Some of you are following a medical weight loss plan, whereas others just want to stay healthy and consume a nutritious, anti-aging diet. Either way, you probably aren’t accustomed to being told that you need to eat more of something! But that is often the case with protein. If any of the following four situations apply to you – especially if several of them apply – we should discuss your protein intake in more detail.
You’re reaching, or older than, age 65. In our sixties, appetite often tends to wane. That can lead to lower protein intake, especially as easier, lower-protein snacks tend to be readily available everywhere you look. But you need to make sure you’re eating enough protein and pursuing a weight-training regiment to keep up your strength.
You exercise moderately or intensely. Those who are taking a half-hour walk each day are usually consuming enough protein. But those of you who exercise an hour or more per day, or who have adopted a strength training regimen, probably do need to eat more protein to support your body’s needs. Doing so will help you to build lean muscle tissue, which boosts metabolism and supports a medical weight loss plan.
You recently adopted a vegan diet. “Going vegan” is popular these days, for many reasons. And experienced vegans usually do consume enough protein, contrary to common belief. But those of you who are new to this lifestyle might fall back on eating too many carbs and not enough protein. So if veganism is a new effort for you, make sure to research appropriate protein sources and build your diet around them.
You’re following a medical weight loss plan. And of course, all of our weight loss clients need to pay close attention to their protein requirements. Protein will help you feel full and prevent cravings, and also preserves your muscle mass as your body burns through energy stores (fat).
Whether you’re interested in medical weight loss or simply maintaining your size and health, we’re here to help you meet your goals. Give us a call to schedule an appointment, so that we can help you evaluate your body’s nutritional needs.
