The Importance of Protein
Let’s chat about PROTEIN!
Protein is a macro-nutrient (the two others being carbohydrates and fats), and it is super important to consume enough during your healing journey, as well as, for general health and well-being.
I recommend that my clients get half their weight in grams at a bare minimum every day. For example, I would recommend that a 120 pound female, take in at least 60 grams of protein per day. I try to get in anywhere from 80-120 grams of protein per day, for my weight of 120 pounds. I also recommend that clients get about 30 grams of protein at each meal (if eating 3 meals). You can get this amount in by eating various types of meat (beef, chicken, fish, organ meat, lamb, pork, etc.), protein powder, collagen supplement, sipping on bone broth, eating beans, legumes, lentils, etc. Variety is sometimes key, to also ensure you’re getting adequate micro-nutrients (vitamins and minerals).
You can track your protein intake using an app, such as “Cronometer” or listen to your intuition / your body to see what feels best.
The benefits of protein are endless:
Protein helps with the body’s growth and maintenance
Protein balances fluids in the body
Protein improves immune health
Protein transports and stores nutrients
Protein provides energy
You may also notice that when you’re getting enough protein, you feel full longer (and if you don’t get enough protein, you may feel hangry!) I’ve noticed ever since increasing my meat protein intake, my health and fibromyalgia symptoms have definitely improved.
Lately, some have chosen to go all “carnivore” (meat, butter, raw dairy, raw honey, some fruit) or you could try a “Paleo” diet, where you focus on meat, fruit, vegetables and healthy fats for the most part. My clients notice, as soon as they are focusing on healthy, whole foods, with an increase in protein, and cutting out the processed foods (as much as possible), they begin to feel better.
Try changing this one part of your diet and lifestyle habits, and see how your health improves!
Cheers,
Alexis Tanner, RHN
The Nutritionist Mama
*Disclaimer - this is my own personal experience and not medical advice.