The Importance of Protein in Midlife
If you’re like me, midlife has a hectic schedule. I know from first-hand experience that overlooking the basics of self-care is easily done. You get to the end of the day, feel completely exhausted, promise yourself a better day tomorrow but the cycle starts again (eat, sleep, repeat anyone?) In our journey through midlife, many of us seek ways to feel better, sleep better and boost our (flagging) energy levels and while the quest for optimal health may seem time-consuming and often confusing (thanks social media), the solution lies in a simple yet powerful nutrient: Protein. As we age, protein becomes ever more valuable serving as the cornerstone of great health and longevity.
Why Protein Matters
Proteins, composed of amino acids, are fundamentally the building blocks of life. They play a pivotal role in every aspect of our wellbeing, from repairing tissues to building muscle, from making enzymes and hormones to protecting heart health and building bone strength, improving our sleep to supporting our immune system. In midlife, when our bodies start to undergo significant changes, when schedules become busier and our lives more demanding, the importance of protein can never be overstated!
Optimising Health in Midlife
As a registered naturopathic nutritionist, I’m obsessed with helping you to feel vitalised, energised and frankly, alive! Lethargy and exhaustion is not your new normal
My approach integrates the power of whole foods and the principles of naturopathic nutrition to address the challenges of midlife - we all face them for sure BUT, we are not all created equal, so how they impact us can be different from one person to the next.
Whether you're dealing with hormone fluctuations, energy dips, or just striving for long-term well-being, increasing your protein intake can be a real game-changer. And as I keep saying, it’s a simple little switch up. When you know how, it’s easy.
Practical Tips for Increasing Protein Intake
🤍 Diversify Your Sources
Include a variety of protein sources in your diet, such as lean meats, fish, legumes, nuts, and seeds. This not only helps meet your protein needs but also ensures you get a range of other nutrients. Buy the best quality you can afford. Quality matters.
🤍 Start with Breakfast
Get protein into your first meal of the day. This can help sustain your energy levels as the day goes on. Think eggs, Greek yoghurt, or a protein-rich smoothie. Add nuts, lean meats or even grains to mix it up. I like to think outside of “breakfast foods,” you don’t have to stick to the norm.
🤍 Plan Your Meals
Prepare balanced meals that include a good portion of protein along with healthy fats and fibre. Meal planning helps prevent last-minute choices that might be less than nutritious; meal prepping can also a huge game changer, cook once, eat twice I like to think.
🤍 Listen to Your Body
Individual needs can vary widely, massively so in some cases. Do you compare yourself to friends or people on social media and wonder why these same things just don’t work for you? The easiest thing to do is to pay attention to how your body responds to different foods and adjust accordingly. Book your free health review and we can start working together – it’s a great place to start.
Taking the First Step
If I’ve said this once, then I’ll say it again…It's never too late to improve your diet and lifestyle.
Whether you're struggling with specific midlife health challenges or simply aiming for long-term vitality, focusing on your protein intake is a small, yet simple and truly effective step towards better health.
Here at Victoria Thomas Nutrition, I’m on a one-woman mission to guide you through these changes with practical, realistic solutions tailored to your unique needs.
This journey is easier together, let me help you transform the challenges of midlife into opportunities for health and vitality – it could be the stepping stone you need to become the ‘new you!’
Book your free health review here and we can look at what will work for you.
🌟BONUS SNACK HACKS 🌟
Here are some simple, quick and delicious snack ideas to increase your protein intake.
💚Edamame pods
Lightly salted or seasoned with chilli powder, edamame pods are a tasty and nutritious snack. These young soybeans are packed with protein and can be quickly steamed or microwaved.
🥚 Hard-boiled eggs
Easy to prepare in advance, hard-boiled eggs are an excellent protein-rich snack. Sprinkle them with a bit of salt and pepper, or paprika for extra flavour. Each egg offers about 6 grams of high-quality protein.
🥜🧀 Almonds and cheese
A handful of almonds paired with a few slices of cheese provides a fab mix of protein and healthy fats (a winning mix in my eyes).
🥣 Protein balls
Homemade balls can be a convenient snack option. Look for recipes with natural ingredients and without added sugars. These can be made in advance and stored offering a quick protein boost anytime.
Making a concerted effort to prioritise protein can make a world of difference in how we look and feel to ensure that we are not only surviving, but thriving in our Midlife years
Book a free 20 minute health consultation here.
Download your free eBook here- 5 steps to better midlife health.
