If you hang out in social media, you may have noticed there’s a LOT of talk about protein
these days
Just a couple years ago, it was all about fats
Over the years, we can clearly see how certain foods, macros and nutrients fall and rise. Different foods categories seem to easily become glorified or demonized depending of the time we live in
So there is no surprise that is now time for protein to take the spotlight
These are one of the most predominant ways in which diet culture promotes confusion and sneaks into our daily lives, making it difficult for us to trust our instincts with food, all the while profiting from our insecurities by making us feel inadequate and just plain never good enough
Human beings crave novelty, and variety and newness and the weight loss industry is well aware of this and will use these tactics to create new crash plans to sell to us
In the recent months, I hear more and more women talking about and asking questions about protein. There’s a concern that we’re not getting enough of it, not proper quality of it, etc. At the same time, there's an increasing number of opinions, theories and supplement suggestions circulating out there with little if no scientific evidence that supports the claims being made
Not to mention that many of the recommendations circulating out there are not tailored to the average female looking to fulfill her daily nutritional needs. No offense but I don’t take protein advice steaming from male-centered research because I don’t have a male hormone profile or physique, nor I want one
As part of a fitness program I’m partaking in, participants are advised to increase our protein intake to 45% daily. However, having the knowledge and experience I have in the fields of human anatomy and nutrition, I find this advice dangerous.
This kind of advice being dispensed generally, does not take into consideration the person’s goals, daily habits, physiological needs, health & family history or any other information necessary and important. And because such recommendations are outside the recommended ranges for daily protein intakes (which are carefully informed and crafted by nutrition researchers and approved by professional governing bodies) they should only be provided individually to a client as part of a tailored plan designed to meet a client’s specific goals but most importantly, having weighted in those important considerations and ensuring a client’s safety
For as long as I’ve been practicing as a nutritionist I have, of course, come across clients who are concerned about their protein intake, particularly those who prefer a vegetarian or vegan diet and those who are more athletic. And I very much enjoy helping them solve this puzzle because ultimately my goal as a nutritionist is always to help as many women feel their absolute best both physically and mentally.
Protein is important. Very important in fact. They are the building blocks of our entire body: muscles, tissues, organs, among others. They are also essential for the manufacturing of neurotransmitters which are chemical messengers that regulate mood among many other body functions.
I talk about protein often because I’ve found that educating my clients on this important macronutrient is essential to help them improve their cravings and reduce incidence of overeating and bingeing
But the way the conversation around protein is going these days does not take into account two VERY important considerations around protein:
1. Too much protein (as well as protein from low quality animal products) fosters an acidic environment in the body in which chronic and degenerative disease rises and thrives
And
2. Protein is JUST as important as all other macronutrients so is not just about one or the other, is about maintaining balance
If you are feeling confused around your nutrition and this is impacting your health and your relationship with food and would like more information or help, feel free to book a 30 minute chat with me through the contact page!
Pamela
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