Protein is one of the most important macronutrients for supporting your overall health, energy levels, and body composition. Yet many people don't realise they're falling short on their daily protein needs. If you've been feeling a bit off lately, your body might be sending you signals that it needs more protein. Here are some key signs to watch out for.
You're Constantly Experiencing Cravings
Do you find yourself reaching for snacks throughout the day, especially sweets or carb-heavy foods? This could be a sign you're not getting enough protein in your meals.
Regularly consuming meals low in protein can lead to blood sugar dips across the day and increased cravings for quick fixes like processed sweets or carbohydrate-rich foods to keep you satisfied. When your blood sugar drops, your body seeks the fastest source of energy it can find – usually sugar and refined carbs. By incorporating adequate protein into each meal, you can help stabilise your blood sugar levels and reduce those persistent cravings.
You Never Feel Truly Full
Ever finish a meal only to feel hungry again an hour later? Protein plays a crucial role in satiety – that satisfying feeling of fullness that lasts.
Protein helps keep you satisfied and satiated for longer. Without enough protein in your main meals and spreading it out over the day, hunger can return quickly, even after eating. This is because protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates and helps regulate hunger hormones like ghrelin and leptin. If you're constantly grazing or feeling like you need to eat again shortly after meals, it's worth assessing whether you're getting enough protein.
You Feel Low on Energy
Feeling sluggish, tired, or like you're running on empty? While many factors can affect energy levels, inadequate protein intake is often an overlooked culprit.
As well as keeping you satisfied, protein can support sustained energy throughout the day, and not getting enough can leave you feeling sluggish. Unlike the quick spike and crash you get from simple carbohydrates, protein provides steady, sustained fuel for your body. It also plays a vital role in producing enzymes and hormones that regulate energy metabolism. If you're dragging through your afternoons despite getting adequate sleep, your protein intake might need a boost.
You Feel Weaker During Workouts
Notice your strength declining or your workouts feeling harder than usual? Your muscles might be crying out for more protein.
Protein is essential for muscle repair, performance, and lean muscle growth. Not getting sufficient protein in your diet may result in slower recovery and reduced strength over time. When you exercise, you create tiny tears in your muscle fibres, and protein provides the building blocks (amino acids) needed to repair and rebuild these tissues stronger than before. Without adequate protein, you may experience prolonged soreness, difficulty building or maintaining muscle, and a decline in overall athletic performance.
Support Your Protein Needs, Every Day
If any of these signs sound familiar, it might be time to prioritise your protein intake. The good news is that supporting your protein needs doesn't have to be complicated.
For a delicious, clean, and convenient way to support your protein needs, choose the Healthy Chef range of protein powders and protein waters, providing up to 25g of protein per serve. Our range is free from nasties, gluten, refined sugars, artificial sweeteners + colours, so you can feel supported with the best, every day.
Choose from Pure Native WPI for a premium whey option, our plant-based Organic Pea Protein for a vegan-friendly alternative, or our refreshing Protein Water range for hydration and protein in one.
Whether you're blending up a post-workout smoothie, adding protein to your morning porridge, or simply looking for a convenient on-the-go option, incorporating quality protein throughout your day can help you feel more energised, satisfied, and strong. Shop Healthy Chef protein here.
