Protein is an important part of everyone’s diet! Protein is part of the building blocks in your body for bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, and blood. They also are one of three nutrients that provide calories (aka energy). Growing children need protein to keep growing and learning!
Where do we find protein? The easiest place to find protein is meat and fish, but they can be expensive, and getting a variety of protein each week is good for you. Plant protein is often easy to find, less expensive than cuts of meat, and is perfect for adding variety to your diet.
Switching up your sources of protein is also good for you! If you choose a bunch of different places to get your protein, you can give your body a bunch of different nutrients designed to keep your body working and growing like it should. B vitamins help build tissue and aid in forming red blood cells. Iron can prevent anemia. Magnesium helps build bones and supports muscle function. Zinc can support your immune systems.
If you’re looking for something sweet with protein, a plant protein is the way to go!
Protein in a dessert?! YES! It can be done!
Tofu is one way to add plant protein to your day. Tofu is made from soybeans, and soybeans and has 17 grams of protein, along with important vitamins like calcium! Look for it in the refrigerated section, and be sure to get the right firmness. There are three kinds of tofu and each can be used for certain cooking methods. Firm tofu can be cut into cubes and cooked into curry, marinated, or even grilled like a steak. Silken tofu is very soft, and will blend up into a beautiful sauce or pudding, like we are making today!
Try the recipe below, and even consider adding whole grain graham crackers to make a parfait!
