Protein is a powerful nutrient that is important not just at dinner, but throughout the day. Recent checkoff-funded research published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that eating a protein-rich breakfast, including high-quality proteins like beef and eggs, leads to improved appetite control and satisfaction throughout the day, which could help combat obesity. For example, study participants who consumed a high-protein breakfast experienced a significant reduction in unhealthy evening snacking.1
“The checkoff is committed to helping Americans build healthier diets with beef, which is why we support nutrition research to further examine beef’s role in health,” says Becky Walth, beef producer from Glenham, S.D., and member of the national checkoff’s Nutrition and Health Subcommittee. “This study suggests that a protein-rich breakfast, including beef and eggs, could help combat obesity. Beef isn’t just for dinner anymore! This research adds to the growing body of scientific evidence, which we share with health professionals and consumer media through ongoing outreach and relationships. Ultimately, we’re giving Americans even more reasons to enjoy their favorite protein.”
Animal proteins – such as lean beef – are complete high-quality proteins that contain all the essential amino acids your body needs for optimal health. Even better, a 3-oz serving of lean beef is about 150 calories on average and provides about half (48 percent) of the recommended daily value for protein.
Lean beef is also a naturally rich source of 10 essential nutrients and is a perfect partner for everyday breakfast favorites like whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy, making it a simple way to start your day in a balanced way.2
Here are a few protein-rich breakfast suggestions:
- Beef and Spinach Breakfast Sandwich – This portable sandwich comes together in a snap with leftover steak or roast, eggs, spinach and tomato.
- Beef Breakfast Pizza Ole – A completely unexpected breakfast option made with pizza crust, a do-it-yourself beef breakfast sausage and eggs done to your liking.
- Beef Breakfast Burrito – Our take on the classic breakfast burrito includes plenty of veggies and gets cooled down with a lime-cilantro cream.
Additional breakfast recipes are available on the checkoff’s BeefItsWhatsForDinner.com. For more information about your beef checkoff investment, visit MyBeefCheckoff.com.
1. Leidy HJ, Ortinau LC, Douglas SM, Hoertel HA. Beneficial effects of a higher-protein breakfast on the appetitive, hormonal, and neural signals controlling energy intake regulation in overweight/obese “breakfast-skipping” late-adolescent girls. Am J Clin Nutr 2013 Feb 27 [Epub ahead of print]. 2. U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service, USDA Nutrient Data Laboratory. 2012. USDA National Nutrient Database for Standard Reference, Release 25. Available at: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/foodcomp/search/.The Beef Checkoff Program was established as part of the 1985 Farm Bill. The checkoff assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. States retain up to 50 cents on the dollar and forward the other 50 cents per head to the Cattlemen's Beef Promotion and Research Board, which administers the national checkoff program, subject to USDA approval.
Source: The Beef Checkoff Program