Are there complete proteins in your meals?

Proteins are made up of amino acids. Our bodies can make some of these amino acids, but not all of them. The amino acids our bodies can’t make are referred to as the 9 essential amino acids: histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine. (Hard to pronounce, we know!)

Proteins found in soy products and animal foods contain "complete proteins," meaning they have all 9 essential amino acids. Plant-based sources of protein may have a lower amount of at least one amino acid. 

We recommend eating a varied range of plant foods throughout the day to get an adequate amount of essential amino acids into your diet.