Protein: Elevate Your Health with the Building Blocks of Life

Have you ever wondered if you're getting enough protein or even too much?

Cut through the confusion as we bust protein myths with gusto, revealing how this powerhouse nutrient is not just for those who live at the gym but vital for everyone's health. 

In today's episode, we're dissecting protein's critical role in your body, from harmonizing hormones to reinforcing your immune system. You'll discover innovative ways to infuse your meals with more protein, making every dish a celebration of health. Plus, we'll get into the nitty-gritty of the thermic effect of protein and how tweaking your intake could turn up your metabolism's heat.

As your guide to a healthier, happier you, I'm all about those small yet mighty steps that bring a daily 2% improvement to your well-being. We're not chasing perfection here; it's all about the journey and making those better choices that add up. 

Together, we'll explore the importance of a balanced diet, ensuring protein is at the table without overshadowing other essential nutrients. 

So join the conversation, share the knowledge, and inspire one another to stride confidently towards a life of wellness.

Transcript

Dai Manuel: 0:05

Hey there, fit Fam, welcome back to your weekly dose of the 2% Solution Podcast. It's Tit Friyay and we're about to unravel the mysteries of the mighty macronutrient that has more drama than a reality TV show. Yup, you guessed it we're talking all about protein. Picture this a world where chicken isn't just for clucking and eggs aren't just for Easter. Hey folks, protein is the unsung hero of your plate and today we're singing his praises, myth-busting like ghostbusters and giving you the skinny on getting well, not so skinny.

Dai Manuel: 0:42

First let's tackle protein. Myth number one High protein diets are a one-way ticket to Kidneyville. Spoiler alert if you've got a pair of healthy kidneys, they can handle the protein party. All nutrition researchers looked high and low and found zilch evidence of the high protein horror show on your kidneys. If your kidneys have seen better days, pump the brakes and have a heart-to-heart with your doctor. Myth number two protein is the VIP pass for the muscle-bound elite. Wrong, protein is democracy in action, my friends. It's for everyone. It's the multitasker of nutrients, human lighting and hormone balance, immune system shenanigans and even plain Mr Fix it for your cells. It's less about benching your body weight and more about loving your body.

Dai Manuel: 1:37

Right Now let's chat strategy. How do you sneak more protein into your day without a full-on stakeout? Think breakfast revolution. Ditch the doughnut for a dollop of Greek yogurt or whip up an omelet that even the French would envy. Back on almonds like your Adam Vegas poker table and make sure your dinner plate is a carnival of lean meat, seafood or a legume parade. But why increase protein intake? For one, it's satiating, meaning you feel full longer, which is a bonus for weight management. A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that participants consuming a higher protein diet reported greater satiating. See, it makes you feel more full longer. Plus, a high protein intake has been linked to improved muscle mass and strength, which is critical as we age to prevent sarcopenia, that's, the loss of muscle mass we're discussing preserving your independence over the years, and that's no small feat.

Dai Manuel: 2:43

Now let's talk about metabolic health. Did you know your body burns more calories digesting protein than fats or carbohydrates? This phenomenon, known as a thermic effect of food, means you're revving up that metabolic engine just by eating. Researchers from the Journal of American Medical Association found that high protein diets burned more calories at rest. That's like earning money while you sleep, except it's burning calories while you Netflix and chill. Now let's talk digits. How much protein should you be piling on your plate? It's the million dollar question with not so pricey answer.

Dai Manuel: 3:22

The RDA recommends 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight. But hold on to your gym shorts, because the science folks are giving us the wink, wink, nudge, nudge to aim higher if you want to flex those muscles or keep them from saying sirenara as you age. For the gym rats and fitness phoenixes rising from their couch ashes, target about 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilogram. Now keep in mind that that's based on lean mass. So if you're 100 kilos, or about 225 pounds, and floating in at around 20 to 30% body fat, that means literally that composition on your body is body fat mass, which, I hate to say, it doesn't really burn any calories, it just goes along for the ride. It doesn't really contribute to your metabolism, but it does, I guess, in a little way, because now you're pulling that extra weight around, so the muscles have to work a little bit harder to pull the extra load. So yes, there's a little bit more of a taxing effect on your musculature if you're carrying around more weight. But but those aren't responsible for really metabolic function. It's your muscle that's going to digest a lot of that.

Dai Manuel: 4:39

And of course the glycogen from our carbohydrates and so forth is really critical. I won't get into all the details, I'll say that for a future episode. But listen, 0.8 grams per kilogram is sort of the minimum and gold standard. But if you can add a bit more that 1.2 to 2.0 somewhere in there, you're gonna notice a big shift. You'll probably find that you're eating a little bit less as far as calorie intake is concerned, feeling more satiated, more energetic and less the thargic overall Because this tends to be the sugars or increase in too much fat intake, especially the more the unhealthy saturated fats. That creates this little bit of an energy lull. And what happens when we find ourselves in that lull? We usually reach for some sort of instant gratification, something sugary, sweet, to give us an instant sugar kick, which again spikes that energy, at least that perceived energy that we have. But we know it's short lived. That energy-effective protein is much longer lasting, so you feel more full, more energized, longer. Anyways, translation for the non-metric mates 0.5 to 0.9 grams per pound. All right. So it's not just for Hulk smashing, it's about nurturing every fiber of your bean, for that metabolic mojo. Now for the longevity league. More protein means you're fortifying your fortress, keeping bones sturdy, muscles merry and your metabolic health humming like a 67 Mustang.

Dai Manuel: 6:14

But let's cut to the chase. How do you actually up your protein game without turning your kitchen into a 24-7 diner? Here's my secret sauce High quality protein supplements. Not the sugary Frankenstein flavored kind, but the good stuff. Look for powders, plain and cool, with low sugars and real ingredients. Why do I love protein powder so much? It's like a Swiss army knife for your nutrition. Whiz it into a smoothie and you're sipping on a stealthy nutrient. Ninja, it's like tossing a flavor grenade into your bland breakfast routine. And boom, you're fueled up and fired up without the fuss. For those days when the thought of cooking is as appealing as a root canal, protein powder swoops in like the culinary Calvary. Whisk it into your oatmeal or brownie mix. You're not just bacon, you're biohacking. But here's the kicker Protein is like your dietary bouncer, keeping you fuller for longer. Perfect for plain defense against the snack attacks.

Dai Manuel: 7:16

High protein diets are like VIP passes to satiated city, and they're handing them out like flyers on the strip, according to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. And imagine this you're lounging on the couch, binge, watching your favorite series and your body is torching calories like it's getting paid Thanks to that thermic effect on food. Chomping on protein is like cranking up the metabolic thermostat. Science says so. Just check out the Journal of American Medical Association. They're not just spin of facts, they're serving a calorie burning buffet.

Dai Manuel: 7:48

And I know I'm repeating myself here because I want you to hear this. Okay, do your own due diligence. Go do some research on macronutrients and the effect of protein in that relationship of that sort of three macros that make up the majority of the foods and drinks that we intake. A little bit of knowledge goes a long way. Now let's march into this bone zone.

Dai Manuel: 8:11

Another protein myth is that the bad boy of bone health. But that's as outdated as flip phones, folks. All right, it's not a bad boy. The British Journal of Nutrition did the homework and handed out a report card showing protein is the hall monitor for your bones, keeping them in line and out of trouble. And for the grand finale, let's sprinkle in a little unknown factoid into the mix.

Dai Manuel: 8:35

Protein is your mental masseuse. It's dishing out amino acids that whip up neurotransmitters faster than a barista on a Monday morning. Studies like the one from the Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience hint that your brain might be grooving to a happier beat with a protein rich diet. So here's the scoop Protein keeps you full, fires up your calorie furnace, shores up your bones, bulks up your muscles and even sprinkles a little zen on your stressed out neurons.

Dai Manuel: 9:03

But hey, let's not turn the protein dial to 11. Balance, or harmony, is the spice of life, and too much of a good thing can turn your diet into a one hit wonder. Keep it varied and real and let protein take its rightful place in the course of your food symphony. That's all for today's Fit Tip Friday. Remember, folks, small tweaks can lead to peaks in your health, and if you're digging these protein packed pearls of wisdom, pass them on. Share the game, spread the knowledge and let's lift each other up. Keep aiming for that sweet spot of 2% better daily, and until next time, ride the wellness wave and I'll catch you on the flip side. Cu, I'll see you soon with alot of good news.