Eating a variety of foods from all the MyPyramid food groups will ensure that you meet your protein needs.

Animal Products

Animal products tend to be our primary sources of protein. Examples include:

• Milk
• Eggs
• Cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Meat
• Fish
• Poultry

 

Plant Foods

Plant foods can contain protein, but in smaller amounts. Plant foods include:

• Cereal
• Bread
• Soy products
• Beans
• Nuts
• Nut butters like peanut butter

 

Proteins are made up of 20 amino acids

• Nine are "essential" – which means you must get them from your diet because your body cannot make them
• 11 are "non essential" – which means they can be made by cells of the body if your body has the necessary "materials" available.

To ensure you are getting all of the amino acids you need, be sure to eat a variety of protein sources.