Protein isn’t just for bodybuilders. It’s one of the most important components of a healthy diet. Good proteins help make you feel full, contribute to muscle growth, power your brain and other organs, help you digest food, help oxygenate your body and regulate hormones.
Everyone needs a constant supply of protein to function at the peak of your fit lifestyle. Kids, teenagers, pregnant women, older people and performance athletes need even more than the rest of us.
So how do you know if you’re getting enough of the good stuff? True protein deficiency is rare in people with a modern, balanced diet, but here are a few signs your body may be asking for more proteiny goodness.
Constant hunger
Your body can use cravings as a way of telling you it needs a protein top-up.
Tiredness
Feeling weak and tired are some of the first signs of protein deficiency – if you don’t have enough protein, you can’t supply your body with energy.
Getting sick a lot
Antibodies in your immune system are proteins, so if you’re deficient you may not be able to fight off sickness.
Hair falling out
Proteins play a role in hair health, as well as fingernail and toenail health.
Sleeping badly
Evidence suggests that increasing certain proteins in your diet (particularly tryptophan, which is in most natural protein-rich foods) improves sleep quality.
If you have long-term symptoms and think you might suffer from protein deficiency, you should talk to a doctor or nutritionist.
Top up the protein in your diet
All Fitfood meals are balanced with the three main macronutrients needed for a fit lifestyle: proteins, fats and carbohydrates. We display nutritional information on all meals so you can pick the ones with the highest protein hit. You can also check out our Protein & Side Dish Packs – they’re great for designing your own meals, or you can add a protein pack to your regular Fitfood order to top up your meals.
