Healthy Heart Month Includes Lean Proteins

February is national Heart Health month and a reminder to all of us about ways we can keep our hearth healthy through diet and exercise.  

For the next few blogs, I am going to focus on each of the food groups and what foods keep our heart healthy and what foods may not be so healthy for you and your family's heart.  And yes, that includes children because believe it or not, unhealthy changes in the heart can begin during childhood.  

Part 3: Healthy Hearts and Protein

Next up, the PROTEIN food group.  Foods that belong in this group are the foods that are mostly made of protein.  These foods include meat, fish, eggs, soy, seeds and nuts.  

Proteins are the building blocks for making new cells and tissue for muscles, bones and cartilage which is extremely important for children who are actively growing.  And let's not forget that the heart is a muscle! But it is also vital for adults as we replace old cells with new cells throughout adulthood.  Protein is also used for making enzymes and vitamins which help keep the heart healthy.

See a complete list of foods in the protein food group. 

The American diet is generally rich in meat.  But meat tends to be also high in fat which can lead to weight issues.  The heart has to work harder for overweight individuals because it will have to pump blood to all the cells in the body and that include fat cells.  Beans and eggs are a great source of protein with less fat.

Heart Health Tip: Go lean with protein. To help your heart stay healthy choose lean red meats, pork, and skinless poultry.  

Certain proteins are also rich in healthy oils that are essential for the body.  These oils are also referred to as Omega-3 and Omega 6 fatty acids.  To get the healthy oils are body needs, we need to eat protein like fish and nuts.

Heart Health Tip: To help your heart stay healthy vary your protein to include handful of nuts and seeds and substitute meat for fish.  

More Protein Food Group Resources

Understanding the Health Benefits Of The Protein Group

Children ask you "Why should I eat that?" We have the answer you can share with your children to help them understand the importance of proteins as part of a healthy diet. A simple guide to understanding the nutrients and health benefits of the protein food group.

Protein Group - How Much Protein Does Your Child And Family Really Need?

Wondering how much protein your child needs. Getting enough protein is very important for a child to grow because protein are the building blocks for the body. Here is a simple chart that provides the protein needs for the family.

Learning About The Protein Food Group

Learn what comprises the protein group of the My Plate. We have also included tips on purchasing healthy protein at the grocery store.

Parents Guide - List Of Protein

A healthy diet incorporates a variety of protein.The protein food group is made up many more foods than just meat. Our dietitians have put together a comprehensive list of all the various types of foods that make up the protein food group.

Healthy Cuts of Meat - A Comprehensive List Of Lean Cuts Of Meat

Choosing lean cuts of meat is an important part of a healthy, well balanced meal. But with so many choices of meat, how do you find the lean cuts. We have made it easy by creating a list of lean cuts of meat from the My Plate protein group.

Lean Meat Grilling Tips

Grilling healthier meat choices this summer with your kids and family healthier meat choices. It's easy to make your family barbecue with healthier lean meat. Nine steps to healthy meats on the grill.

List Of Legumes - Healthy Protein

Learn about the healthy protein found in legumes. List of the foods that are part of legumes.

List of Seeds And Nuts From the Protein Group

Looking to increase your variety of protein. Seeds and nuts are a great source of protein and you may be surprised with the number of choices you have. Enjoy this comprehensive list of Seeds And Nust from the protein group

Guide To Common Portion And Serving Size From The Protein Group

What Counts As A Protein Serving? The protein group is an important food group that provides children with much needed protein and minerals for growing new cells for every organ in the body. Here is a guide to make a healthy serving of protein from the My Plate protein food group.