Is excessive protein a trend

[SordidSplendour]

Is it really that important to get approx 100/130g protein every day?
I've tried and it just feels like such a chore.

I enjoy healthy food but the pressure for each meal to be high protein makes my relationship with food feel complex, over thought and tired.

I've just had a delish big salad (I know, how MN of me 😋) it didn't have any protein source at all so it got me thinking, is it really that important, or a bit of a trend?

Useful fact sheet here:

www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/protein-fact-sheet/

I take protein powder every day. I have done for 3 weeks and already can see a difference with my skin and hair. I also eat a lot of grilled meat, so the combo works for me.

I know it’s not what you’re asking but FYI the new M&S 20g protein strawberry milkshake is delicious. Genuinely tastes good and not like a typical protein shake with the weird aftertaste.

Yes it's definitely a trend, look at all the protein products in the supermarket. I think studies show most of the population eats more protein than needed but we don't eat enough fibre.

Apparently, the problem for most is too little fibre. They say it's one of the reasons cancer is on the rise in younger people. Everything seems to be labelled "high protein", and if the shops are doing that, it's because they're sure that will sell. I feel sorry for young kids-they are bombarded with it. At least Millennials and upwards only had adverts on TV when they were little, not social media that never lets them go.

How heavy are you?! An average woman needs around 50g a day, not 130!

High protein low carb diets are a thing though definitely, though not particularly new.

That sounds like way too much. Too much protein can be bad for you I thought. Just try to eat a relatively balanced diet, obsessing over exact numbers unless you are on some kind of medically advised thing, is a direct road to madness. Especially if you're trying to hit some mad target which is well outside the usual recommended amount.

The average woman needs 45g according to this (British Heart Foundation)
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/heart-matters-magazine/nutrition/protein

This is a really good fact sheet and also chimes as true for people who are currently losing weight (I know it is aimed at cancer patients).

also see Dr Sims a sports nutrition scientist who is also famous for her quote “women are not small men”.

https://www.drstacysims.com/newsletters/articles/posts/Why_Women_Need_to_Prioritize_Protein

I listened to this a few weeks ago and stopped worrying about whether I was getting enough protein.

BBC Radio 4 - What's Up Docs?, Protein - are you getting enough of it? https://share.google/9f77mPJi5bMDMGhbM

More people are into the gym now, and building muscle mass, which needs protein.

I have a protein rich diet because my consultant told me I need a protein rich diet following gastric surgery. I find it very very easy to get the standard amount of 0.75g per kg of weight, and quite easy to get double that so I'm not entirely sure why it's such an effort.

Also agree on fibre though. Most people need more.

I can’t really comment on the protein issue but I think you need to up your salad game to really fit in around here. On MN only huge salads are permitted. Big doesn’t cut it.

I've eaten about 90g of protein today

Greek yoghurt with granola
salmon with chickpeas & grains
chicken with ricotta

I couldn't eat like this daily plus it's expensive.

😂

The problem with protein is the body doesn’t store it as protein so daily intake is needed. Unfortunately, excess of all the macronutrients is stored as fat.

I've been advised by my dietician to have 1.2g of protein per kg of my weight. 1.6g on the days I work out.

Hope this helps!