Goal For 2012: Get More Protein (And Giveaway)

*This post is part of the Soy Simple Campaign*

Although I’m not one to make “New Years Resolutions,” I do like to set mini goals every once and awhile to keep my diet and fitness level in check.

It’s that time of year again. You know, the time when we start making that vow to clean up our diet, exercise more, and lose a few pounds, but we only last about two weeks before we go back to our old selves.

The truth is that short term goals don’t work. Resolutions and goals for a healthier you should be made with the future in mind.

Whenever I set a new goal, I look at the big picture. I make long term changes that I know are obtainable and something that I want to do, not that I think I should do.

Setting realistic, attainable goals are the best way to make sure you will not only make healthy changes in the short-term, but that you will make resolutions that will last into the future.

This week’s post for the Soy Simple Campaign is focused on getting more protein in your diet to achieve long term well being.

A lot of plant-based foods like soy and legumes can actually give you about the same amount of protein as meat. My breakfast always includes nut butter for a hefty source of protein and heart healthy fat!

For lunch, I like to a sandwich with some sort of protein as well. Right now, I’m loving combination pictured above (tofu, hummus, spinach, and tomato on sprouted grain bread).

1. Soy products carry essential nutrients that range from protein, vitamins, calcium and minerals, folic acid, and iron. Tempeh, for example, is loaded with fiber, protein, polyunsaturated fats, calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium and B vitamins.
2. Soy is a complete protein, just as meat is a complete protein. If you follow a vegetarian diet that limits common sources of protein like meat, eggs, and fish, then adding soy to your diet can give you a protein boost.
3. Soy is generally high in calcium. One cup of soy milk has 35 to 50% of your daily needs for calcium. A half a cup of tofu will get you about 20% of your daily needs.

If you’re not a soy fan (I’m looking at you dad!), then there are plenty of other ways to get a healthy source of protein:

• Fish
• Poultry
• Beans
• Nuts
• Whole grains
• Eggs
• Low fat dairy

What’s your favorite way to get protein in your diet?

Giveaway

This week, I’m giving away another $50 gift card to Sports Authority!

To enter, tweet the following:

RT @athletesplate: Goal For 2012: Get More Protein http://wp.me/p18If6-1LS #soysimple

Good Luck!

Contest is only open to U.S. residents, 18 years of age and older. One entry, per person, per contest.

*Please read this post for my disclaimer*

Tagged as: Protein, Soy Simple Campaign, Tofu