Are You Getting Enough Protein?

G’day, Rockheads! We’re almost a full week into the New Year and here’s hoping those resolutions are still going strong. While I’m sure you’ve all been unwavering in your new diet and exercise routines, it’s important to remember that while cutting back on your food consumption might be a good idea, there are still some types of foods of which you need to make sure you’re still eating enough – like protein. Protein is very important in maintaining a healthy body. The essential amino acids in protein keep your body running better and give you more energy. You know what they call a negative protein balance? Starvation. Dieting is all well and good, but the point of a New Years resolution is to get healthier and becoming protein deficient is not healthy. Vegetarians and vegans in particular have to worry about getting enough protein in their diets.

Fortunately, it’s easy to get more than enough protein in your diet so long as you make an effort. The USDA recommends roughly 56 grams of protein a day for men weighing 160 lbs and 46 grams for women weighing about 140 lbs (or, to make it easier for your own body weight, about 0.36 grams of protein for every pound you weigh). Perhaps the simplest way to make sure you’re getting enough protein is to take a protein supplement. Protein will make sure you go longer without feeling hungry. A great way to sneak more protein into your diet is to use protein drink powders. Most of them are soy or whey based so they’re safe for vegan and vegetarian consumers. If taking a protein shake every morning doesn’t sound appealing to you, there are a number of other foods that go really well with a dose of protein powder. Adding a scoop of berry flavored protein will go great in oatmeal and give your breakfast a refreshing, fruity flavor! Another breakfast trick to get your protein fix is to put protein in pancake batter. Using different protein powder flavors, like chocolate or vanilla, will give your pancakes a nice, sweet taste. The same can be done with cakes or brownies if you have a sweet tooth.

Yogurt is another food that works wonders with a dash of protein powder. Adding flavored protein to your plain yogurt will definitely liven up your otherwise boring breakfast. Coffee is another morning staple that goes great with protein. Instead of doctoring your morning brew with cream and sugar, substitute with non-fat milk or soy milk and protein powder.