Protein is known as one of the main macronutrients that your body needs to survive. Proteins contain amino acids which help your body repair its muscles and bones as well as promote the growth of essential enzymes and hormones. Recently, there has been a rise in interest and emphasis on the importance of prioritizing protein in one’s diet.
Increasing your protein intake can only help to promote a balanced metabolism, help you to reach your strengthening goals, and can even regulate your gut health. Due to the nature of daily life, it can be challenging to find ways to increase the protein levels of your meals, but there are some hacks you can implement to make it easier to reach your protein goals. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of increasing your protein intake and how to do so with limited effort!
Why Increasing Your Protein Intake Can Completely Change the Trajectory of Your Wellness Plan
Having a protein plan is not restricted to athletes; it is actually a key part of successfully reaching anyone’s health goals. When you move your body, your body is actually creating tiny tears in your muscles that will repair themselves post-workout. Protein plays an essential part in helping to repair your muscles and promote growth of these muscles. Due to the role that protein plays in your muscle recovery, it is crucial to eat protein after you workout. Since protein can help speed up the recovery process, you are less likely to experience inflammation for prolonged periods of time post-workout if you consume that protein.
Protein can be especially helpful for those who are looking to gain muscle and lose fat. Due to the way protein is processed in your body, eating protein can actually help to speed up your metabolism and can help you to burn more calories. Prioritizing protein in your meals also means you are less likely to experience random cravings and can help you to become more in tune with your body’s internal hunger levels.
The amount of protein that each person should consume will vary as it will be based on a person’s body weight. It is also important to remember that protein will only be beneficial to you when consumed with both carbohydrates and fats. Just because protein has an overload of health benefits does not mean that it can be the only focus of your meals. Your body does require a healthy balance between all of the macronutrients.
How Protein Can Help Improve Your Gut Health and Overall Digestion
The amino acids and concentration of protein has a positive impact on a person’s gut health. Your gut health will depend on how diverse and balanced your gut microbiome is. If you are someone who eats loads of processed foods, you are more likely to have poor gut health and experience adverse digestive issues. Whereas, if you prioritize eating a variety of different whole foods and eat your macronutrients, you are more likely to have a happy gut filled with beneficial bacteria.
The key to a happy gut lies within your diet, and a protein packed diet can be a great place to start. Protein is also needed in order for your body to digest other nutrients, so it truly is an essential to all diets. A digestive enzyme supplement that works to achieve no more bloating also goes hand in hand with eating a protein-packed diet. A supplement for bloating that contains gut health enzymes will work to break down the protein you consume and help your body properly use it to support you.
Some common signs that you might not be consuming a sufficient amount of protein include weak nails or hair, feeling fatigued, and/or having a weak immune system. Finding ways to incorporate protein in different parts of your day is the key to avoiding these issues and more!
Increase Your Protein Intake With These Quick and Easy Recommendations
1. Swap out your regular yogurt for greek yogurt
Are you a dedicated yogurt bowl breakfast person? Yogurt is an extremely common breakfast food, but did you know that greek yogurt can actually contain two times the amount of protein that regular yogurt contains? Changing out your regular yogurt for greek yogurt can completely elevate your protein intake!
2. Add protein powder to your morning coffee
A morning coffee gives you that energy you need for the day, but why not take it to the next level and add protein powder? Adding protein powder to your coffee in the morning can be an easy way to elevate the drink and give your body that extra bit of support.
3. Incorporate nuts into your meals
Nuts are a great option for those who are looking to add that extra umph of protein to just about any meal. Nuts are extremely versatile and can be added to meals such as salads, pasta dishes, and/or a late-night dessert. It is an especially great option for those who are on a plant-based diet.
4. Use bone broth to cook your grains
While bone broth can be consumed on its own, it can also be a great way to spice up your grains both in flavor and nutrient power. Try using bone broth to cook your quinoa or couscous and see how the flavor profile changes.
5. Create on-the-go charcuterie boards for those extra busy days
A charcuterie board is hard not to love – except for those days you just don’t have the time to make a full spread. However, there is no reason as to why we cannot bring our charcuterie boards on the go. On-the-go charcuterie boards can be curated using your usual go-to charcuterie ingredients by simply adding them to separate travel bags. This is a great meal prep option that can be made a while in advance and will be ready when you need a boost of protein throughout the week.
The power of protein deserves to be explored. Challenge yourself to boost your protein intake this week!