Experts weigh in on the protein craze and how much our bodies need

From coffee to cereal, protein is taking center stage on store shelves and social media. It seems the macronutrient is showing up in more and more products as we’re being told to hit our “protein goals.”But what is behind this new craze?Dr. Beth Motley practices family and lifestyle medicine at Prisma Health. She says protein is one of three macronutrients, alongside carbohydrates and fat. However, she says protein plays an especially important role in our health as the building block of our muscles. Even though protein is important, she says making sure you’re eating a balanced diet is key. ” people are looking for one thing to focus on because it’s easier to focus on one thing,” she said, “because that gives them a clearer path as to where they are going.”Motley says instead of focusing on just protein, make sure you’re eating a variety of whole and nutrient-dense foods. “95 percent of people are falling short on fiber, and fiber is really what keeps us fuller for longer,” she said. She also says to remember that protein can be found in sources other than meat and eggs. “The idea is, if we’re getting a variety of whole grains, vegetables beans in our diet, we’re getting plenty of protein,” said Motley.Personal trainer Bekah Lake thinks the new protein trend may stem from a renewed interest in physical fitness on social media. “I think more so now, after COVID, there’s more fitness influencers, and it’s really important to stay in shape and be healthy,” she said. She also says that with the New Year right around the corner, people are focused on looking and feeling their best. She says protein- as the building block of the muscles- plays a role in that.“You want to keep your muscles preserve your muscle as you’re losing body fat and losing weight,” she said.She says she has seen some of her clients reach their specific goals by increasing protein in their diets, but that the other macronutrients cannot be forgotten. “You do need carbs. Don’t be afraid of carbs- we all need them,” she said. “And then your healthy fats.”Motley adds that, although there are general guidelines when it comes to the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein, different people have different dietary needs based on things like age and activity level. Both Motley and Lake say that if you’re thinking of making changes to your diet and lifestyle, you need to make sure that you are relying on credible sources of information. “Be wary of social media,” said Motley. “Everyone is trying to capture your attention and sell something. So, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.” ” certified trainers, people who study nutrition, registered dietitians your doctor,” said Lake. “If you want to get on Google, be mindful that there are scams out there and a lot of things just to sell you on something.”

From coffee to cereal, protein is taking center stage on store shelves and social media. It seems the macronutrient is showing up in more and more products as we’re being told to hit our “protein goals.”

But what is behind this new craze?

Dr. Beth Motley practices family and lifestyle medicine at Prisma Health. She says protein is one of three macronutrients, alongside carbohydrates and fat. However, she says protein plays an especially important role in our health as the building block of our muscles.

Even though protein is important, she says making sure you’re eating a balanced diet is key.

“[When dieting] people are looking for one thing to focus on because it’s easier to focus on one thing,” she said, “because that gives them a clearer path as to where they are going.”

Motley says instead of focusing on just protein, make sure you’re eating a variety of whole and nutrient-dense foods.

“95 percent of people are falling short on fiber, and fiber is really what keeps us fuller for longer,” she said.

She also says to remember that protein can be found in sources other than meat and eggs.

“The idea is, if we’re getting a variety of whole grains, vegetables [and] beans in our diet, we’re getting plenty of protein,” said Motley.

Personal trainer Bekah Lake thinks the new protein trend may stem from a renewed interest in physical fitness on social media.

“I think more so now, after COVID, there’s more fitness influencers, and it’s really important to stay in shape and be healthy,” she said.

She also says that with the New Year right around the corner, people are focused on looking and feeling their best.

She says protein- as the building block of the muscles- plays a role in that.

“You want to keep your muscles [and] preserve your muscle as you’re losing body fat and losing weight,” she said.

She says she has seen some of her clients reach their specific goals by increasing protein in their diets, but that the other macronutrients cannot be forgotten.

“You do need carbs. Don’t be afraid of carbs- we all need them,” she said. “And then [you need] your healthy fats.”

Motley adds that, although there are general guidelines when it comes to the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of protein, different people have different dietary needs based on things like age and activity level.

Both Motley and Lake say that if you’re thinking of making changes to your diet and lifestyle, you need to make sure that you are relying on credible sources of information.

“Be wary of social media,” said Motley. “Everyone is trying to capture your attention and sell something. So, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

“[Reach out to] certified trainers, people who study nutrition, registered dietitians [and] your doctor,” said Lake. “If you want to get on Google, be mindful that there are scams out there and a lot of things just to sell you on something.”