The Importance of Protein Intake Protein is an essential nutrient for our bodies that provides us with energy and helps build muscle, skin, hair, and other tissues. Without protein intake, we would not be able to function properly or maintain good health. Therefore, it’s important to make sure you are getting enough protein in your diet every day. Protein can be found in a variety of foods such as fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, and legumes. For those who do not eat animal protein sources, there are also plant-based proteins like nuts and seeds that provide the same benefits. Eating adequate amounts of protein ensures that your body has the building blocks necessary for growth and repair which is especially important if you participate in physical activities regularly or want to lose weight safely. So let's take a look at why protein intake matters for our overall well-being! Why is Protein Intake Important? Most people do not realize that we should be prioritizing protein intake and that it plays a major part in our bodily functions or overall health. Here are a few reasons why protein intake is so important for our health: It's a building block for muscles and muscle mass is a predictor of longevity and health span Protein is the most satiating micronutrient which means it keeps you feeling full for longer and can prevent overeating Protein is also very important for many other bodily functions such as energy production, metabolic health, immune system, recovery, hormones, and more. How Much Protein Should I Eat Per Day? According to Harvard Health, the recommended daily allowance of protein is 0.80 grams per kilogram of body weight. This is the bare minimum amount you need to ensure normal bodily function and avoid sickness. To determine your optimal daily protein intake, you need to multiply your weight in pounds by 0.36. In recent years, the public health message has shifted focus from amounts of protein to instead focusing on eating healthier sources of protein-rich foods. How To Eat More Protein If you do not eat enough protein per day it can negatively affect your energy levels, muscle mass, and other important bodily functions. Some easy ways you can increase your protein intake are by increasing the portion sizes of your protein source in your meals or by drinking a whey protein shake once a day alongside your meals. Healthy Sources of Protein Fish Lean Beef Chicken or Lean Turkey Greek Yogurt Cottage Cheese Legumes Whole Grain Pasta Nuts Eggs Do You Need Help with Your Protein Intake? As you can see protein intake is very important for our body, but many of us struggle to eat enough protein. If you need help improving your protein intake then, check out our protein-packed Low FODMAP or Mediterranean Diet meals here: Protein-Packed Meal Plans