If you’re like most people, you probably don’t feel like eating a lot of protein. You might be thinking: “I just want to get enough protein! Isn’t that easy?”
Protein is one of the most important nutrients for your body. It helps repair and build muscle, keeps hair and skin healthy, and plays a role in keeping your immune system strong. But it’s not always easy to get enough protein—especially if you’re trying to lose weight or maintain your current weight.
The average adult needs about 0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight. If you’re just starting out with a new diet, it might be a good idea to try and get at least 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. You can do this by adding some nuts, seeds, or nut kinds of butter to your diet. These foods are high in protein and can help you meet your daily intake goals.
If you’re new to eating meat, try adding some grass-fed beef or chicken to your diet once or twice per week. This will help you get enough protein without having to consume large amounts of animal products like eggs or dairy products that are often high in fat and calories.
Well, yes and no. It’s definitely possible to get enough protein in your diet—but it’s not as easy as it sounds.
Here are some tips for getting more of that delicious muscle-building stuff into your diet:
(1) Try whole grains or beansinstead of packaged foods with added sugars and fats. These foods are usually higher in protein and fiber, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied longer.
(2) Stay active! Studies show that people who exercise regularly have lower BMIs (body mass indexes) than those who don’t exercise at all. So if you have access to a gym, hit the weights! If not, try taking a walk after dinner or doing some light yoga in between classes at school/work.
(3) Eat a variety of foods! There are lots of different types of protein, and people have different requirements for it. Some people need more than others, so try to eat a variety of sources.
(4) If you’re vegan/vegetarian and can’t get enough from plants, consider taking a supplement or supplementing with another source of high protein like beans.
(5) If you’re trying to minimize your meat consumption, make sure that at least one source of protein in each meal is plant-based (beans or tofu).
