OU’VE BEEN LIED TO ABOUT PROTEIN.
Reminder: Protein makes up part of nearly every cell in our bodies. It helps with the production of enzymes (which we basically run off of) and hormones (which helps with chemical signaling through small proteins/steroids to manage physiological actions, metabolism, glucose levels and reproduction)
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So let’s debunk some myths:
1️⃣Too much will harm your kidneys. No, only if you have kidney disease or damage.
2️⃣Women don’t need more than 0.8g per kg: Wrong, women need to obtain approximately 20-30% of their calories from protein which, if we were to calculate the average amount of calories a woman needs (2000 calories), that would bring her to 100-160g of protein A DAY.
3️⃣Too much protein will make you bulky: No, steroids will make you bulky. Protein in itself is just another macronutrient.
4️⃣Protein powders are natural: No, they are just another processed food source that is used for the sake of convenience. Remember, if a food isn’t in its whole food form, it isn’t natural. Does this mean it’s bad? Not necessarily, but whole food is best.
5️ Red meat is cancerous: No, and I can turn around and ask if soy is estrogenic. Red meat in itself is not cancerous, but I would question what is that animal eating, how is it being treated, and how was it processed.
6️⃣Protein is only for muscles: No, it’s the basic building block of the entire body, from tissues, ligaments, enzymes, hormones, etc.
7️⃣You can get all your protein from plants: Sure, but all your amino acids? It’s very difficult. You would have to eat probably twice as much protein to absorb your amino acid requirements and hopefully have a stomach of steel to break down all that fiber.
8️⃣Lean poultry is the best source: That’s up for debate, but I would argue it is a good idea to get a variety of sources such as fish, pork, eggs, bone broth, Greek yogurt, and so forth so you get all your required amino acids. Keep in mind, poultry tends to be high in tryptophan which can turn into serotonin and act estrogenic in the body.