National Protein Day: 43% of Americans Don’t Know if They’re Getting Enough Protein

Chicken, beef, veggies, nuts — no matter how you eat it, a good source of protein is necessary for a balanced diet and maintaining a healthy life.

There’s even a whole day — National Protein Day on February 27, dedicated to making sure we’re getting the right amount of protein in each meal. But how many of us actually know if we are?

According to the Three Bridges National Protein Day survey — a nationwide annual survey that sheds light on the eating and nutrition habits of Americans — some 43% of Americans don’t know if they’re getting enough protein, an increase from last year when only 37% felt they weren’t getting enough.

Consider this:

• Only 27% of respondents understood how much protein they should be getting in any given meal.

Some 42% seemed to have a basic idea but wasn’t completely sure if they did understand.

• Over 43% of Americans felt they were probably getting enough protein in their average meal but weren’t sure what would qualify as the right amount.

Nationwide, 20% of people make sure they’re getting the exact amount of needed protein where 9% admitted they don’t always get enough.

• Most respondents, 54%, said they prefer to prepare their protein themselves.

Roughly 25% say they mostly cook it but sometimes purchase their protein ready-made, 15% cook and purchase it evenly, and 4% primarily purchase their protein ready-made.

• When it comes to a source of protein, 87% of respondents prefer to get their macronutrients from chicken.

About 73% prefer beef, 57% vegetables, 49% pork, and 48% have a preference for seafood.

• Over 85% of respondents admitted they would purchase a pre-made meal that contains the recommended amount of protein for a full meal.

Nearly 14% would still prefer to make their own protein-packed meals at home.

Learn more about America’s protein intake and healthy, protein-packed, ready-made meals available for busy Americans on the go at Three Bridges.

Here are three protein-packed recipe ideas to celebrate!

Deconstructed Turkey & Tortellini Salad Sandwich

Related Products: Triple Cheese Rainbow Tortellini Family Size Three Cheese Tortellini Family Size 18oz

PREP TIME: 10 MIN | COOK TIME: 10 MIN

TOTAL TIME: 20 MIN | YIELDS: 4 SERVINGS

Ingredients:

• 1-18 oz pkg Three Bridges Triple Cheese Tortellini or Rainbow Tortellini

• 2 Cups cooked turkey, diced 1″

• 1/2 cup celery, chopped

• 2/3 cup dried cranberries or cranberry sauce

• 1/4 cup red onion, diced

• 1/3 cup mayonnaise

• 1 lemon, juiced

• Kosher salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the Three Bridges Triple Cheese Tortellini according to package directions. Rinse with cold water to chill then drain well.

In a large bowl, combine cooked tortellini and the rest of the ingredients. Gently mix all ingredients to coat.

Serve with lettuce cups, toast, french roll, or just out of the bowl. Enjoy!

Italian Sausage Ravioli with Arrabiatta Sauce & Asiago Cheese

Related Products: Italian Sausage Ravioli

PREP TIME: 10 MIN | COOK TIME: 20 MIN

TOTAL TIME: 30 MIN | YIELDS: 4 SERVINGS

Ingredients:

• 2-9 oz pkg Three Bridges Italian Sausage Ravioli

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 1⁄2 cup onion, finely diced

• 2 tbsp cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp chili flakes

• 1⁄2 cup dry white wine

• 28 oz can whole peeled tomatoes

• 8 oz crushed tomatoes

• 1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped

• 1 tsp dried Italian oregano

• 1 tbsp Italian parsley, chopped

• Asiago cheese, grated

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium-size saucepan and add the onions and garlic. Turn the heat to low and sweat for 5 minutes or until the onions turn translucent. Add chili flakes and cook for 1 minute.

Increase the heat to high and deglaze the pan with wine. Reduce heat to medium and cook until the wine has dried up.

Add tomatoes, thyme, oregano, and salt & pepper and then simmer for 15 minutes.

While the sauce is simmering, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add ravioli and cook per package instructions.

Place ravioli in a large bowl and spoon the sauce over it, lightly toss to incorporate. Serve the ravioli in bowls and top with some of the sauce, chopped parsley, and Asiago cheese. Serve and enjoy!

Grilled Chicken & Prosciutto Ravioli with Sautéed Mushrooms, Squash and Cherry Tomatoes

Related Products: Grilled Chicken & Prosciutto Ravioli

PREP TIME: 10 MIN | COOK TIME: 15 MIN

TOTAL TIME: 25 MIN | YIELDS: 2 SERVINGS

Ingredients:

• 9 oz pkg Three Bridges Grilled Chicken & Prosciutto Ravioli

• 4 tbsp butter

• 1 cup crimini mushrooms, sliced

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1⁄2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• 1⁄2 cup chicken stock

• 2 cups zucchini or summer squash, sliced

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Heat butter in a saute pan over medium heat. Add in the sliced mushrooms and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes.

Add cherry tomatoes to garlic and mushrooms and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes until tomatoes soften.

Add the chicken stock and squash to the pan and cook until the squash is tender about 5-8 minutes. Remove from heat, cover and hold warm.

Cook ravioli according to instructions on the package and toss with the mushrooms and squash. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve and enjoy!