2 Reasons You Need More Protein In Your Diet

Everyone takes a health class once in their life where they hear about how protein, carbohydrates, and fats make up a balanced diet. Have you ever really stopped to understand why protein is so important? Have you ever thought about how much protein you should be consuming daily? These are important questions for anyone trying to find balance in their lives. You might be lacking energy because you are lacking protein. Read about what protein is, why it is essential, and 2 reasons why you need more protein in your diet. You might be surprised how much adding more protein into your diet will enhance your life.

What is Protein

You might be reading this thinking – do I even know what protein is? You hear about it all the time, but have you ever stopped to understand at the base what protein is? Protein is a macronutrient which means that your body needs these nutrients in large amounts because they give us energy. Other macronutrients include carbohydrates and fats. Proteins are made up of amino acids that are linked together. Amino acids control important processes such as building new proteins, hormones, and neurotransmitters. In a normal protein there are about 300 amino acids. Our bodies can produce some types of amino acids, but not essential amino acids. We have to get essential amino acids in our diet, and that’s where protein comes in.

Why You Need Protein in Your Diet

You might know a balanced diet includes having protein in meals, but you probably don’t know the importance of protein. Protein is the building block of life. Your body is made up of approximately 20% protein and it’s in every single cell in your body. Your body is continuously repairing and replacing protein throughout your life. This process is known as protein synthesis. This is also why your body requires a continuous supply of amino acids. Your body can reuse some amino acids when protein is broken down, but only a small amount. This means that your body requires protein through your diet to keep up with the amino acids it needs. Most people do not consume enough protein daily. You should be intaking 0.8 – 2.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. If you are an athlete or very active you need 2.2 – 3.4 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. If you don’t want to do the mental math to figure this out (because I sure don’t either), then use this protein calculator to find out how much protein you should be consuming

1. Essential for Weight Loss

When you consume protein it is much more filling than other food groups such as fats or carbohydrates. Protein has the ability to reduce your hunger hormone ghrelin and increases peptides that make you feel full. If you are attempting to lose weight, protein is vital in that journey. Many people falsely believe eating salads for every meal of the day is the answer to weight loss. This will end with you being starving all day and most likely not enjoying your food. Protein also takes longer to digest than carbohydrates so it increases the time it takes to break down that meal. When food takes longer to digest, it will make you feel full for longer. Adding protein in every meal that you eat can satiate you for longer periods of time and give you the nutrients you need. If you want a salad then consider adding some hard boiled eggs, chicken, or a handful of nuts to it. You can create the most filling and nutritious meals when you pair protein, carbohydrates, and fats together. Adding enough protein daily allows your body to feel satiated and you won’t be dreaming of your next meal. If you are trying to lose weight do not neglect protein. 

2. Essential for Growth

Many people think of athletes or bodybuilders when they think of protein. That is because it’s a vital building block to building muscles and strength. You might remember from the guide to weight lifting that when working out you create microscopic tears in your muscles. To build back these muscles even stronger you have to have enough protein in your system. This does not mean that you have to lift weights or be a bodybuilder to require protein in your body. Protein gives you energy by repairing and building body tissue. This is important in everyone’s life, but depending on your level of activity and lifestyle, you will require a different level of protein than others. Protein helps out with so many processes in your body that you will definitely need an adequate amount of protein daily to keep them functioning at their best. Athletes often consume protein powder because it is difficult for them to reach their protein goals solely by food sources. Protein is so important for young children, pregnant mothers, or anyone breastfeeding. They need amino acids to perform numerous functions within the body. Protein helps your body repair itself and create new cells. Young children grow rapidly and are constantly repairing and creating new cells. Make sure your children are getting enough protein in their diet to grow strong and healthy. Make sure you are getting in enough protein to be able to feel your best everyday.

If want to add a protein supplement into your daily lifestyle I will link some protein powder brands that I have tried and love! I usually add them into smoothies, oatmeal, or just drink them mixed with milk.