If there is one obsession that I’d put an end to if I had a magic wand, is the one with grown adults and their protein.
The only reason we have become so enamoured with it is the marketing efforts of the protein shake industry. Same reason turmeric, magnesium, probiotics, collagen, bone broth, and others have been the poster child at one time or another…
You’ve been told they are important, and without a 30,000 foot view for perspective, you don’t know how to integrate them into your diet appropriately and you put too much focus on one thing, while ignoring the less “attractive” foods and nutrients.
It’s a lot like diets. Low fat, wait no high fat…vegan, wait a minute paleo sounds better…carbs are awesome, not so fast they are the enemy…
It. Never. Ends.
No wonder so many people are confused and frustrated. Especially those who know these things are all fads, but they don’t know what’s the REAL DEAL (and don’t have time to find it).
So, back to protein. Is it important? Absolutely! Do most people get more than enough without the protein shake? 100%. Are most taking clean protein and assimilating it properly without any undue pressure on their kidneys? No.
Listen, protein uptake is most important when you are a developing human. So up to about the age of 21. After that, your protein needs diminish because you are not actively building out the internal infrastructure that relies heavily on protein. Now you’re in maintenance mode, which requires a LOT less.
Now, if you’re a competitive body builder, then you’ll need more than the average cat to build that muscle mass. If you’re not, do yourself a favour and stop loading up your morning with protein powder shakes.
I don’t eat a lot of protein – just enough. From whole food plant sources mostly, but other places too. My results from the gym have never been compromised without protein shakes.
How do I know?
I used to use them all the time. But I got puffy and bloated. Now, I’m much leaner and can still build muscle as effectively, 20 years later, without a single protein powder in my cupboard. The key is…assimilation of your fuel. Without that, most protein powders are literally toilet flushers.
You know what you typically need more of as you get older? Enzymes. Minerals. But I don’t hear anyone asking where they’re getting those from…as they eat mostly cooked and nutrient deficient meals.
Balance people. Balance. Know what’s more important as you go through life. Protein, generally speaking, isn’t the primary thing to focus on as an adult, especially when attempting to reverse health problems.
What should be your focus is consuming as much anti-infectious and cleansing food as you can, while making sure you hone in on highly digestible nutrients to maintain proper levels and balance of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and probiotics.
Do that right and your body will start to heal, and you’ll age gracefully. You’ll feel up to the challenge of the day. You’ll be more optimistic about life. You’ll be able to play sports, or with your kids or grandkids. you’ll be in great shape.
Choices. They’re fun, aren’t they? And they always have consequences – good, bad, and ugly.
If you want to make a good one, join the THRIVE Academy.
Derek Henry
Derek Henry, Founder of Healing the Body and the THRIVE Academy, used nutrition, supplementation, and a holistic lifestyle to naturally unravel 13 chronic disease conditions that conventional or alternative medical professionals couldn't help him resolve. As a result of this one-in-a-million health transformation and the knowledge acquired in the process, he now educates, coaches, and inspires others to transform their health through a natural and holistic approach. Since 2014, he has helped his THRIVE Academy participants heal over 20 different chronic disease conditions, primarily related to digestive and autoimmune concerns.
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