So how do you know if you are – or aren’t – ‘responding well’ to the amount of protein you’re consuming?
Patel says it can be difficult to tell and if you want to know, you’re going to have to see a dietitian who can analyse exactly what you’re eating and how your body is responding to it. However, some signs of not eating enough protein include:
Feeling hungry even after you’ve eaten: “Including protein in a meal makes you fuller for longer and it may even help to reduce your cravings of sweet snacks later because your blood sugar levels are more regulated.”
Weakened bones: “I work with a lot of women who don’t eat enough protein and end up with bone fractures or poor bone health. You might think that calcium is the key to keeping your bones in good condition, but did you know that 50% of your bones are made of protein? So, we need to make sure we’re eating protein to preserve our bones as well.”
Dull looking skin and brittle hair and nails: “When you don’t have enough protein, your skin, hair and nails start to suffer. For example, you might notice more hair coming out or your skin doesn’t look as bright as it normally does. The reason is because you need the amino acids found in protein to keep these body parts in good condition.”
