It’s the current darling among nutrients.
Can’t get enough of it.
We’re talking, of course, about protein.
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And are we ever: theU.S.
Egg and dairy intake also hit an all-time high.
(And that’s just to name a few protein sources.)
Our collective preoccupation has now reached obsession-level status, in part because it has so many factors driving it.
“There are only three macronutrients: carbs, fat and protein.
Carbohydrates and fat have come under criticism.
All of which helps explain why 21 percent of adults believe they’re protein deficient.
It’s true that protein is no nutritional slouch.
Your Muscles on Protein
They’re literally made from the stuff.
In fact, if unchecked, muscle mass naturally declines 3 to 8 percent per decade.
Who qualifies as “active”?
Some experts limit it to elite athletes.
So balance is key.
You Skimp on Protein at Breakfast
Most of us do.
One exception: elderly people who may have a hard time chewing their protein.
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And you don’t have to eat a whole rotisserie chicken to get that much.
It’s likely a lot less than you think.
Both are based on a 2,000-calorie daily diet.
Thesehigh-protein vegan foodscan help.
Top Vegetarian Protein Sources.
If you’re following a vegetarian diet, try these meatless and plant-based options to get your protein.
Is the RDA Too Low?
“Which isn’t to say these people are a fringe element.
They are very good researchers that just hold a different belief.
These are reasoned opinions.”
“Protein deficiency is almost nonexistent in the United States.
Having extra helps for building muscle mass.
Other than that there’s really no consistent evidence of any health benefit to eating more of it.”
The concern he and others do have (and a solid argument for leaving the RDA as is)?
That fixating on protein could seriously throw your diet out of balance.
“That’s really at the heart of it,” says Mattes.
Otherwise, calories overall go up.”
Not exactly the healthy diet you were going for, huh?
So don’t stress about getting more protein in your life.
Odds are you’re already eating plenty.
The Skinny on Protein & Weight Loss
Is it a magic pound-shedding bullet?
(And remember: anything in caloric excess will have the opposite effect.)
But protein does have benefits that could give you an edge in reaching your weight goals.
Consider it weight-loss bonus points.
Adding exercise to the mix gets even better results.
(Regular exercisers, our experts note, may be one exception.)
We’d never suggest you give up your turkey burgers or beef chili.
(Heck, there are all sorts of nonveg recipes in our magazine and on this website.)
But this does make a good case for weaving in more meatless meals.
It’s a win for your health and the environment.
For more details visit:wri.org/proteinscorecard
