You may have noticed all the hype around protein, but why?
Why is protein so important for our bodies, and why do we talk about eating so much of it?
Let’s break it down.
What is protein?
Protein is an essential macronutrient that helps your body function properly every day.
Protein is made up of amino acids, which are often called the “building blocks of the body.” There are 20 different amino acids that can combine in different ways to form proteins. 11 amino acids can be made by your body on its own, the other 9 are called “essential amino acids” because your body cannot make them! Which you guessed it… you have to get them from your diet!
Why is it important?
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When we exercise, our muscles are working hard. That hard work causes tiny tears in our muscle fibers. Protein helps repair those tiny tears. When your muscles heal, they grow back stronger than before. That’s how you build muscle over time.
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Having a quick digesting protein (Like Phormula-1 from 1st Phorm) can help repair those muscles as quickly as possible and see that hard work in the gym add up!
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Protein helps build the soldiers of your immune system.These soldiers are special cells that look for germs and help your body get rid of them. They help make antibodies (tiny helpers that recognize germs), fix your body when it gets hurt or sick, and help you recover faster when you’re not feeling well
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Your body has tiny messengers called hormones. Hormones tell your body what to do; like when to grow, when to feel hungry, or when it’s time to sleep. Your body also has tiny workers called enzymes. Enzymes help your body do jobs like digest food, make energy, and fix and build cells.
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Protein is what hormones and enzymes are made from.
Without enough protein, your body wouldn’t have the supplies it needs to make these messengers and workers.
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Your body needs to carry important things; like oxygen, vitamins, and nutrients to different parts of your body. Protein helps do that job.
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Think of protein as delivery trucks and storage boxes inside your body.Protein helps transport things your body needs to the right places (like oxygen going to your muscles), store important nutrients so your body can use them later, and make sure every part of your body gets what it needs to work properly
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If you didn’t have enough protein, your body would have a harder time moving and saving these important supplies.
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Protein helps you feel fuller for longer. It’s harder for your body to break down protein which keeps you feeling satiated and eating within your recommended calories!
How much Protein should I eat?
The FDA recommends 0.8–1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight to prevent malnutrition. But at Lexi J Wellness, we’re not aiming to just get by… we’re aiming to thrive.
That’s why we recommend eating 1 gram of protein per pound of your goal body weight.
This higher protein intake helps:
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Support a lean, toned look
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Improve muscle recovery and strength
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Support immunity
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Help with weight management
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Transport important nutrients throughout your body
Protein isn’t just about muscles. It plays a role in nearly every system in your body. Fueling your body with enough protein helps you look better, feel stronger, and function at your best.
