This blog post will briefly cover why adequate protein intake is so important and provide some simple ideas for eating more protein. Protein is essential for the body’s overall function and well-being, especially for women. In fact, adequate protein intake is a mom’s secret to energy and balance.
If you are someone wanting to eat more protein in your day and you find yourself struggling to eat enough, check out this free printable I created with meal and snack ideas to sneak in more protein. Let’s look quickly at three reasons why you should be eating adequate protein.
Why should I eat more protein?
Hormone balance
The first reason you need to be eating enough protein as a mama is to help balance and regulate your hormones. Did you know that protein is the building block for hormones? Without adequate protein your body cannot produce the hormones that you need for good reproductive health. Protein also contains certain amino acids that help to form neurons, the nerve cells of your body. When the nerve cells don’t communicate you experience mood swings and emotional roller coasters.
Blood sugar regulation
Eating protein with carbs helps to slow the release of glucose, which in turn helps to balance your blood sugar. It also takes more energy to break down which contributes to a feeling of fullness and eliminating that urge for snack. In turn, this will give you more energy throughout the day because your blood sugar remains stable and doesn’t dip and spike. Read a little more about balancing blood sugar here.
Supports muscle mass
Lastly, it is important for women to consume adequate protein to build muscle mass. As we age, we tend to lose muscle mass, making it essential that we eat adequate protein and regularly engage in strength training. Eating adequate protein will help to prevent the decline in muscle mass and contribute to overall strength and energy.
High-protein meals and snacks
Go-to meals for more protein
Eggs are easily my go-to food for increasing my protein intake. I aim for 30g of protein at breakfast and eggs are not only high in protein, but incredibly nutrient dense. With so many different variations for consuming eggs, they are a no-brainer for me.
Tuna is an easy, peasy lunch. I mix it with a little greek yogurt or mayo, salt and pepper and eat it with carrot or celery sticks.
Beef patties are another quick and easy lunch. Simply pan fry a beef patty with salt and pepper and serve it with your favorite condiments and a side of veggies.
Favorite protein snacks
Beef sticks are great for on-the-go snacking. These are my favorite.
Greek yogurt and protein powder is an easy high-protein snack or even breakfast. Just Ingredients is my favorite protein powder. The snicker doodle mixed with greek yogurt and blueberries is amazing.
Greek yogurt and peanut butter is one of my favorite snack treats. Mixed together with a smidge of honey it almost tastes like peanut butter pie filling. Eat alone or with apple slices. Seriously so yummy.
I hope this has given you some ideas to get started. I notice a huge difference in my overall energy, mood, and mental health when I am eating enough protein and I think you will too. Protein really is a mom’s secret weapon to energy and balance. Be sure and download this free guide with some of my favorite ideas for eating protein. Do you focus on eating protein? Would love to know!
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