But how much protein!?

[henlake7]

Am I the only one abit fed up of hearing about how much protein is in everything?
I feel like for the current level of obsession people should of been collapsing in the streets with protein deficiencies and hospitals should be filled with protein related illnesses. Where are they?
I get its good to have enough, esp if you are dieting or a serious athlete but dont most of us get enough protein by eating a normal diet?

(why dont people care so hard about fibre? Its lack of fibre that is causing people health problems after all!).

Protein is really filling so that’s why I try to get plenty in my diet.
I also concentrate on fibre. Most adults in the UK eat about 10g fibre a day and the recommended amount is a minimum of 25g. For me, fibre is really filling too so if I make sure I’m eating a good amount of both, I don’t really snack between meals much.
Fibre is also important for bowels. Exception is those with IBS issues who can’t tolerate much of course.

There is more money to be made marketing protein products than fibre!!!

Protien and fibre are both important. They are what make a meal satisfying. If you aren't getting enough protien your body doesn't signal a craving for protien though, it signals unspecific hunger that we tend to fulfill with cheap convenient processed low-fibre carbs that mean we eat too many calories. Eating more protien and more wholegrain and high fibre unprocessed foods and drinking more water is the most important bit of nutritional advice most people need to hear. 64% of adults in the uk are overweight or obese. If you don't need to hear this message then well done for your charmed and blessed and beautiful life, just carry on with living your life if the message isn't meant for you.

I suppose it depends really, not eating enough protein is more of a long term impact thing rather than an immediate and clear hospital admission thing. Not eating enough protein leads to things like poor concentration, brain fog, feeling hungry again quickly and so eating too much and gaining weight, your immune system needs protein so without it you tend to get more frequent infections, not having enough also causes hormonal imbalances, low mood/anxiety, anaemia… so yeah, there are lots of people at the GP with those symptoms.

I think if you generally eat a well balanced diet then you’re probably getting enough protein, but lots of people don’t eat a balanced diet whether that is for cost or convenience the result is the same. I work in an office and I would say about 50% of those in my office have toast or cereal for breakfast and then don’t have an actual meal for lunch but rather just snack on crisps/biscuits/chocolate/sweets/pot noodle/coffee/tea all day, so basically the only time they consume any protein would be their dinner depending on what they have.

I don't believe many people, with the possible exception of elite athletes, need the supplements. Protein powder, bars etc areally ultra processed and full of artificial sweeteners or sugar. Almost everyone can do just fine getting protein from their food.