Where's the Beef? (or chicken, or fish or...protein?)

Okay, I'm giving away my age with this but...do you remember several years ago (alright, maybe a few more than that) when a fast food chain had a commercial with an elderly lady who went around asking, "where's the beef"? The message was that the competition didn't have enough meat on their hamburgers and therefore promoted that there was a thick, juicy burger at their restaurant.

Today, I ask you...where's the beef (or chicken, fish or nuts)? In other words, where's the protein? So many diets are full of carbohydrates and fat (which are both needed in moderation) but lacking in another very important nutrient...protein.

It is important to make sure that you consume a balanced diet that contain all six classes of nutrients: vitamins, minerals, water, protein, carbohydrates and fats. Protein is a nutrient that our bodies need. Let me give you a couple of examples.

I heard a study that someone did using their own body as a test subject. This particular woman who is a fitness instructor and at the proper weight and physique decided to do a test for several weeks. She consumed the same number of calories per day and continued with her same exercise routine however instead of consuming her calories from a balance of carbs and proteins, she decided to receive them from more carbohydrates and to cut her protein intake. After a few weeks, she weighed the same amount - did not gain or lose because her calorie amount was the same however there was huge difference in her body composition. Although she had not changed her exercise routine, she noticed that she had lost muscle mass and in place, her body was 'flabby'. All from a lack of protein.

For me personally, I have been tracking my food intake on a free website that I highly recommend (www.sparkpeople.com). Tracking on this site will automatically break down your food into calorie, fat, fiber, carbohydrates, sodium, etc. The advantage is knowing exactly where your calories are coming from. Since doing so, I have noticed little changes in my body. Once change is that my fingernails which normally do not grow, have been growing and are strong - something I've been challenged with for several years. Just by increasing and maintaining a proper amount of protein, a problem that I've had has been resolved! I encourage you to do your own test and see the results you get.

So, the next time you sit down to eat a meal or to grab a quick snack, ask yourself....where's the beef?