Common protein foods

Common protein foods include:

• Lean meats: such as beef, lamb, veal, pork, kangaroo, and various types of poultry like chicken, turkey, duck, and others.
• Fish and seafood: including fish, prawns, crab, lobster, mussels, oysters, scallops, and clams.
• Eggs: which are a versatile source of protein.
• Dairy products: such as milk, yogurt, and cheeses like cottage cheese.
• Nuts and seeds: including almonds, pine nuts, walnuts, macadamias, hazelnuts, cashews, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds.
• Legumes and beans: all types of beans, lentils, chickpeas, split peas, and tofu.
• Soy products: like soy milk and edamame.
• Grains: some grains like quinoa are also good sources of protein.

Animal products like meat, fish, dairy, and eggs contain all the essential amino acids and are known as 'complete' proteins. Plant proteins such as beans, lentils, nuts, and whole grains usually lack at least one of the essential amino acids and are considered 'incomplete' proteins. However, eating a variety of plant proteins can provide all the essential amino acids needed.

For those following a vegetarian or vegan diet, it's important to consume a variety of protein sources to ensure that all essential amino acids are included in the diet.