Lean proteins are one of the critical nutrients of a healthy diet. “Eat lean proteins with your meals everyday.” Since protein is digested more slowly, you feel less hungry. Include a lean protein in each one of your meals.

“A Healthy Eating Plan (NIH) gives your body the nutrients it needs every day while staying within your daily calorie goal for weight loss. A healthy eating plan also will lower your risk for heart disease and other health conditions.”  In addition, it emphasizes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products, limits saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars and controls portion sizes.

It should also include lean proteins such as:

• Fish/Shell Fish
• Nonfat/lowfat dairy
• Quinoa
• Skinless chicken/turkey
• Eggs
• Beans/lentils
• Nuts/nut butters
• Lean cuts of pork/beef

Lean proteins help you to feel full and can promote weight loss!