Entry#4: Protein Packed, Good or Bad?: The Truth Behind the Social Media Hype

In a world where information can be shared at the speed of light, everyone seems to be a fitness guru. With the daily use of TikTok and Instagram there is endless fitness and dieting hacks available at our fingertips. Now let's dive deep into a popular belief that is circling the web: If you want to lose fat or build muscle, you need to eat your weight in protein. Let me explain what this means- "social media experts" say if you weigh 170 pounds, the idea is you would consume 170 grams of protein a day. Sounds easy enough right? But now before you try eating an excessive amount of chicken, let's see if this is actually beneficial or potentially harmful for your body. 

Free Image: chicken overload

How Much Protein is Actually Needed? 

Let's put things into perspective. Protein is essential to our bodies it helps repair tissue, and build muscle. So a bunch of positives, right? Look at it this way, anything in moderation is good. Moderation is the key word here.  Per Harvard Medical School, for an average person the ,"recommended daily allowance (RDA) of (protein) 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight,"  and if you're someone who's active or building muscle that number is a bit higher at 1.2 to 2.0 grams per kilograms of body weight. Now if we follow the " eat your weight in protein" rule for weight lose, we'd be filling up with more protein than our bodies can even use up. If we solely focused on the eating aspect of the diet and not the importance of exercising also, the protein would have no where to go. 

What Happens When We Go Protein Crazy?

You've seen plenty of TikTok videos of people hitting their protein goals of the day. But chowing down more protein than your body can handle comes with potential effects-none that are fun.

1.)  Digestive Issues:

With an excessive amount of protein it can lead to some rather unpleasant digestive issues, like bloating or constipation. So while you're trying to flex on the gram your protein intake, your stomach might be having a loud protest of it's own. Let's give your intestines a break, or they will not let you forget it.
Free Images: Digestive Issues

2.) Kidney Stress:

If you keep stuffing your body day after day with protein, your kidney's will start feeling overworked. Kidney's are the filtration system of our bodies, so adding this extra work can have some serious consequences like kidney stones or foamy urine which indicates kidney damage. Take care of your important kidneys-put the whole chicken down.

3.) Weight Gain: 

If you're eating more calories than your body can burn-whether they come from protein, carbs , or fat- that excessiveness get's stored as fat. So, at the end eating so much protein can definitely result in unwanted weight. Just because it sounds healthy, doesn't always mean it is health. Keep in mind not every diet works with everyone. 

Balance is the KEY!

SO the verdict? Should you follow the "social media experts" of eating your weight in protein? NO, it's not a great idea. Before you go trying any diet or " hack" to weight loss, make sure to do your research to ensure it fits your lifestyle. Protein is very important for overall health, but like anything else, in moderation. Our bodies have limits, and passing those limits won't give you that rockin' bod. 

Now, instead of focusing on hitting a daily protein goal, find the sweet spot number that works with you. Finding the right balance for your body is key here. Making sure you get the right amount of carbs, fats, and vitamins along with the protein will get you to your desired goals. 
Free Image: Balance


Keep in mind that extreme diets might work but they're not sustainable. It's about balance, keeping it fun, and consistency. At the end, it's a lifestyle change. If losing weight is important to you, look into a health way of doing so. Many sites, like the Harvard Medical Group, suggests the Mediterranean Diet. Give it a try, you never know it might surprise you. So, next time you come across a video or someone tell you about this "awesome" diet of eating your weight in protein just tell them, "Thank you, Next!" 
Free Image: Med Diet


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