The Truth About Your Daily Portion of Protein
When it comes to nutrition, it feels like we’re always hearing different advice: “Eat more protein!” “Cut back on protein!”
So, how do we know what’s right for our bodies?
As a woman, it’s crucial to understand the role protein plays in your health and wellness.
In this blog post, we’re going to dive into all things protein—how much you really need, what happens if you go overboard, and how working with a Holistic Nutritionist can help you find your perfect daily portion of protein.
Let’s dive in.
Why Protein Is Important For Your Health and Wellness
Protein is often referred to as the building block of life—and for good reason! It’s present in every single cell of your body and is involved in nearly every bodily function. From supporting muscle repair and growth to maintaining a healthy metabolism and immune system, protein is a superstar nutrient that you don’t want to overlook.
Here’s a few specific benefits to eating protein:
Muscle Repair and Growth: Whether you’re hitting the gym or just living an active lifestyle, your muscles are constantly working and sometimes undergoing tiny tears. Protein helps to repair these tears, making your muscles stronger and healthier.
Hormone Production: Hormones like insulin and estrogen are made up of proteins. These hormones are essential for regulating everything from your blood sugar levels to your menstrual cycle.
Boosts Metabolism: Protein has a high thermic effect, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it compared to fats and carbs. It also helps maintain your muscle mass, which keeps your metabolism revved up!
Improved Satiety: Ever notice how you feel fuller after eating a meal with enough protein? That’s because protein reduces the hunger hormone, ghrelin, and increases satiety hormones, making you less likely to snack on unhealthy options throughout the day.
Getting the right daily portion of protein is essential for these processes to work optimally. But how much protein is the “right” amount?
That’s where things can get tricky.
What Happens If You Eat Too Much Protein?
You might be thinking, “Protein sounds great! Why not eat as much as possible?” While protein is beneficial, it’s possible to have too much of a good thing.
Here’s what can happen if you consistently exceed your daily portion of protein:
Digestive Issues: Eating an excess of protein can sometimes lead to digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, or constipation. This is especially true if you’re not balancing your diet with enough fiber and hydration.
Nutrient Imbalances: A diet too high in protein might mean you’re missing out on other essential nutrients, like vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that are abundant in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Weight Gain: Yes, you read that right. Even though protein can help with weight management, consuming more than your body needs means extra calories. Those calories can eventually turn into body fat if you’re not burning them off.
To avoid these pitfalls, it’s crucial to get your daily portion of protein just right. But what if you think you aren’t eating enough protein?
My Favorite Protein Powder
If you aren’t eating enough protein, supplementing with a protein power may be a good option for you.
When it comes to finding a good-quality protein powder, it can be overwhelming. There are so many options, each promising to be the best.
One of my absolute favorites is the Paleo Protein Powder by Designs for Health and here’s why:
Clean Ingredients: This protein powder is made from pure, hormone-free beef sourced from animals raised in Sweden—one of the world’s leading countries in humane animal farming. It’s free from common allergens like dairy, soy, and gluten.
Great for Sensitive Stomachs: Since it’s free of lactose and casein, it’s a fantastic choice for those with dairy sensitivities.
Paleo and Keto-Friendly: If you’re following a Paleo or Keto diet, this protein powder fits perfectly into your lifestyle. It provides high-quality protein without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Highly Bioavailable: The protein in this product is hydrolyzed, making it easier for your body to absorb and utilize.
Incorporating a protein powder like this one can be a convenient way to meet your daily protein needs, especially on busy days.
However, the ideal amount you need can vary significantly depending on what your specific body needs.
Discover How Much Daily Protein Your Body Needs
Determining how much daily protein your body needs isn’t as simple as taking a quick quiz online (although that can be a starting point).
The most accurate way to identify it is by working with a Holistic Nutritionist like myself who will conduct a full body composition reading for you.
A full body composition reading helps you understand what's really going on inside your body, beyond just weight. It measures things like muscle mass, fat percentage, and hydration levels, so you get a clear picture of your overall health.
This information helps me create a personalized plan that’s tailored to your body’s unique needs (including your daily protein needs), making it easier for you to reach your health goals, whether that’s losing weight, building muscle, or just feeling more energized.
By understanding your body composition, you can optimize your daily portion of protein and other nutrients, making your diet work for you instead of against you.
The Benefits of Working With a Holistic Nutritionist
If you’ve been struggling to find the right balance in your diet or are dealing with issues like low energy, digestive discomfort, or difficulty managing your weight, working with a Holistic Nutritionist like myself can be a game-changer. Here’s why:
Personalized Guidance: Unlike generic diet advice, I provide recommendations tailored to your unique body, lifestyle, and goals.
Holistic Approach: Instead of focusing solely on food, I look at the bigger picture, including sleep, stress management, exercise, and emotional wellbeing.
Functional Lab Testing: Get to the root cause of your health concerns with functional lab testing. Whether it’s a hormone imbalance, gut health issue, or food sensitivity, these tests can reveal underlying factors that might be impacting your health.
Support and Accountability: Having someone in your corner who understands your struggles and is dedicated to your success makes a world of difference. You’ll have support, encouragement, and accountability as you implement changes.
Long-Term Wellness: The goal isn’t just to look or feel good temporarily—it’s to create sustainable habits that support your health and wellness for the long haul.
Final Thoughts: Finding Your Ideal Daily Portion of Protein
Getting the right amount of protein is essential for supporting your overall health. But everyone’s needs are different.
By understanding YOUR body’s specific needs and working with a Holistic Nutritionist like myself, you can discover the ideal daily portion of protein for your unique body and health goals.
Let’s work together in one of my weight loss and wellness programs to optimize your health and wellness through nutrition that’s perfectly tailored to you.
Disclaimer: This blog post contains an affiliate link. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, I may receive a commission from the company you purchase from. Rest assured, I only promote products and services that I use myself or recommend to my clients.