15 Ways To Increase Protein Intake, According to a Dietitian

Do you consume sufficient protein in your diet? You may not even be aware of what that entails or how to incorporate it into your everyday meals if you are not extremely focused on nutrition.

However, it is essential not to underestimate the power of protein and its beneficial effects on the body. Protein is a macronutrient that is necessary for the development of cells, tissues, and organs, in case you were unaware.

It’s a building block made of amino acids that most people obtain through their food. However, not enough people are aware of its significance. In this post, we’ll go over some of the benefits of protein, how to add it into your diet, and some of the many options you can choose from.

Let’s get going.

What Qualifies as a Protein?

Even though your body produces some on its own, it still needs to get the full amount from outside sources. This will need to come from food.

Some well-known examples of protein are:

  • Eggs
  • Meat
  • Beans
  • Shakes
  • Dairy
  • Nuts

The nutritional value of protein can be measured by the amount of amino acids it contains.

You should consume more protein because it contains more amino acids. Protein content is typically highest in meat and soy products like tofu, edamame, and soybeans. Even though they may have a lower protein content than meat, plant proteins like beans and lentils are still excellent sources of protein.

Don’t worry if you don’t eat meat or meat products! Even if you don’t eat meat, you can still get the recommended amount of protein from a wide variety of high-protein foods.

Why should you eat more protein?

There are numerous reasons to prioritize including protein in your daily diet. Reduce Hunger Protein may help you slow down if you notice that you snack a lot or turn to junk food throughout the day. Protein makes you feel fuller, so you won’t reach for those sugary donuts or salty chips. Because it’s easy to reach for ready-to-eat junk food, controlling your appetite can be the hardest part of making healthier choices. However, consuming protein makes it simpler to ignore those cravings and makes you feel fuller for longer.

1. Boost Metabolism

Your metabolism automatically rises as a result of your body using more energy to process and digest proteins. For your body to break them down into waste, it needs to work harder. As a result, you burn more calories throughout the day—even while you sleep! It’s critical to keep up with your body and know what nutrients it needs. Come to our monthly Chats with Chai on Saturday, August 23 if that sounds like something you’d be interested in! This month’s talk, which is being hosted by Fitness Coach Maryam and Nutrition Coach Katie, focuses on a healthy approach to weight loss and selecting the appropriate proteins and foods to nourish your body. Sign up today! The community is entitled to free spots. (For more details, see our Events page.)

2. Boost Your Strength Protein

when consumed in greater quantities, can unquestionably improve physical strength. Consuming protein along with resistance training has shown to boost muscle mass and overall strength. Of course, it takes more than just protein to grow muscle, but it’s still a crucial component.

Protein shakes are a popular way to end workouts because they can help you feel full, meet your recommended daily intake, and support muscle growth.

3. Keep Your Weight Up

Adding protein to your diet can help you lose weight faster if you’re on a weight loss journey. Consuming the recommended amount of protein or more has been shown to not only help people lose weight but also to “enhance body composition by decreasing fat mass” (2020). If you’re struggling to see results, then adding more protein to your diet might be the answer.
Regular exercise and movement are another important part of weight maintenance. We make a living at Fitness By Maryam by helping women of all ages get the training they need. Whether you’re looking for a personal trainer or want to try a small group class, our women-only gym offers everything you need.