By Karen Morris
Some people argue that if you get enough protein in your diet, then you don’t have to supplement.
But are you getting enough beneficial protein?
And why do you even need it?
Protein helps tissues in your body grow. It’s an essential part of your diet that helps you to grow your nails, hair, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other body structures.
Not only that but protein is also one of three macronutrients that can be found in every cell in the body and is responsible for almost every single bodily process. The other two macronutrients are carbohydrates and good fats).
Sounds important, doesn’t it? It really is.
Protein supports energy production and helps to build and tone muscle, repair tissue and stabilise blood sugar levels.
It helps to stabilise the nervous system and supports immune function.
There are so many good reasons to be upping your protein intake.
But what if you can’t get enough in your daily diet?
And what are the signs of low protein?
Signs and symptoms of low protein:
- Low energy and fatigue
- Poor sleep quality
- Low mood or anxiety
- Poor immunity
- Hormonal problems
- Fertility changes
- Irregular periods
- Poor digestion, constipation
- Early ageing
How much protein do you really need?
Current research suggests that optimal protein intake levels for good metabolic and physical health are 1.5g – 2g per day.
How to increase your daily protein intake:
- Eggs cooked any way, with extra protein such as bacon or halloumi
- Bone broth
- Salmon and any other oily fish
- Chicken, lamb, or beef with vegetables
- Greek yoghurt with blueberries
- Soups, stews, and curries
If you’re not able to increase your protein intake daily, we recommend supplementing with Protein Powders.
Making a smoothie daily with coconut or oat milk, add your favourite fruits, some nut better and chia seeds and you’ve got one delicious way of packing the protein in.
There are many different types of protein powder on the market, and you may have seen advertised whey-based protein (made from curdled milk, usually marketed to gyms and weight lifting), however, we recommend a plant-based protein such as Plantiful.
Plantiful Protein has Brown Rice, Fava Bean, Pumpkin Seed, and Hemp Seed proteins and all the Amino Acids such as L-Glutamine, L-Glycine, L-Valine, L-Threonine, L-Leucine, L-Arginine, L-Isoleucine.
Amino Acids are the building blocks to form proteins. They are the backbones of neurotransmitters and hormones.
The combination of plant proteins and amino acids in this Protein Powder not only gives your body the essential daily nutrients to thrive but also supports muscle growth, maintenance repair and cognition.
Using protein powder may also aid in weight loss by regulating your metabolism and hormones.
Mix 30g into your favourite smoothie or into your muesli or other cooking, and this provides up to 46% of your daily protein intake per serve. And with either chocolate or vanilla protein powder to choose from, your smoothies will taste great.
That’s a pretty great way to start your day, fuelling your body the right way!
You can also combine other powders with your protein such as Ginger powder (for pain and inflammation, lowering blood sugar levels, aiding digestion and improving cognition)
Tumeric powder is also another great powder to add to your regime. Packed full of anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, turmeric helps to prevent disease and boost immunity.
Adding Collagen powder can be useful for tissue repair and wound healing.
You can either purchase the separate powders we’ve listed here, or we’re happy to custom-make a mix for you. Simply visit our website here to browse and let us know what ingredients you’d like in your mix.
Getting enough protein in your day can be super easy when you supplement with plant protein as well as eating a healthy diet. Most people find that when they start to increase their protein, their energy levels increase, mental cognition increases, digestion improves, and their overall wellness improves.
Try our plant protein today and see for yourself.
And remember if you have any questions, we are here to help. Call the clinic on (02) 9555 5117 or make an appointment at https://herbsonlineshop.com/product/60-minute-consultation-lifestyle-coaching-session/