The Role of Protein in Your Diet
Protein is essential for building and repairing every tissue in your body from muscles and bones to skin and hair. It also makes enzymes that power chemical reactions and hemoglobin that carries oxygen in your blood. Unlike carbohydrates and fat, your body does not store protein, so you need a steady intake from your diet. The general recommendation is about 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for sedentary adults. Athletes, older adults, and those recovering from illness or injury may need significantly more. Complete proteins contain all nine essential amino acids your body cannot make on its own. Animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy are complete proteins. Plant foods can be combined to create complete proteins, such as rice and beans or hummus and whole wheat pita. You do not need to combine them at every meal. Eating a variety of plant protein sources throughout the day provides the full spectrum of amino acids. Distribute your protein intake across meals rather than consuming most of it at dinner.
Every healthy meal, every walk, every good night of sleep counts. They all add up.
Listen to your body. It speaks in whispers long before it has to shout.
Small daily choices compound into lasting health. Trust the process.
Your body knows how to heal when given the right conditions.
Listen to your body whispers before they become shouts.
Wellness is a journey measured in small consistent steps.
Small daily choices compound into lasting health. Trust the process.