The Protein Dilemma
January’s issue of The Australian Womens Weekly (pg 138) digs up a not so recent (2011) Uni of Sydney study that has some great things to say about our requirement for protein. The study basically shows that if we don’t get enough protein from our diet, we compensate by eating more of the foods we shouldn’t be eating. So if you are craving sugar and processed foods, it may be worth looking at your increasing your protein intake.
Good sources of protein can be found in lean meats, whole grains and nuts, and in dark leafy vegies.
How much protein do you need? Well, the “one-size-fits-all” school has a formula for this. If you are female (between 19 & 50 years) your daily protein intake from an optimal diet should represent 0.75 g per Kg of your weight. For males of the same age bracket, you are looking at 0.84 g per Kg of your weight.
Each of us is individual. We have found that many of our clients, at times in their lives, need more protein than the Recommended Daily Intakes (RDI). We all get our energy from proteins, fats and carbs. There needs to be balance.
It all comes down to your individual energy requirements. Do you know what yours are?