Protein Explained

Protein is a macronutrient that is essential to supporting your muscles and bones. Macronutrient means that it provides energy or calories. Protein has little effect on raising blood glucose levels – in fact, it’s helpful when combined with carbohydrates and helps to prevent post meal blood sugar spikes. Therefore, we recommend protein with meals & snacks to help support healthy growth and tissue repair and to help manage your blood glucose levels. If you’re looking for some guidance, it’s recommended that ¼ of your plate contains protein from sources listed below. However, as always, see your dietitian or diabetes educator for more specific recommendations for YOU!

Protein sources:

• Lean meats such as beef, pork
• Poultry such as chicken, turkey, duck
• Fish & seafood such as white fish, salmon, crab, prawns, mussels
• Eggs
• Dairy such as milk, cheese, & yogurt
• Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, pistachios, cashews
• Legumes and beans such as black beans, pinto beans, white beans, chickpeas, lentils
• Tofu, soybeans, tempeh