SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (Dakota News Now) – For some time now, America has been in a protein craze.
We can find brands that promote that they’ve added extra protein to our favorite foods.
This is great for people who exercise regularly, but is there too much protein in our foods? And can we consume too much?
Natasha Hansen with Sanford said protein is the building block to all of our cells in our body, and we need protein, but maybe not as much as some people are consuming.
“For the average adult, we go by kilogram and by weight, so .8 grams per kilogram for the average adult. Now if you’re an active adult, we can go up to 1 gram of protein per kilogram,” said Hansen.
Crunch Fitness Personal Training Director Rylie Graves works out 6 days a week and said he eats 160-180 grams of protein a day, which he says is super high for the average person who isn’t as active.
“If I had to put an average number out there, I would say 100 grams of protein will put you between not enough and too much. Right in the sweet spot of making sure your bases are covered,” said Graves.
Hansen said our bodies can only take in so much protein at a time, even in one sitting.
If you’re not using it for anything, your body filters it out, or it’s stored.
“If we’re getting too much protein, then number one, our kidneys are working really hard to get rid of that protein, or we’re storing it as fat,” said Hansen.
Hansen recommends that, for the average adult, you don’t need to eat foods with extra protein, as it isn’t worth the extra cost for a minimal protein gain.
“The average person can meet their protein needs without having to buy the products that have the extra protein,” said Hansen.
And Graves’ personal recommendation is to eat more whole foods like meat, dairy, and grains to meet your protein needs, along with other nutrients.
“If you eat whole foods, your energy levels will be more consistent, and the processes in your body will happen more efficiently, and you’ll just feel better overall, so stop getting those fast-track protein snacks as your solution for everything and go eat a chicken breast,” said Graves.
Protein is important in our diets as it helps repair and restore muscles, ligaments, and bones in our bodies.
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