There's been a lot of talk lately about the wonders of high-protein diets. However, USDA guidelines still recommend that most of your calorie intake be concentrated in grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Nonetheless, protein is an important part of your diet, as it helps to build everything from fingernails and hair to nerves and blood cells. Meat is an obvious protein source. Although most cuts of red meat have high cholesterol and fat content, they are also high in protein and minerals.
White meat is also a great source of protein and has less fat.
Try slices of cold chicken or turkey on your summer salad to boost your protein levels and your energy. Meat isn't the only source of protein, of course. And consider the fact that vegetarian women have much lower rates of cancer than meat-eating women do. Although it takes a little more planning to get your protein through plant sources, it's well worth it. Whether they're black, kidney, garbanzo or green, beans are high in protein and have no cholesterol.