimit the amount protein taken in by meat sources.

Further, protein should take up no more than one-third of your mealplates and it is best to be eaten in small portions throughout each meal inorder to avoid having too much protein. In addition, it is important to notethat not everybody requires the same amount of protein, nursing women, pregnantwomen, athletes, vegetarians, and vegans typically require more protein thanthe average person, however, many can achieve a higher protein intake withoutresorting to protein supplements.

Source: Nierenberg, C. How Much Protein Do You Need?. Guide To A Healthy Kitchen. WebMD. Retrieved Febuary 26, 2012, from http://www.webmd.com/diet/healthy-kitchen-11/how-much-protein

For a tasty little dish with a good size of protein check outFitsugar.com recipe for Avocado Quinoa Salad. Nom Nom. The grain is a complete protein (contains all nine of the essential amino acids)

with 22g per cup!