The Protein Rundown

cause do you really need to be eating 120+ grams of protein?? 🤔

Okay gals, I don’t know about you but I am tired of seeing this extreme push for protein on instagram

From cortisol, to hormonal health, thyroid issues to gut issues, it seems like everyone’s answer is just “eat more protein”

And listen, I am alllllll here for protein consumption - it is so incredibly important for our body and our health and hormones

However, I find this narrative to be misguided, confusing, and just down right stressful

So we’re getting into to clear it up once and for all

• Why is protein important? Like actually, why

• How much protein do I really need? (hint: it’s not what you think)

• What are the best sources of protein that I should be focusing on? yess including veg sources

• Tips to boost up protein easily throughout the day

are ya ready?

Why is Protein Important? Like actually, why

Okay but first what is protein?

cause knowing *why* is also so important to motivating our *how*

Protein is one of 3 macronutrients that the body requires:

• Protein

• Carbohydrates

• Fat

Protein though is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks for the body’s tissues, muscles, enzymes, hormones, and even immune cells.

While our body uses 20 amino acids, 9 of them *must* be consumed through food

these are what we call essential amino acids

So when you consume protein, your digestive system breaks it down into its individual amino acids, which are then absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to various cells to be used for:

• muscle tissue repair/building

• hormones

• neurotransmitters

• antibodies for immune system

and so much more

For example, protein helps control appetite by promoting the release of certain hormones that signal fullness, preventing overeating.

For women, protein is even mooooreeee important cause not only is it critical for general health but also plays a vital role in hormonal health:

• hormones like estrogen and progesterone needs amino acids to be built

• it stabilizes blood sugar, which can help with cravings and fatigue

• protein needs are even higher in the luteal phase to help support the hormonal fluctuations

• it plays a role in thyroid hormone production

• it boosts metabolism through its thermic effect, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it compared to fats or carbs

This is why protein is so important for hormone health. For PCOS, blood sugar sensitivity, hormonal regularity and more.

Overall, protein is an essential nutrient that plays an indispensable role in maintaining good health, particularly for women.

So How Much Protein Do I Really Need?