Throughout my career as both a Personal Trainer and Naturopath I have found that most people are not eating the required amount of protein. Protein is required for so many processes in the body including structurally for muscles, hair and skin. As transporters in the body, to help you stay fuller for longer and therefore aids in fat loss and also importantly in hormone balance.

Whether you are sedentary, a light exerciser, a moderate exerciser or a hard core gym junkie, there are specific calculations that I can work out as a naturopath that can let you know exactly how much protein you should be eating each day. These requirements are specifically matched with the amount of exercise and movement that you do each day and your health and fitness goals. Let me explain, the if you walk 4-5 times a week and are currently happy with your weight then your nutrition and protein requirements are different to someone who is exercising high intensity for 3 times a week and their goal is to recover faster so they can train harder. The beauty of having both an exercise science background and a nutrition background is that I can match your needs and your goals together and design an individualised plan just for you.

With protein it’s important to remember that protein isn’t just for body builders or those looking to bulk up. In recent months, I’ve had the pleasure of doing a few nutrition talks at a range of gyms on the topic of protein intake and correctly fuelling your body for its daily demands. Whilst the talks were catered for gym members who were training hard for an 8 week challenge or Crossfit workouts, the message is still the same for everybody.

If you display any of these symptoms, then you probably aren’t getting enough protein daily:

  • Sore muscles
  • Hair falling out
  • Weak nails
  • Poor energy
  • Problems losing weight
  • Fat deposited around the belly region that is hard to shift
  • Sugar cravings

Protein can come from many different sources including fish, meat, tofu, nuts and seeds. If you are prepared with your meals from week to week and know exactly how much protein to eat then you can get your recommended intake of protein from food alone. If you are super busy or want a quick and easy go to on the run, then protein shakes can help. Protein shakes have come a long way since the old days of body building. There are plenty of clean, organic and natural protein powders, both whey and plant based on the market that avoid the nasty additives, flavours and fillers. You just have to know where to look – which I can help you with.

If you would like to know your specific daily protein requirements and how to fit them into your weekly food plan, then book in to see me in clinic. In your initial Naturopathic consult we can look at your symptoms, discuss your health goals and work out a nutrition plan for your specific protein and nutrient requirements.

Book now at www.calendly.com/inspiredhealthbydee

Dee