Fuel the energy of your guests with protein!
Fuel the energy of your guests with protein!
There’s a new food pyramid designed by the USDA to guide us to eat healthier so we can be healthier. It focuses on eating more real food, more protein, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, whole grains and full-fat dairy with no added sugar. These guidelines suggest reducing refined sugars or carbohydrates by selecting zero added sugars in your food choices. Highly processed foods and artificial additives should be avoided. Serve foods that are baked, broiled, roasted or grilled instead of fried.
PROTEIN
Serve nutrient-dense protein!
Protein is now at the top of the food pyramid and should be included in every meal and in between. Why? Because just like a car that needs gas for every mile it travels, the body needs a steady supply of proteins to support metabolism and hormone production, help maintain bones and build new muscle proteins, which fuels more energy!
Good protein foods include lean meat, dairy, eggs, grains, nuts, vegetables, fruits and plant based meats and are considered complete proteins because they contain all 20 amino acids. Full-fat dairy with no added sugar is a great source of not only protein but also healthy fats, vitamins and minerals.
Here are some great suggestions for protein menu items other than meat:
DAIRY
Greek yogurt – for breakfast or a snack
Cheese – add to egg dishes, sandwiches, wraps and entrée salads
EGGS
Breakfast frittatas
Scrambles
Hard cooked eggs- as a snack or add to breakfast items and salads
GRAINS
Oatmeal
Granola- add to a yogurt parfait
NUTS
Walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, and pecans- great as a mixed nut snack or add to salads or oatmeal
VEGETABLES
Black Beans – include in burrito bowls or add as a side item to any hot meal such as fajitas or tacos
Broccoli – add raw broccoli to any salad or fresh vegetable tray, or add steamed broccoli as a side item to any hot meal
Peas- serve as a side vegetable for hot meals or in a vegetable combination such as a white rice medley
FRUITS
Avocados – Nutrient-dense and great any time of day- serve as a snack or with burrito bowls, fajita bars or taco bars
Blueberries – add to yogurt, oatmeal, or salads
Oranges – serve as a snack, include in a fresh fruit basket, add to salads or fresh fruit cups or replace sweet desserts in box lunches with these
Raspberries – serve as a snack, include in a fresh fruit tray, add to yogurt parfaits, or add to salads or fresh fruit cups
PLANT BASED MEATS
Add rice and beans, or hummus to make these plant-based proteins complete.
* Plant based chicken, sliced or as tenders– in burrito bowls or as an entrée for a hot meal
* Plant based beef steak –add as a hot meal protein
NOTE: This is informative only and does not represent medical advice.
Please see our suggested protein items on our Corporate Menu.
Would you like help planning nutrient-dense protein meals? Please contact us!
For more information about the USDA new food pyramid and other dietary guidelines, please view USDA Dietary Guidelines.