Protein is a powerful macronutrient and without it, you might have more difficulty maintaining both your weight and consistent energy throughout the day.

Proteins, which are made up of amino acids, are the building blocks of muscle, hair, enzymes, antibodies and collagen in the body. Your body produces 11 of the 20 amino acids the body needs. The other nine amino acids must be consumed through food. If a food has all 9 amino acids, it is considered a complete protein. Generally, animal meats, dairy and eggs are complete proteins, while most plant-based proteins, with the exception of soy, are incomplete proteins.