Do You Eat Enough Protein?
Protein. The word that’s all over the inter-web. Eat more protein.
It’s just not that simple. And it can be a real struggle, especially when it comes to aligning your macros with your wellness goals.
Macronutrients are vital to good nutrition and daily health. There are three macronutrients that are vital to daily nourishment– protein, carbohydrates and healthy fats. I encourage my clients to actively include the hidden gem, 4th macro, fiber into their daily meals. (more on fiber next week)
Why is protein important to eat?
Protein is the key component in muscle building. When we build muscle, our bodies begin to burn our body fat better. The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn, which ultimately helps you burn visceral fat in your body best.
Protein fills you up. Also called satiety. It is a BIG macronutrient that has multiple jobs inside your body when you eat it. Protein keeps you full longer and helps you maintain 3 meals a day, without the need for snacks in the afternoon.
Protein takes work to burn. When you digest it, your body works harder, your organs work hard, and you effectively and efficiently burn more calories.
A few good protein sources for the carnivore:
Grass fed, organic ground beef
Organic ground turkey
Organic chicken, chicken thighs
Local fresh fish
Shrimp
Farm eggs
A few good protein sources for the omnivore:
Tempeh
Tofu
Soy
Seitan (wheat gluten)
Lentils
Legumes
Beans
Quinoa
Seeds/nuts
I believe optimal health can be discovered and practiced at any age to better your health.
I also believe a variety of proteins with lots of colorful vegetables every day in all the ways can give you vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and vitality and energy every day, all from whole food sources.
Here’s one of my favorite recipes that includes a variety of vegetables and a few good proteins, making it a winning dish to serve for multiple days in many ways.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/CJpEtIyFIrT/?igsh=eGU0ZjllYzZpcnMy
Yours in Health,
Jenny
