Are you getting enough protein in your diet? If you’re like most of the United States population, the answer is unfortunately no. Most adult men and women need between 45 and 55 grams of protein per day, though this can vary depending on your size and how active you are. There are countless health benefits to getting proper levels of protein in your diet, but let’s start with a few of the potential ways protein can have a direct impact on your entire day.
Improve Focus at Work
Do you ever get that sluggish, tired feeling in the middle of your work day? Believe it or not, earing a high-protein breakfast and lunch can help increase your energy levels as well as your overall focus and alertness. This means you can power through those afternoon meetings and tackle your workload with energy to spare, rather than grabbing refill upon refill of coffee (or worse, energy drinks).
Recover After a Workout
If you exercise regularly, making sure to get enough protein in your diet can help you here as well. Specifically, protein is a building block that your body needs in order to recover from an intense workout. This is especially true if your workout involves any heavy lifting, as your muscles will require protein to rebuild after weight training.
Eat Healthier Throughout the Day
Starting your day off with a protein-rich breakfast can also help you curb hunger and cut back on unhealthy snacking throughout the day. That’s because protein contains fewer calories per gram than other macronutrients, meaning you can eat less and still feel full. As a result, you may find yourself craving fewer bad-for-you foods throughout the day and cut back on those trips to the vending machine at work.
Enjoy More Restful Sleep
When it’s time for bed, a protein-rich diet throughout the day can also help you sleep better overall. As a result, you’ll wake up feeling refreshed and ready to take on the day, rather than sluggish and exhausted. You can even enjoy some protein-rich snacks before bed relatively guilt-free, such as a handful of nuts.
Getting the right amount of protein in your diet can have a major impact on how your entire day goes. Don’t believe it? Commit to balancing your protein over the next few days and notice the difference for yourself!
Source: http://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-protein-per-day
Source: http://www.menshealth.com/style/nativo-content?prx_t=b-QCAj8IRAm9YMA
