4 minute read
Why Everyone Needs Protein (Yes, Even If You Don’t Lift)
It’s a common misconception that only people who work out need protein. But actually 🤓, your body needs protein for way more than building muscle. Let’s get into it!
1. keeps your body running smoothly
Protein isn’t just for muscle - it’s involved in pretty much every major function in your body. It helps build and repair tissue, supports healthy organ function, and makes up your enzymes, hormones, and skin. It’s doing so much for our bodies without our realization.
Did you know? Consistently hitting 1g of protein per pound of goal body weight also gives you a good amount of naturally occurring collagen. Go the extra mile and diversify your protein sources and include collagen-rich foods like bone broth, chicken skin, and tendons.
2. helps build (and keep) muscle
While protein is the building block for muscle growth, it’s also vital for maintaining muscle (source). Getting in enough protein daily (both on gym days and rest days) helps you recover, repair tissue, and hold onto the strength you’ve built - especially as you get older. Muscle loss happens naturally as we age, but consistent protein intake can slow that down and keep you feeling strong and capable long-term. Think about future-you!
3. helps with weight management
Protein keeps you feeling full longer, which can help with weight management by reducing hunger and overall calorie intake (source). It's way more filling than carbs or fats, so if you're trying to find a more balanced approach to eating, reduce snacking, and curb cravings, protein is your friend. And as a bonus, your body uses more energy to digest protein, which gives your metabolism a boost too!
4. supports your immune system and hormones
Now for the behind-the-scenes work. Your immune system literally depends on protein. Antibodies (the things that fight off sickness) are made of protein. Protein also supports hormone health and helps regulate insulin sensitivity and metabolism - all of which play a role in keeping your immune system strong and your body balanced. When these are all in check, your body’s better equipped to fight off stress, inflammation, and sickness.
5. essential for healthy aging
The older we get, the more intentional we need to be about protein. Like I mentioned earlier, we naturally lose muscle over time - but getting enough protein helps slow that down (source). As we age, strength, mobility, and bone density become that much more important for our overall health and quality of life. Muscle contributes to all those factors - it isn’t just for aesthetics!
tl;dr
Protein is crucial for everyone - whether you're building muscle, managing weight, staying healthy, or just aging well. It’s a daily essential that supports the healthy functioning of your body. Make it a priority and your body will thank you!
written by: ivy, co-founder of momo®
photo by logan weaver
