Slimfast voluntary recall

Slimfast has put out a nationwide voluntary recall on all of it's ready to drink products in cans, regardless of best by date, flavor or lot code. The company says they may be contaminated with micro-organisms, making some people sick.

The company producing Slimfast, Unilever, says the recall is out of an abundance of caution. Only the cans are being recalled, the powdered shakes, meal bars and snack bars are safe to eat.

If you have any of the can products you can take them back to the store or call the company at 1-800-896-9479 for a full refund. Unilever says it's in the process of fixing the problem.

Mood, Energy, Stress foods

Improve your mood with these foods and eat these fruits, vegetables and grains to increase energy, decrease stress-
Improve mood
* For protein plus omega-3 fats in one great package
Examples: anchovies, black cod, catfish, clams, crab, flounder, halibut, herring, lobster, mackerel, oysters, rockfish, sablefish, salmon, sardines, scallops, shrimp, trout, tuna
* Carbohydrates
Examples: whole grains, beans, potatoes and root vegetables, winter squash, all fruits and vegetables
* Tryptophan and carbohydrates in one great package
Examples: milk and dairy products — lowfat/nonfat milk, yogurt, kefir, smoothies
* Antioxidants
Examples: fruits, vegetables, grape juice, green tea and oolong tea
* Crunchy foods (stimulate the secretion of serotonin by the trigeminal nerve)
Examples: popped corn, apples, carrots, celery

Decrease or prepare for higher stress, anxiety, anger, frustration
* Healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated)
Examples: olives, olive oil, nuts, seeds, nut and seed butters, nut and seed oils, avocados, fish
* Whey protein
Examples: milk and dairy products — lowfat/nonfat milk, yogurt, kefir, smoothies, whey protein powder
* Tryptophan and B vitamins
Examples: turkey, lean pork, beef, chicken
* Magnesium (decrease headaches)
Examples: nuts, beans, whole grains, spinach
* Ginger (decrease headaches, pain relief)
* Anti-inflammatory effects (bioflavonoids)
Examples: pomegranates, grape juice, soy, kale, green beans, apples, citrus, prunes.
Also for other anti-inflammatories that they contain: pineapple, fish, wheat germ
* Zinc and iron (boosts immune function)
Examples: lean meats, eggs, seafood, whole grains

Boost physical energy and alertness
* Calories: Eat enough of a variety of all feel-great foods.
* Water: Stay well hydrated for your body and your brain.
* Carbohydrates plus protein: Fuel your muscles and your brain.
* Phospholipids from eggs and soy: Allow for nutrients to pass into the brain cell, keeping your memory and brain function sharp.
* Fiber from whole grains, flaxseed, apples, berries and beans. Keep blood sugar levels even for sustained energy all day.
* Caffeine: 1-2 shots or cups before noon or before exercise will give you a great pick-me-up that will aid your alertness and exercise. Too much, or after noon, will backfire and make you feel lousy. Use other energy boosters after noon, and get plenty of rest.

Eye-Opener Smoothie
"The Good Mood Diet"
Makes 1 serving
INGREDIENTS
• 1 cup fat-free milk
• 1 Chai tea bag
• 14 grams protein from vanilla isolated whey protein powder
• 1 teaspoon Splenda
• 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 ice cubes
DIRECTIONS
Heat the milk in the microwave and pour over the tea bag; steep 5 to 8 minutes. Discard the tea bag. Cool the milk in the refrigerator for 20 minutes or even overnight. Pour the milk into a blender and add the protein powder, Splenda, nutmeg, and ice cubes. Blend 1 minute, until smooth.

(food tips from Dr. Susan Kleiner, author of “The Good Mood Diet.” )

Fruits, waters,...

EATING FRUIT...

It's long but very informative
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We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.
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What is the correct way of eating fruits?
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IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! * FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN EMPTY STOMACH.
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If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities.
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FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD. Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.
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In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil....
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So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining - every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet etc - actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat!
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Graying hair, balding, nervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will NOT happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.
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There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.
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When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.
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But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look!
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KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.
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APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke.
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STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals.
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ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer.
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WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher.. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene - the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium.
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GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes.
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Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can u believe this?? For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal.
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A serious note about heart attacks HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE': (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!) Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting.. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line.. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack . Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms.. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive...

Protein needs estimate

The simplest way to guestimate your protein needs is to use your weight!
What do you weigh in pounds?
Use that number as the number of grams of protein minimum you need daily.
For example, if you weigh 127 pounds and eat just salads, how are you providing your body with its 127 grams of protein?
Your body needs protein for its energy. If your nails or your hair are not healthy and strong, look at your protein intake. Healing uses protein- broken bones, chemo....
Don't cheat yourself. Have an egg, some tuna, fish, a protein powder shake.

Food Storage

Keep it or toss it?
How long will your favorite food or beverage stay safe and tasty?
What is the best way to store it?
The answers to these and many more questions that you didn't know you had can be found at this website:
http://www.stilltasty.com/
Browse Shelf Life Information By Category or type in an item in their search box.





Can You Safely Drink Milk After the Sell-By Date?
Is it OK to Put Hot Food Directly Into the Fridge?
Are Eggs Still Safe After the Expiration Date?
Expiration Dates: Should You Pay Attention?
3 Ways to Defrost Food Safely

There are so many more, enjoy!

Below the posts on this page, you will see the protein intake calculator-this is a guideline to determining your protein needs. Try it, but remember that it is an estimate.

Protein Intake Calculator Description : Find the right amount of protein recommended for your diet. Proper nutrition is critical for overall health and exercise performance. Enter your information in this calculator and get practical estimates for your daily dietary protein intake. The results of the protein intake calculator will show you the estimated number of grams of protein that should be consumed daily, and by each meal, depending on the goals you want to achieve.

Dinner is easy tonight and can't be all that bad for you!
Into the crockpot went:
2 handfuls of chunks of skinless, boneless chicken breast from my freezer
2 cans of chopped tomatoes (with celery, onions....whichever can you prefer)
1 can black beans
1 Tablespoon Oregano
1 teaspoon chicken broth powder
carrots, onions, potatoes, chayote, whatever you choose!
Halfway through cooking time add:
1 cup of frozen mixed veggies (such as one with brocolli, corn, carrots, -again your choice)

Leave in crockpot several hours. Currently my house smells delightful!
I will be cooking up a pot of High protein pasta to add to the bowls when it gets dished up.

Thank you GNC Whey Protein!
You just turned my sweet urge into a healthy lunch!

One scoop of protein powder (120 cals, 20g protein) stirred into one Dannon Light and Fit Yogurt (80 cals, 5g protein) and that makes 200 cals with 25 grams of protein!!!
I prefer vanilla protein powders and strawberry banana yogurt but mix and match!

New Info: rose.amethyst @ gmail.com

Hi all
Anytime you want me to post your post/article/link/whatever, please email it to me at rose.amethyst @ gmail.com or at least comment here!

Bananas

After Reading this, you will NEVER look at a banana in the same way again! Bananas Contain three natural sugars - sucrose, fructose and glucose combined with fiber, a banana gives an instant, sustained and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet. Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken by MIND amongst people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood and generally make you feel better. PMS: Forget the pills -- eat a banana. The vitamin B6 it contains regulates blood glucose levels, which can affect your mood. Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.. Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it the perfect way to beat blood pressure. So much so, the US Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke. Brain Power: 200 students at a Twickenham (Middlesex England ) school were helped through their exams this year by eating bananas at breakfast, break, and lunch in a bid to boost their brain power. Research has shown that the potassium-packed fruit can assist learning by making pupils more alert. Constipation: High in fiber, including bananas in the diet can help restore normal bowel action, helping to overcome the problem without resorting to laxatives. Hangovers: One of the quickest ways of curing a hangover is to make a banana milkshake, sweetened with honey. The banana calms the stomach and, with the help of the honey, builds up depleted blood sugar levels, while the milk soothes and re-hydrates your system.. Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief. Morning Sickness: Snacking on bananas between meals helps to keep blood sugar levels up and avoid morning sickness Mosquito bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.

WARTS:

Wrap the inside of banana skin around the wart overnight, or 6 to 8 hours during the day and wart is gone.

Nerves:
Bananas are high in B vitamins that help calm the nervous system.

Overweight and at work?
Studies at the Institute of Psychology in Austria found pressure at work leads to gorging on comfort food like chocolate and chips. Looking at 5,000 hospital patients, researchers found the most obese were more likely to be in high-pressure jobs. The report concluded that, to avoid panic-induced food cravings, we need to control our blood sugar levels by snacking on high carbohydrate foods every two hours to keep levels steady.

Ulcers:
The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.

Temperature control:
Many other cultures see bananas as a 'cooling' fruit that can lower both the physical and emotional temperature of expectant mothers. In Thailand , for example, pregnant women eat bananas to ensure their baby is born with a cool temperature.

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD):
Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

Smoking:
Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6 and B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.

Stress:
Potassium is a vital mineral which helps normalize the heartbeat, sends oxygen to the brain and regulates your body's water balance. When we are stressed, our metabolic rate rises, thereby reducing our potassium levels. These can be rebalanced with the help of a high-potassium banana snack.

Strokes:
According to research in 'The New England Journal of Medicine,' eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death from strokes by as much as 40%!

So, a banana really is a natural remedy for many ills. When you compare it to an apple, it has four times the protein, twice the carbohydrates, three times the phosphorus, five times the vitamin A and iron, and twice the other vitamins and minerals. It is also rich in potassium and is one of the best value foods around. So maybe it’s time to change that well-known phrase so that we say, 'A banana a day keeps the doctor away!'

Footnote:
If your roses are covered with Aphids, drape banana skins over the branches, It’s amazing, but in a day or less, they are GONE!
I've tried it, and I couldn't believe it, no more aphids, as long as I save my banana skins for the rose bushes!

How to Lose Weight and Burn Fat: The Best Diet For Getting In Shape - Protein Tips!

Want to discover the best way to lose weight, burn fat, and get in shape? There are many vital aspects, but you can't miss these tips on protein!

1. Step 1

   We have all heard the expression 'protein power'. What does it mean? Is protein just for bodybuilders? How important is protein for the average everyday person?
   
   Protein is for everybody, we all need it. It energizes us and keeps us running on 'high octane' all through the day. It gives the body that metabolism boost that fuels us right through the whole day.
   
   Bodybuilders, fitness trainers, people wanting to lose fat and tone up. Even 'couch potatoes' can benefit from protein.
   
   Why is protein so special? Did you know that eating protein food causes the largest metabolic response by our bodies?

2. Step 2

   Metabolism, metabolism, metabolism. When people talk about losing weight, that word inevitably come up. We just love to blame our metabolism for that extra fat!
   
   But it does not have to be that way! When we eat protein food, our bodies use up to 25% of the food calories just to break it down and digest it!
   
   So, you want a faster metabolism? Eat more protein, simple as that.
   
   What else make protein so special and productive for us? Protein is crucial to proper hormone and enzyme activity within the body. It stabilizes blood sugar levels.
   
   Protein is what rebuilds our muscle tissue. Healthy muscles mean a healthy metabolism. Simply put, protein is very important to a productive metabolism.
   
   How do we most productively and easily incorporate protein power into our everyday routine?

3. Step 3

   Take a field note from bodybuilders. They have shown us time and time again that the 5-6 meals\snacks per day type of eating is very productive. Be sure to eat 2-3 snacks in everyday if you want to maximize your metabolism.
   
   One easy way to add quality protein to your diet is with a protein bar. Protein bars make a perfect snack, no matter what your goals.
   
   Remember, portion control and eating a proper amount is very important. Always read those labels and make sure you are well aware of what you are eating.
   
   Protein power. Maximize your metabolism by making sure you are eating a proper amount.

How to make a Weight Loss Protein Shake

A weight loss protein shake will boost your metabolism. If you want enough energy to last all day, here is a weight loss protein shake.

Things You'll Need:

• Protein shake powder
• Blender
• Desire to lose weight

1. Step 1

   Make sure you have high quality protein powder and a blender to make your weight loss protein shake. It doesn't have to taste bad either. You can match the flavor of your protein powder with your shake. It is important to have quality protein powder because it lasts longer in your system.

2. Step 2

   Add protein powder to your weight loss protein shake. Banana flavor works well if you add two bananas. One full scoop should be enough, although it depends on your weight. Packing so much protein into a shake makes you feel full without eating a lot.

3. Step 3

   Place two ice cubes into the blender and add your favorite juice. A weight loss protein shake juice that works well is pineapple juice.

4. Step 4

   Blend your weight loss protein shake for about thirty seconds. It is best to drink it quickly before it settles. This is an easy way to lose weight when you do it consistently

High-Protein Liquid Diet

By Ann Olson, eHow Editor
Many people use high protein liquid diets as a means of quick, rapid weight loss. Weight loss clinics have used high protein liquids diets since the 1970s to help obese individuals lose weight. High protein liquid diets are not recommended by the medical community, however, due to surmounting evidence showing it causes physical and mental harm.

Features

1. High protein liquid diets only allow dieters to drink high protein liquid shakes to lose weight. It is very low in calories; on average, dieters consume 800 calories per day.

Significance

2. High protein liquid diets are used for weight loss purposes. Physicians also prescribe it to patients before undergoing certain surgeries, including stomach and bowel surgeries.

Time Frame

3. Liquid diets last from 3 days to 2 weeks. Many physicians do not recommend dieting over 2 weeks, due to the increased risk of developing ketosis.

Effects

4. People on high protein liquid diets experience rapid weight loss. Other effects include dizziness, fainting, dehydration and heart palpitations.

Theories/Speculation

5. Alternative health practitioners believe high protein liquid diets clean out the colon, removing toxins from the body. These claims are not supported by the medical community, however.

What Foods to Eat on a Protein Diet

Protein is an essential nutrient for our bodies, especially if we wish to lose weight and/or have strong, toned muscles. Those who work out know how vital protein is toward keeping muscles from getting sore and damaged. Without this nutrient, it would be impossible to move the day after a workout. Protein can be received in many foods, and most bodybuilders put themselves on a diet of high-protein foods. Knowing what foods to eat on a protein diet will help you acquire strong muscles.

Poultry

1. Chicken and turkey are the best sources of protein among meats. They offer more lean cuts, which means you can have a solid amount of protein with less saturated fat. White meat is a better choice than dark. A 3.5-ounce chicken breast will yield approximately 30 grams of protein.

Seafood

2. Fish and other seafood is also an excellent source of protein. They contain very little fats as long as they are not fried or breaded, which makes them an excellent choice when increasing your protein intake. A small 6-ounce can of tuna can give you 40 grams of protein. Lobster, crab and shrimp are also beneficial sources of protein.

Beef

3. Though beef gives you a large amount of protein, it is also the fattest meat. Therefore, it should only be eaten in moderation, and only the leanest cuts should be consumed. Ground beef should be 93/7 on the fat ratio. Other cuts from the round and sirloin is OK as long as the visible fat is trimmed away.

Nuts and Seeds

4. Nuts and seeds make a large amount of protein, making them a popular snack for bodybuilders. These do contain some saturated fats, which are healthy in moderation. Two tablespoons of peanut butter will give you about 8-to-10 grams of protein, while 1/4 cup of other nuts and seeds contain 3-to-10 grams (See resources for full list).

Beans and Soy

5. Beans and soy are often eaten as an alternative to meats, especially for vegetarians. They offer lots of protein, as well as substantial amounts of fiber and other nutrients. One cup of most cooked beans will give you about 17-to-20 grams of protein. Soybeans contain 28 grams of protein per cooked cup. Tofu, a chosen meat alternative, yields about 40 grams per cup.

Eggs

6. Eggs can be cooked in many ways and added to almost every meal as a protein supplement. One large egg contains about 6 grams of protein. Therefore, they are recommended to be eaten along with protein-rich meats and vegetables.

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 keeps the body healthy by resisting diseases that are common to malnourished people.
Prevents one from becoming easily fatigued by producing stamina and energy.
Protein is found in muscles, bone, hemoglobin, myoglobin, hormones, antibodies, and enzymes, and makes up about 45% of the human body. Muscle is approximately 70% water and only about 20% protein. Therefore, increasing muscle mass requires extra water, extra energy in the form of carbohydrates (to maintain the needs of that extra muscle), and a little extra protein.

According to Dr. Dan Benardot, for an athlete increasing muscle mass at an extraordinarily high rate of 1 kg/week (2.2 lbs of extra muscle per week), only 4 extra ounces of meat per day would be needed. In most surveys that have been done on athletes, protein intake from food far exceeds requirements. The generally accepted athlete requirement for protein is between 1.5 and 2.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. Many studies show that athletes commonly consume well over 3.0 grams per kilogram of body weight. Most athletes need slightly more protein than non athletes. However, muscle strength, size, and shape comes from athletic training, not dietary protein intake

Two to three servings of lean meat or alternatives each day should give enough protein to meet requirements.
Vegetarian athletes may need two to three servings of legumes, eggs, nuts, seeds or additional dairy products each day.

(sharing info)

Another reason weight loss is achieved on these high-protein diets, at least temporarily, is actually due to water loss. The increase in the amount of protein consumed, especially from meat and dairy products, raises the levels of uric acid and urea in the blood. These are toxic by-products of protein breakdown and metabolism. The body eliminates this uric acid and urea by pumping lots of water into the kidneys and urinary tract to help it flush out. However, a detrimental side effect of this diuretic response is the loss of essential minerals from the body, including calcium. The high intake of protein leaches calcium from the bones, which leads to osteoporosis.

Medical evidence shows that the body loses an average of 1.75 milligrams of calcium in the urine for every 1 gram increase in animal protein ingested. Additionally, as calcium and other minerals are leached from our bones, they are deposited in the kidneys and can form into painful kidney stones. If a kidney stone becomes large enough to cause a blockage, it stops the flow of urine from the kidney and must be removed by surgery or other methods.

Plant-based proteins, like that found in soy, lowers LDL cholesterol and raises HDL (the good) cholesterol. This prevents the build up of arterial plaque which leads to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and heart disease, thus reducing the risk heart attack and stroke. The amount and type of protein in your diet also has an important impact on calcium absorption and excretion. Vegetable-protein diets enhance calcium retention in the body and results in less excretion of calcium in the urine. This reduces the risk of osteoporosis and kidney problems. Interestingly, kidney disease is far less common in people who eat a vegetable-based diet than it is in people who eat an animal-based diet. By replacing animal protein with vegetable protein and replacing saturated fat with unsaturated fat, like that found in olive and canola oils, you can avoid the pitfalls of the typical high-protein diet. You will be able to improve your health and regulate your weight while enjoying a vast array of delicious, nutritionally dense, high fiber foods.

(Not necessarily my opinion but more information)

Understanding Your Daily Protein Needs

Protein is an essential nutrient for good health. Without sufficient protein, our bodies won’t be able to work as well as they should. For example, you won’t be able to build lean, healthy muscle nor will some of your body’s important functions, such as your immune system, work correctly. However, most of our protein sources are also high in fat so finding the right balance and eating enough protein for a healthy body can be a challenge. Below are some guidelines to help you determine how much protein you should have in your daily diet.

Your Daily Protein Allowance
A recommended daily allowance (RDA) has been determined for us, by the government, based on a combination of gender and age. The protein needs for children are relatively low at 16 to 28 grams for ages 1 to 10. When men and women hit adolescence, ages 11-14, their protein needs are about the same at 45 to 46 grams. However, women’s protein requirements lessen , to about 50 grams as they hit 25 + years, while men’s increase to about 63 grams. However, women do need more protein when they are pregnant – up to 60 grams.

While using an age/gender chart to determine your RDA may be an easy answer, our body size is another important part of determining our protein needs. The more we weigh the more protein we are going to need to keep our body working properly. There is some calculations you will need to do to determine your best requirements. Additionally, you also need to realize that your protein requirements are affected by your normal activity levels. Taking into consideration that most of us don’t exercise regularly, we would need about .36 grams of protein per pound of body weight. The more exercise and athletic you are, the more protein you are going to need.

Using these calculations, take your weight and multiply it by .36 giving you an estimated protein requirement per day. Therefore, an average person with a weight of 160 pounds would need about 57 grams of protein per day. An average person with a weight of 125 pounds would need about 45 grams of protein a day.

RDA protein = Food
Now that you know how much protein, on average, you should be eating daily, you need to understand how much protein is in the food you’re eating. Below are a few examples:

• 1 cup skim milk = 8 grams
• 1 egg = 6 grams
• ½ cup cottage cheese = 14 grams
• 1 slice bacon = 21 grams
• 1 ounce of peanuts = 7 grams
• 6 ounces of tofu = 12 grams
• 3 ounces of sirloin steak = 26 grams
• ¼ lb hamburger patty = 28 grams
• 1 ounce American cheese = 6 grams

As you can see, you don’t need to eat a lot of food to reach your RDA on protein, whether you use the easy chart or the calculation method. If you do want to indulge on protein, you are better off choosing foods derived from plants, such as peanuts and tofu, than animal products, such as cheese and meat, because of the higher fat content in the latter. Remember that moderation is always the key to healthy eating, even when you’re talking about eating your favorite foods.

Article borrowed without permission from:
http://www.nutralegacy.com/blog/general-h

ealthcare/understanding-your-daily-protein-needs/