The Pay-offs of Protein
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What does protein do for you?
Protein is an important component of your body and your diet, serving as a building block for strong muscles and alongside calcium and vitamin D, for strong bones.
Studies also show that foods rich in protein may help satisfy hunger better than those lower in protein. Come snack time, many nutritionists recommend integrating fat-free, protein-rich options.
Finding the Right Amount of Protein in Snacks
Looking for a protein-packed snack to help satisfy your hunger? Try new Yoplait Greek which has 14-17 grams of protein in each 6 oz cup and a thick and creamy texture. Six delicious flavors – including Blueberry, Strawberry, Honey Vanilla, Key Lime, Peach and Plain – help make Yoplait Greek a perfect protein-packed snack option. Yoplait Greek yogurts are also an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D, with 40 percent Daily Value of calcium and 20 percent Daily Value of vitamin D.
Protein content in common healthy snacks:
| Yoplait Greek yogurt (6 oz) | 14-17 g protein |
| Pretzels (1 oz) | 2 g protein |
| Raisins (1 oz) | 1 g protein |
| Granola bars, chewy & crunchy (1 oz) | 1-3 g protein |
| Rice cakes (1 cake) | 0-2 g protein |
USDA Nutrient Database, Standard Reference Release 23, On-line
Other good or excellent sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, beans and other dairy products. Be certain to check fat content, since some protein sources may contain a significant amount of fat and saturated fat.
How Much Protein Do You Need?
In general, it's recommended that 10–35% of your daily calories come from protein.
| Children ages 1 – 3 | 13 g protein |
| Children ages 4 – 8 | 19 g protein |
| Children ages 9 – 13 | 34 g protein |
| Girls ages 14 – 18 | 46 g protein |
| Boys ages 14 – 18 | 52 g protein |
| Women ages 19 – 70+ | 46 g protein |
| Men ages 19 – 70+ | 56 g protein |
CDC - http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone/basics/protein.html#How much protein
