Understanding proteins has really changed how I think about food and plan my meals. Here’s what I've learned:

1. Why Protein Matters

Protein is called the building block of life for a good reason. It helps our bodies repair tissues, build muscles, and even keeps our immune system strong. Because of this, I've started to include more protein-rich foods in my meals!

2. Getting the Right Balance

When I plan my meals, I try to get the right balance of three main types of nutrients: carbs, proteins, and fats. Here’s a simple guideline:

• Carbohydrates: 45-65% of what I eat
• Proteins: 10-35% of what I eat
• Fats: 20-35% of what I eat

Knowing these numbers helps me figure out how much protein I need. For example, if I eat about 2,000 calories a day, I should aim for around 150 to 175 grams of protein. Since 1 gram of protein has about 4 calories, 150 grams gives me about 600 calories from protein alone.

3. Ideas for Meals

Now, I build my meals around a good source of protein. Here are some examples of what I eat:

• Breakfast: Greek yogurt with berries and a few nuts
• Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with lots of veggies
• Dinner: Quinoa with black beans, spinach, and salmon
• Snacks: Hummus with carrots or a protein shake

4. How I Feel

Focusing on protein has made me feel fuller and more energetic throughout the day. It’s pretty great how eating more protein can help me build muscle and manage my weight better. Plus, I've noticed that I don’t crave snacks as much!

So, learning more about protein has really changed how I plan my meals and take care of my nutrition!