With so many to choose from, it may be difficult to know which one is best for you. We put together this Protein Finder to help you understand the differences and guide you in the right direction. Much of it has to do with your particular lifestyle or what your goals are. From a protein shake to easily boost your intake, to seeking a complete meal replacement shake, to wanting a satisfying way to lose weight, this breakdown should help guide you to your destination!
First, Choose Your Protein Goal:
Supplement Protein
For those looking to boost their protein intake to supplement their daily meals.
Protein is one of the 3 essential macronutrients that make up all the food we consume (carbohydrates and fats being the other 2). Protein is found in every cell of the human body and is required for building, repairing, and creating new cells. It is the main structural component of bones, muscles, cartilage, skin, blood, hair, fingernails, serum albumin, keratin, and collagen. All enzymes in our body are composed of proteins making this macronutrient essential for thousands of chemical reactions in the body.
Why Do I Need Protein?
Protein is an essential nutrient for proper digestion, hormone production, immune system maintenance, and transportation of vitamins & minerals throughout the body. We need to consume adequate protein on a daily basis to maintain muscle mass. Necessary for proper growth in children and teenagers, protein can also serve as a fuel source during exercise or when carbohydrate stores are low. Proteins are made up of small units called amino acids, which are joined together in long chains to form peptides. The body cannot make all the amino acids that it requires, therefore these must be supplied in the diet. Proteins are not just the main player in cellular health, enzymatic reactions, and structural integrity, they also act as primary hormone messengers. Insulin, one of the key hormones responsible for energy balance, is actually made of proteins.
How Much Do I Need?
Protein requirements vary depending on body size, gender, age, nutritional status and level of physical activity.
Individuals who do not workout should aim for: 0.5-0.8 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day.
For someone who is 150lbs, this would equate to 75-120grams of protein/day.
Active individuals should aim for: 0.6-0.9 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day.
For someone who is 150lbs, this would equate to 90-135 grams of protein/day.
Athletes and those looking to build muscle should aim for: 0.7-1.0 grams of protein per pound of body weight per day.
For someone who is 150lbs, this would equate to 105-150 grams of protein/day.
*For more detailed information, including pregnancy and lactation recommendations, please see this resource: Link
Favorite Healthy Recipes
Strawberry Citrus Collagen Tonic
With added goodness of Collagen Beauty Peptides, this "tonic" is refreshing and yummy!
