I’ve Found Protein Powder Helpful in Managing My Daily Diet

Protein is necessary for the human body to stay healthy and function properly, regardless of whether you work out or not.

According to the American Council on Exercise, “Protein is the principal component of every cell in the body and is needed to build and repair tissues. It provides the building blocks for important hormones and digestive enzymes. Your body uses protein to carry oxygen in the blood and [it] is needed for a healthy immune system.”

While age, sex, and activity level help determine how much protein we should each consume, many experts recommend eating quality protein with every meal.

Our bodies cannot store excess protein as is, so it is converted into glucose for energy, according to LiveStrong.com. If the energy goes unused, it is converted into body fat. Therefore, it is important to monitor protein intake and consume small but sufficient amounts throughout the day.

At the end of every workout, my trainer says, “Make sure to get some protein in you.” While we can get quality protein from many different foods, I have found that protein powder is the best option for me.

As someone with Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), I don’t always have the energy to cook a nutritious meal. After a training session, it’s the last thing I want to do. That’s where protein powder comes in.

It’s the easiest way to achieve my daily protein intake. All I have to do is grab it from the cabinet, mix it with some milk or water, and I am good to go. Everyone requires different amounts of protein, but I get about half my daily intake from just one shake. I get the other half from various snacks and meals that I eat throughout the day.

Protein powder is extremely versatile. It can be mixed into almost anything, including yogurt, coffee, hot chocolate, and oatmeal. Depending on the brand, there is likely a plethora of flavors to choose from. I’ve been consuming some form of protein powder for more than 10 years, and the taste has gotten significantly better over time. Now, most protein powders are delicious and don’t have a chalky or gritty taste.

Many different supplement companies have great formulas. It’s all about finding what works for you, your body, and your taste buds.

If you’re curious about protein powder, make sure to consult your primary care physician about your daily protein intake. They will be able to recommend an appropriate course of action based on your body and lifestyle.

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Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Friedreich’s Ataxia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Friedreich’s ataxia.