By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern
We’ve all heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. After all, it is the meal that breaks the fast we’d been holding all night while we slept. Since this is the first meal your body eats after that fast, you must get enough protein in this meal to give you a boost of energy that will last you.
Find out why breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. (photo credit: BigStockPhoto.com)
So, why is protein so important? Protein is a macronutrient that is essential for cell maintenance, cell repair, and preserved muscle mass. It is also where we get the 9 essential amino acids that our bodies can’t make on their own. When we consume it along with high-fiber carbohydrates and healthy fats, it provides us with sustained energy and stable blood sugar levels, helping us to feel fuller for longer periods.
According to the USDA’s Dietary Guidelines, about 10-30% of our daily calorie intake should be comprised of protein. Breakfast is a great place to get a lot of that protein, as many breakfast foods such as eggs, bacon, sausage, yogurt, milk, and cheese are all very protein-rich!
Arizona agriculture produces each one of those high-protein breakfast foods mentioned above. So, when you’re out shopping at your local farmers market or grocery store, look for meats, eggs, and dairy products that are produced locally!