Protein Group

Protein Group All foods made from meat, poultry, seafood, beans and peas, eggs, processed soy products, nuts, and seeds are considered part of the Protein Foods Group. Select a variety of protein foods to improve nutrient intake and health benefits, including cooked seafood. Meat and poultry choices should be lean or low-fat.

Sources of protein include:

 Beef

 Pork (ham, pork chops)

 Lamb

 Veal

 Poultry (chicken, turkey)

 Beans (black, kidney, chickpeas, lentils, navy, pinto, white, soy beans, split peas)

 Eggs

 Canned fish (sardines, salmon, tuna, anchovies, clams)

 Fish (cod, tuna, sea bass, catfish, flounder, halibut, swordfish, trout, mackerel)

 Shellfish (shrimp, lobster, crab, mussels, oysters, scallops)

 Nuts (almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, pistachios, peanuts, pecans)

 Seeds (sesame, pumpkin, squash, sunflower)

Tips for Serving the Protein Group for Children  Choose a variety of protein foods such as seafood, beans, lean

meats, poultry, and eggs.

 Limit highly processed poultry, fish, or meat (like hotdogs, chicken nuggets, and fish sticks). Even some “reduced-fat” meats and cold cuts, like sausage, bologna, and salami, may be high in saturated fat and sodium.

 Add beans to children’s favorite foods. Add beans and peas to tacos, casseroles, stews, pastas, and side dishes.