Are You Getting the Signal Your Body Requires More Protein?
Here are five signals (symptoms) your body is seeking more protein.
1. Swelling
If you notice swelling around your ankles or other joints, it may be due to a lack of protein. Of course, stagnant lymph or lack of movement could also be an indicator.
2. Mood Changes
Your brain uses messengers called neurotransmitters, and they are made from amino acids, which come from protein. When there is a decrease in amino acids, this decreases the production of neurotransmitters, which can cause low levels of dopamine and serotonin. This can impact feelings of depression or anger.
3. Hair, Skin, and Nails
Collagen is a protein that strengthens, supports, and provides structure for all organs, bones, muscles, and blood vessels in the body. Collagen is also essential for our hair, skin, and nail growth. Our body can naturally make collagen from protein, but without proper levels of protein, it can affect our hair, skin, and nails.
4. Loss of Muscle Mass and Posture
Lack of protein can impact your body’s muscle mass and ability to hold an upright posture, especially over the age of 55.
5. Slow Healing
The three primary macronutrients in food are carbohydrates, fats, and protein. Protein is the one macronutrient that supports healing. When your body is low in protein, it heals slowly.
Are any of these five an issue for you? What is a good source of protein? How much protein do you need a day?
Forest and I have moved towards a more carnivorous diet, where we focus on mostly beef, lamb, and sometimes chicken. Forest is a stricter carnivore, has lost 25 pounds, and has stabilized his blood sugar and blood pressure. I eat some fruit and squash, along with protein. It has helped me build muscle mass/strength, improve my posture, and lose ten pounds.
How Much Protein for You?
Experts vary on the recommended amount of protein per day. Many will say your current weight, or your ‘ideal’ weight in grams, which can be a lot! I aim for 100+ grams of protein per day, and that takes intention. Although meat is the best protein source, there are also many other options. Here are some of my favorites!
- Equip Protein Powder
We have been searching for years for a high-quality, clean, and tasty protein powder. What a search that has been! We are excited about the Equip protein powder. It’s an easy meal or snack when I’m on the go. It provides 21 grams of protein from beef isolate (beef muscle), cocoa (if you opt for the chocolate version), and stevia (I would prefer Monk Fruit, but my body tolerates this formulation well). I mix it in water. Check out this article for the Top 2025 Protein Powder and see how Equip stacks up.
- Prima Ancestral Grass-Fed Protein Bar
I have searched for years for a tasty, clean protein bar without nuts, as my body doesn’t do well with nuts. I was thrilled to find Prima Bars. They give 6 grams of protein per bar.
- Force of Nature Beef
Force of Nature has become one of our favorite places for mail order beef. We get some at our local Natural Grocers store and some online. Our dogs also love their products! Their Ancestral Blends are made with grass-fed liver and heart. They deliver nutrients for:- Strong gut health that needs glycine and collagen (to build gut lining)
- Vitamin 1 and zinc to seal cell junctions
- B12 and heme iron to fuel rapid cell turnover
- Co10 to defend the boundaries against modern pollutants.
You not only get great protein from Force of Nature, but you also get bioavailable nutrients in a whole form! CLICK HERE for more information about their product.
- Mary’s Chickens
- One of our favorite chickens – available in many health food stores
- Click Here for their website
Best of all, learn some fun ways to cook your protein so it tastes great! Check out some of Forest’s grilling and sous vide cooking videos with protein.