Why Protein Is Important In Your Diet

Survival Scout – by Matt Redhawk, My Patriot Supply

If your body were a house, protein would be the nails and screws that hold it together.

And when a crisis hits your “house,” you need to weather the storm. The protein that keeps everything running smoothly today needs to be constantly replenished so your house will stand tomorrow.

Your body is constantly burning energy. Protein triggers the chemical reactions needed to keep your metabolism running smoothly. You need protein to properly support your body and protect it against viruses. You also need it to help regulate your insulin level.  

Protein keeps athletes humming along, too. They know that if their body doesn’t get enough protein, it starts stealing it from the muscle groups. It’s tough to strengthen your body if your muscles are weakened from a diet deficiency.

But the price index for meats, poultry, fish and eggs hit a record high according to data released in January from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

Anyone who has strolled through the meat department in a grocery store has likely experienced sticker shock as they’ve watched prices rise by the week.

It all adds up to a family’s usual source for protein shrinking in value and straining household budgets.

Are You Getting Enough Protein?

You get protein in a variety of foods. High-protein foods include meat, fish, cheese, tofu, beans, lentils, yogurt, nuts and seeds.

But are you getting enough?

How much protein you need depends on your body size and special needs. For instance, children need more protein because they’re growing and need new protein tissue. Pregnant and nursing women need more to support the development of their baby and produce milk.

The U.S. Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) says the amount of protein needed for an average person is 0.8 grams a day.

Here’s an easy way to figure out how much you need.

You first need to find your weight in kilograms.

Divide your weight by 2.2. That is your weight in kilograms.

Take that number and multiply it by 0.8 and you have the total amount of protein grams you need on a daily basis.

Example: 185 pounds/2.2 = 84.09 kilograms

92.5 x 0.8 = 67.27 grams of protein needed for your daily allowance

A 3 oz. serving of turkey or chicken will give you 24g of protein. A 3 oz. T-bone steak has 28g of protein. Other foods such as cottage cheese (14g per 1/2 cup serving) and eggs (6g per 1 large egg) have a little less but are also good choices.

Keep in mind that the elderly and anyone undergoing severe stress (trauma, hospitalization, surgery), disease or disability need more protein.

4 Signs Your Body Isn’t Getting Enough Protein

Sometimes you get busy and simply don’t eat enough protein throughout the day. If you don’t get enough, your body starts to break down muscle to get what it needs. You also might experience a weakened immune system.

Here are a few signs of a protein deficiency:

1. You’re tired and weak.

Even if you get enough rest, you notice that you want to take a nap in the middle of the day, when before, you never did. You also may not have the strength to perform strenuous activity. If you’re exercising, your muscles won’t be able to rebuild well and you become weaker.

2. Flab has replaced muscles.

Remember how your body will rob your muscles to get the protein it needs? If you’re trying to get in shape and notice a bit more flab in areas that before were defined, it might be because you’re not getting enough protein.

3. Your injuries are not recovering quickly.

Slow recovery doesn’t only pertain to feeling sore for longer than usual after a challenging workout. If you don’t have enough protein and cut or injure yourself, your body will take longer to heal. Protein is necessary to build new tissue and if you don’t have enough in your system, recovery time will be slow.

4. Loss of hair and weak nails.

Your hair and nails depend upon protein to grow. If you’re not getting enough, your body diverts sending protein their way to focus on other more vital functions. If you see more hair than usual in your shower or easily broken and brittle nails, that might be the reason.

Protein keeps you moving forward and able to take on any challenges that may come your way. It helps you stay alert and focused.

But with rising prices for beef, chicken and eggs, you need to prepare. The last thing you want is to visit a grocery store just before a crisis hits and find nothing but empty meat coolers. Make sure your survival stash includes protein so you’re not left feeling sluggish. You’ll need a high-protein fueled body to make all the right decisions during that time.

Stay healthy!

In Liberty,

Matt Redhawk

Owner, My Patriot Supply