The Importance of Protein

When I was pregnant with each of my babies, the change before and after I had a good protein-packed breakfast was dramatic. It was like I’d wake up on the wrong side of the bed, until I ate. My wonderful husband would get me a good breakfast burrito, or a protein shake, and suddenly I was a completely different person. It sounds crazy, but it truly was amazing. Ray says it was like watching Mr. Hyde transform back into Dr. Jeckle over breakfast. No joke.

Even now when I’m not pregnant, we both still notice a difference. That’s why the second I start into him on a given morning, he runs down and whips up a breakfast burrito with eggs and bacon. What a guy!

As much as Ray likes to give me a hard time, he’s the same way… He always feels (and acts) much better after a good breakfast. Coffee and a muffin often just don’t cut it. Ray’s even lost 30 pounds over the past two years, and attributes it partly to eating a good breakfast every morning. Did you know that a protein-packed breakfast is a big part of staying healthy? It can even help jump start your metabolism in its calorie burning efforts!

There’s a real and tangible difference between breakfasts without protein – like muffins or bagels – and those with protein, like eggs or bacon. I know when our kiddos get cranky they often haven’t had a good breakfast, much like mommy and daddy.

So what is protein? Protein is needed for important body functions which include growth, defense of body tissues, the continuous repair of worn out body cells, the synthesis of enzymes (chemicals needed to digest and use nutrients from the diet), as well as a source of energy.

Did you know that eggs provide the highest quality protein found in any food? It’s true because they provide all of the essential amino acids our bodies need in a near-perfect pattern. While many people think the egg white has all the protein, the yolk actually provides nearly half of it. The high-quality protein in eggs helps you to feel full longer and stay energized all day. Something every busy moms needs!