Protein for Women

Hi, friends! Do you eat enough protein day to day? Take a look at your diet. As women, we need at least 100 grams of protein each day.  If you’re not reaching this target, it may be time to take a look at your diet and add in a few extra servings here and there! Protein is the main building block of our bodies. It is used to build muscles and enzymes, regulate hormones, and it keeps us full! Without protein, a body cannot function efficiently.

Protein provides a source of amino acids to our bodies. Though we can produce amino acids on our own, there are some in which our bodies must rely upon outside sources to get. This is where healthy food choices come in! Without these foods, not only are our muscles affected, but we may feel it with our hormones and energy levels.

How can eating protein help with fat loss? When we eat higher levels of protein, our muscles are able to build and repair themselves more efficiently. More muscle = more calories burned at rest.

Have you ever eaten a snack, only to find that you are hungry a few minutes later? The culprit may be a lack of protein. By including protein into each and every meal, you are fueling your body to provide energy for longer periods of time. A diet higher in protein leaves us feeling satisfied longer and often not needing to reach a higher caloric intake to stay content.

Protein may also help with regulating your appetite. Have you ever felt as though your stomach was a bottomless pit? I know I’ve had those days! Incorporating more protein enables your body to spend more time breaking down food, rather than converting to glucose right away for energy, thus controlling hunger and appetite.

Now, how do you get enough protein in each day? Here are some of my favorites!

  • Fish

  • Chicken

  • Turkey (sliced or ground)

  • Pork

  • Steak

  • Boiled egggs

  • Black beans

  • Veggies

  • Collagen peptides

  • Protein shakes/bars

Though quality lean protein is the best way to go, meeting a daily intake goal of at least 100 grams is most important. Doing so helps us reap the benefits described above, become fat burning machines, and stay fuller longer. What high protein sources do you have prepped for today? If you need help, feel free to reach out to me or follow me on Instagram where I share little snippets of what I eat in a day @jennymire.