Most people focus on cutting carbs or watching their sugar intake, but here’s a more important question: Are you getting enough protein?
Protein isn’t just for athletes. It’s essential for everyone. It supports muscle repair, immune function, healthy hair and skin, hormone production, and mental clarity. If your intake is too low, your body will let you know.
Here are some common warning signs:
- Constant fatigue – Even with a full night’s sleep and a morning coffee, you still feel drained. Protein helps regulate energy levels throughout the day.
- Muscle weakness or loss – If workouts feel harder or your strength seems to be slipping, your body may be breaking down muscle tissue for energy.
- Mood swings or brain fog – Protein is needed for neurotransmitter function. Without it, you might feel anxious, foggy, or emotionally off-balance.
- Persistent hunger or cravings – If you’re always hungry shortly after meals, it could be because you’re not getting enough protein to stay full.
- Slow healing, brittle nails, thinning hair – These physical signs can indicate your body is lacking the basic building blocks it needs to repair and regenerate.
If any of these symptoms sound familiar, it’s time to be more intentional with your protein intake. Include a quality source with every meal, like eggs, poultry, fish, lentils, Greek yogurt, or a clean protein shake when needed.
You don’t need to track grams obsessively. A good rule of thumb is to aim for a palm-sized portion of protein per meal.
if your energy is low, your cravings are constant, and your body isn’t recovering like it used to, protein might be the missing piece. Listen to the signals—your body knows.