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If you spend any time on social media, you might think we’re all suffering from a massive protein deficiency. It’s the one wellness trend that never dies, prompting everyone to buy expensive powders, bars, and shakes as if our lives depended on it. Just like Count calories It can get very dangerous, and your protein intake goals can get out of hand.
Here’s the truth your wallet needs to hear: You’re probably getting too much protein.
We spoke to a real cardiologist who said it’s “almost impossible” to have a protein deficiency in the United States. So, if we’re all getting enough, why are all the influencers still screaming about it? It’s time to stop obsessing over (and overpaying for) the one thing you’re not missing and figure out what your body actually needs.
You’re probably getting enough protein without even trying
As long as you don’t restrict yourself too much and get enough calories to fuel your body, you can probably meet your protein goals by just eating a typical American diet. While some people may need more to feel good and strong or to maximize their muscle gains in the gym, the reality for many Americans may be that they meet their protein requirements through their daily diet. For some, this requirement may be much lower 100 gramswhich is unattainable Protein target It’s often promoted, including by the health team here at CNET.
“People are absolutely obsessed with protein,” Freeman said, pointing to the fact that you’re also likely to meet your “protein goals” even if you eat a plant-based diet, as long as it’s varied and complete. One potential influencing factor toward the protein goal trend is increased interest in the carnivore diet, which prioritizes meat consumption.
“What most people forget is that some of the largest and strongest mammals on Earth are all vegetarian,” Freeman said. “When was the last time you saw a gorilla or elephant suffering from a protein deficiency?”
Americans, in particular, have a complicated and sometimes turbulent relationship with food — when we’re not obsessed with getting enough of one thing (#proteingoals), we restrict something else (think insulting fats and carbs). Examples of some diets that oscillate between these two extremes include the ketogenic diet, the carnivore diet, and calorie counting apps, which take extra time to prepare. Complex drinks in the name of weight loss.
This would be more defensible if we were reaping the health benefits from adhering to these diets, but instead, Americans are leaders in chronic disease like My heart disease and diabetes (preventable and often reversible through diet). Many people also experience a reduced quality of life due to restricting themselves or following diets that may or may not measurably improve their health or may also trigger shame or eating disorders.
Not to mention, most of us are In fact, it is incomplete In fiber, a large portion of us suffer from a deficiency in very important nutrients, such as iron Vitamin D. In fact, all the focus on protein ends up causing people to overlook other nutrients their body needs that they can’t get from protein. Fiber, for example, is a major carbohydrate found mainly in plants and should also be prioritized, especially with your intake. High rates of colorectal cancer Among people under 50 years of age.
Of course, this does not mean at all that protein is not important or that some people need more than others based on their activity level or the muscle building they are seeking. Here, we’re just taking a minute to emphasize that with protein, you may be able to cool it down a bit.
How much protein should you actually be eating?
Look, the introduction to this topic came out a little strong, so it’s important to take a moment and emphasize that protein is an extremely vital nutrient: Contains protein Amino acids, which build our bodies and help them function. If we didn’t eat protein, we would be dead.
To get a baseline of how much we need to support our needs, there is fortunately a Recommended daily amountor RDA, of protein. That is, 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. (There are about 2.2 pounds in one kilogram.) This means that a 200-pound person needs about 73 grams of protein to meet his needs and not become deficient.
What’s even more difficult is deciphering how much protein you need to not only survive but to thrive. Like every healthy ‘thing’, what’s best for you depends on your body and activity level, e.g. But even with that in mind, you may not have to work as hard as you think to get enough protein, even if you go to the gym regularly.
In 2023 Podcast hosted by Zoea nutritional sciences company and maker of at-home digestive microbiome testing kits, Stanford University professor and nutrition researcher Christopher Gardner explains why concerns about falling short in the protein department are often exaggerated.
“When the United States comes up with recommended daily allowances for protein, vitamins, and minerals, the standard approach is to take two standard deviations above the mean,” Gardner explained on the podcast. As for 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of weight, he said, “I chose a number that should be enough for 97.5 percent of the population.”
But what if you are above average? Chances are you’re not.
“For me, this is the American idea that this is the RDA, but I know I’m above average, so let me make sure I get some extras here,” Gardner explained.
“It’s designed to recognize that some people need more (protein),” he continued, explaining that when you exercise intensely, you’ll naturally feel hungrier, which will prompt you to eat more — which (for most people), naturally means eating more protein.
But what if you really want to gain muscle? To his credit, and in a refreshing turn of events for the American diet, the direction of the protein target He is I focused on adding rather than limiting. And if you are a fan of intense weightlifting, or If you want to gain muscleYou will need more. But “more” is probably not more than you might think — at least if you’re considering adding protein via shakes and other supplements.
If you really want to build muscle or seriously want to lift weights, estimates on how much “extra” protein you need vary, and the best (and safest) advice is always to talk to your doctor or nutritionist to take your entire health and lifestyle into account. But some estimates are around 1.2 to 1.7 grams per kilogram of weight. Others Even higherat a rate of up to 2 grams per kilogram.
This discussion assumes you enjoy it Count your macrosthough. If you eat when you’re hungry, recharge your energy after a hard workout Choose foods rich in protein and also As part of a balanced diet, you should be fine.
In addition to lifting weights, Freeman said people who have medical concerns, such as undergoing surgery or recovering from burns, need more protein. Pregnancy and puberty These are other conditions in which people’s protein requirements are slightly higher compared to the amount of calories they eat.
Can you get too much protein? What about the benefits of protein?
High protein consumption makes The kidneys work harderwhich may be a concern for some and is one reason parents are wary of giving children additional protein supplements, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
However, meeting or even exceeding your high protein goals shouldn’t be detrimental for most people, although you should keep in mind that after they’re broken down into those vital amino acids and energy depleted, Excess protein It is stored as fat if it is not used for energy.
Now for the benefit: In addition to overall body function and muscle building, protein is also present Very filling and satisfying. This means that a high-protein meal may aid weight loss (if that’s your goal) because it keeps you full longer when compared to, for example, a meal high in carbohydrates and lacking in protein.
Craving protein? You could have an iron deficiency
According to 95% of Americans do not eat enough fiber Research from 2016. Fiber is found in plant foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains and seeds.
Nearly one in three of us are Low in ironThis is where things get interesting in the protein discussion, because excellent sources of protein are often excellent sources of iron. (For example, steak and other red meat). However, there are plant foods such as dark vegetables that are high in iron and fiber as well.
Vitamin D, a nutrient we can get from the sun and from our food Americans also tend to be less…. This is especially noticeable During the cold months.
Unfortunately, the advice on how to best meet your nutritional needs is not flashy and mimics previous guidelines: Eat a whole food diet full of variety and colourPrioritize foods such as vegetables, healthy fats, and protein.
You just don’t need to obsess about it.
