Introduction
Protein is one of the four main nutrients, made up of tiny building blocks called amino acids. Essential Amino Acids are not produced by the body, so they need to be digested in food. Copious amounts of protein helps the body build muscle. They’re used to make muscles, tendons, organs and skin. They also make up hormones and enzymes. Proteins are truly the most versatile nutrient.
There are three types of Proteins:
Complete-provide all amino acids.
Incomplete-low in one or more essential amino acids.
Complementary- two or more incomplete proteins that together provide a good amount of amino acids.
Each body is different, and each has a specific baseline amount of protein reccomended daily to stay healthy.
Task
Your task is as follows:
-Using blank white paper, separate the page into four sections. Then, sketch four fictional people. Think of varying ages, weights, heights, and exercise levels for each person.
-Write down this information down along with their names.
Using the provided link in the "Process" page, calculate their recommended daily protein intake and record this too.
-Using the final two links, research the examples of each of the three essential proteins.
-Choose different foods and research their protein amount individually.
-Using at least one example from each of the three types of proteins, draw a daily protein plan for each of your four characters. (draw and label foods that add up to the recommended protein intake for each character.) The protein count can fluxuate 3 or 4 above or below the recommended.
Process
Daily Protein Intake Calculator: http://www.calculator.net/protein-calculator.html
Complete vs. Incomplete Proteins: http://www.builtlean.com/2012/10/03/complete-vs-incomplete-protein-sources/
Complementary Proteins: http://bastyr.edu/news/health-tips/2011/09/what-are-complementary-proteins-and-how-do-we-get-them
Evaluation
Once you are finished with all four characters' plans, compare the protein plans for each individual. Isn't it interesting how physical traits can regulate how much protein the body can handle?