Protein is an essential macro nutrient that is the foundation of your cells, building blocks to your muscles and is needed by your tissues and organs. Many of you have tried different diets that are focused on a variety of proteins in varying amounts to optimize health. Protein is important to your diet because it helps you preserve your lean muscle mass and also helps keep you fuller longer.
The best way to consume protein in your diet and stay fuller longer is to incorporate protein foods into your meals and snacks. This can help you curb cravings for snacks throughout the day and increases feelings of satiety. Some of the biggest changing trends in the proteins are that people are choosing more plant-based proteins. In addition to providing good protein, plant-based proteins are often packed full of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients your body needs for optimal health.
But not just plant-based proteins are becoming more popular. Seafood, nuts, and seeds are all seeing an increased demand. What foods are becoming less in demand are the red meats, bacon, and beef. People often state that they want to have clean eating choices that help them stay healthier. Sustainability, nutritional value, health benefits, direct and indirect costs, and the state of our animal farming industry has many people selecting more plant-based choices.
Plant-based proteins have a lot more vitamins, minerals, fiber and healthy fats in them while being lower in saturated fat, cholesterol, and sodium. The push may be coming from your doctor too- many people who have developed diabetes or cardiovascular diseases are learning about the impact that their diet has on their lives and making changes.
There is also a lot of news in the media about the environmental impact that the high-intensity animal farming in the US, its effect on our health and global warming. People want to decrease their greenhouse gas emissions and reducing red meat intake could play a large role in making that happen. People that are consuming red meat are still voting with their dollar and purchasing organic, free range options. Quality of their meat and knowing where their meat comes from has become an important part of families' decisions on how provide the most environmentally friendly nutritious foods for their children. Locally sourced, grass-fed animal proteins are becoming more available. Animals that are organically farmed can provide more nutrients, like more omega 3 fatty acids then their factory farmed counterparts.
Hot trends
Pulses, nuts, seeds, greener and healthier animal proteins, organic, free range, locally sourced and vegetarian options are becoming more available at stores and restaurants all over the US. The popularity of vegetarian options has really pushed the industry to produce tastier products. Foods like greek yogurt, protein bars, hummus, salmon, and tofu are becoming a daily part of peoples meal plans. Dried peas, beans, and lentils are cheap protein sources that are available everywhere and gaining in popularity.
