Friday Health & Wellness

The Importance of Eating Enough Protein Daily

Over the past several months, I have learned something important through my own healing journey:

It is not enough to simply eat.

You have to make sure you are eating enough of the nutrients your body needs, especially protein.

As my pain increased, I became more sedentary. The less I moved, the more I tried to protect myself from additional discomfort. Unfortunately, while I was trying to reduce pain, I was also allowing my muscles to weaken.

Adding to the challenge, I do not have a large appetite. Some days I simply was not eating enough protein to support my body’s needs.

Over time, my muscles became deconditioned. Tasks that once felt easy became harder. My strength decreased, my endurance dropped, and I found myself realizing that my body needed more support than I was giving it.

This has been a huge eye-opening experience for me.

I live with pain every day, but I have learned that I cannot stop moving completely. I have to move purposefully, safely, and consistently. I also have to be mindful of eating enough and incorporating protein into my meals throughout the day.

Protein is often called the building block of life, and for good reason.

Our bodies use protein to:

✅ Build and repair muscles

✅ Support the immune system

✅ Create hormones and enzymes

✅ Maintain healthy skin, hair, and nails

✅ Help transport oxygen throughout the body

✅ Promote healing and recovery

✅ Support strength and healthy aging

Protein is also important because it helps us feel full longer and can help prevent muscle loss, especially as we age.

Good Sources of Protein

Animal-Based Sources

• Eggs
• Chicken
• Turkey
• Fish and seafood
• Lean beef
• Greek yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Cheese

Plant-Based Sources

• Beans and legumes
• Lentils
• Chickpeas
• Edamame
• Tofu
• Tempeh
• Quinoa
• Nuts and seeds
• Nut butters
• Oats

Many people are surprised to learn that protein comes from a wide variety of foods. Whether you eat animal products, plant-based foods, or a combination of both, there are many ways to increase your daily intake.

Five Important Reasons We Need Protein

1. Builds and Repairs Tissues
Protein helps repair muscles, skin, bones, and other tissues throughout the body.

2. Supports the Immune System
Antibodies are made from protein and help protect us from illness and infection.

3. Regulates Hormones
Many hormones rely on protein to help coordinate important body functions.

4. Aids Digestion
Digestive enzymes are proteins that help break down food and absorb nutrients.

5. Provides Energy
Although the body prefers carbohydrates and fats for energy, protein can also be used when needed.

What I Am Learning

One of the lessons I am learning is that healing requires participation.

The doctors can guide us.

Physical therapists can teach us.

Medications may help us.

But we also have a responsibility to provide our bodies with the fuel they need.

For me, that means being intentional about movement, hydration, and protein.

It means paying attention to what my body is telling me instead of assuming it will somehow recover on its own.

I am still learning.

I am still healing.

But I now understand that strength is not just built in a gym.

Sometimes strength begins with something as simple as choosing to nourish your body well.

Your body has carried you through every season of your life.

Feed it accordingly.

~ Lady Flava 🌻