Over the last few years, protein has become increasingly important to my diet. I went vegan for a year and did not get enough protein. This was not the best health choice for me, as it ruined my hormones. I had to go on a 2-year journey to restore them. Since then, I’ve been on an educational mission to find out more about the importance of protein in our bodies. Here are some things I’ve learned:
- Protein is necessary to maintain and grow lean muscle mass. After age 30, muscle mass drops by 3-8% every decade, resulting in a decrease in strength and function.
- The building blocks of hormones that your body requires for normal function are proteins.
- It is important to consume protein for a stable blood sugar level and for feeling satisfied for a longer period of time.
- It has been proven that protein increases IGF-1 production (insulin-like hormone growth factor 1), a hormone responsible for bone formation, which helps to reduce bone loss with age.
- It has been proven that adequate protein levels help to keep our immune system working efficiently and effectively.
The list is not exhaustive, but a few facts along with my own symptoms and experiences have convinced me that this macronutrient is important in our lives. How much do we need? There is conflicting information. The RDA for protein is.36g/pound. According to my experience and that of others, 0.8-1g per pound body weight of protein has proven more effective. Do your own research before trying this. I personally have seen positive results from increasing my protein consumption.
It can be difficult to consume enough protein in one day. Spreading my protein intake throughout the entire day is one of the best ways I have found to reach my daily protein goals. This helps me to start the day with stable blood sugar levels and prevents me from needing to eat a lot of protein later in the day. Here are some tips to help you start the day in a healthy way.