Why Protein?
According to the USDA MyPlate program and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, protein provides 4 calories per gram. In addition to calories, protein provides amino acids that assist in building and preserving body muscle and tissues.
Protein is found in a wide variety of animal and plant foods. For protein, plant-based sources and/or animal-based sources can be incorporated into a healthy eating pattern. However, some protein products, particularly some animal-based sources, are high in saturated fat, so non-fat, low-fat, or lean choices should be selected.
To determine how much protein you should be eating, visit the Protein Foods Gallery at ChooseMyPlate.gov