Final answer:
Being aware of protein intake per meal is crucial due to its role in growth and repair. Excess protein can be stored as fat or used as energy, leading to potential health issues. North Americans are recommended to consume 15-20% of daily calories as protein.
Step-by-step explanation:
It is important to be aware of protein intake per meal because protein is a vital nutrient necessary for growth, especially during critical periods such as infancy and adolescence. Consuming too much protein in a single sitting can lead to using the excess as energy or storing it as fat, instead of its primary function of building and repairing body tissues. Adults in North America are recommended to consume approximately 15-20% of their daily caloric intake as protein, which equates to about 80 grams per day. However, with larger portion sizes and a more sedentary lifestyle, it's easy to consume more protein than necessary, which may not benefit the body and could contribute to health issues.