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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

Protein…One of the three main macronutrients that are part of a balanced meal. It’s vital that we eat it, as it is what repairs our muscles and grows the cells that make up our bodies. But just how much protein should we be getting on a daily basis? It turns out that the amount of protein that we should be consuming each day depends on many different lifestyle factors.

The generally recommended amount of protein for adults to consume daily is 0.8 grams per pound of body weight. But, according to registered dietician Siera Holley, this number can shift either higher or lower depending on your age, weight, activity level, and for women, if you’re pregnant or not. One way to make sure that you are getting a good amount of protein in your diet is to include it in your meals throughout the day instead of just concentrating on one.

So, what are some good sources of protein? Meats, seafood, eggs, and dairy products are all great options for incorporating more protein into your diet. Different legumes such as chickpeas, lentils, and soybeans are also high in protein as well. Also, while protein is very important, don’t forget to balance it with healthy servings of fats, grains, and veggies!

Here in Arizona, it’s easy to find fresh, locally-raised, protein-rich foods. You can find meats at places such as Arizona Grass Raised Beef or the Pork Shop. Plus, we have a list of approximately 50 beef producers that will sell to you directly. For dairy, look for milk and dairy products in general. 97% of our milk in the dairy case is coming from our Arizona dairy farms. If you want to get brand-specific, Shamrock milk or Danzeisen milk are also local and at your local grocery store!

For more health-related articles, check out the Fill Your Plate blog!