Hi, this is Monica Reinagle, the nutrition diva here with your quick and dirty tips for eating well and feeling fabulous.

Lisette writes, can you explain what types of foods contain protein,

carbohydrates, and starches so that we know exactly what you mean when you use

these terms in the podcast.

I like to think that it's possible to eat healthy without having a degree in nutrition.

So when I talk about nutrients like protein or carbohydrates,

I always try to include examples of actual foods.

For example, in my podcast on the benefits of protein,

I suggested that protein foods such as eggs, meat, fish,

soy, peanuts, and other legumes are great for controlling your appetite because they keep

you satisfied for longer.

I've also talked about the importance of portion control when eating starches, such as

bread, pasta, rice, and other grains.

But the truth is that none of those protein foods are actually pure protein,

just like none of the starches are pure carbohydrates.

Although I don't want to make things more complicated than they need to be.

Perhaps it's time for a quick review of which nutrients these basic foods provide.

Let's start with the foods that we normally think of as protein foods.

Animal products like meat, fish, and eggs are the most concentrated sources of protein,

but they also contain varying amounts of fat.

Very lean meats like bison, chicken or turkey breast, shellfish and non-oily fish like

Haddock and flounder have the highest ratio of protein to fat.

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