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Am I getting enough protein? How do I even know if I’m getting enough?
Protein, protein, protein…it’s a very common question in my world. This very fashionable macronutrient is top of mind and it seems we’re all wondering, do I need more?
Protein is really important for many parts of the body. It’s used to make our muscle tissue, bones, and it’s even a part of our DNA!
How do you know if you’re getting enough protein? First, a bit of math. A good place to start is by making sure you’re getting at least 0.5 grams of protein for every pound of body weight. This means a 150 lbs person needs about 75 grams of protein per day.
But, it’s not always that simple.
Your activity level affects how much protein you need, so if you’re an athlete (week-end warrior or everyday athlete) you’ll definitely need more. Closer to 0.75 – 1 gram per pound.
And, how you digest protein really matters. You may take in lots and lots of protein, but you may be feeling signs and symptoms of a protein deficiency.
Protein deficiency symptoms:
…and the oddest symptom, but a common one – bread cravings. Sometimes your body mixes up what food it wants, and mistakes bread for the protein it really needs. This happens to me often – when I start dreaming of toast, I up my protein intake and I feel better.
How to get enough protein–
Do you have some protein deficiency symptoms? Or, do you just want to make sure you’re getting enough? That’s easy enough with a simple few tips:
I’m going to focus on vegan and vegetarian forms of protein, only because they tend to be the hardest to balance. And, we all can use some more plant-based foods in our diets.
I think we need to look at our protein powders a little differently, especially if your protein powder is causing nausea or gas. So, instead of just looking at price and taste, start with quality and your body will thank you.
Botanica’s Perfect Protein is a whole food protein, made with coconut, quinoa, and sprouted brown rice…and includes all of those important digestion helpers. Add it to your favorite smoothie, yogurt, or have on its own for an extra protein punch.