One of the most essential nutrients that your body needs and craves every single day is protein. Many people think that protein should only be consumed for muscle growth, but in reality, it’s much more than that. Protein keeps your body strong, functioning well, and energized. Here are three reasons why protein is crucial:

1. It Builds and Repairs Muscles and Tissues

Protein is made up of amino acids, which are the building blocks utilized by your body to grow and repair itself. In order for your muscles to function, recover, and stay strong after a workout or even just daily activities, you need to be consuming protein. Without enough protein, your body can take longer to heal because you can lose muscle.

My favorite way to incorporate protein into my diet after exercising is by eating protein yogurt bowls, ground beef with sweet potatoes, or even tuna salads! There are many fun and delicious recipes out there that can help you eat more protein.

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2. It Keeps You Satiated and Energized

Believe it or not, protein is the macromolecule that helps control hunger by keeping you full and satisfied for longer than carbs or fats. It equally supports your metabolism and allows your body to use energy in an efficient way. That’s why foods that contain protein—like eggs, tuna, chicken, or ground beef—help you feel satisfied throughout the day instead of hungry and tired right after eating.

I have noticed that when I don’t eat as much protein as I should, I tend to feel sluggish and very hungry throughout the day, which makes me want to snack all the time. Therefore, I always try my best to have protein in every meal that I eat. I do this by incorporating ground beef, chicken, fish, or even edamame!

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3. It Strengthens Your Immune System

Several parts of our immune system are made from protein, which makes protein the main character with a big role. Our antibodies (the cells that fight off viruses and bacteria) are made of protein. So, without enough protein, your body can’t make enough of these cells that protect you, leaving you more vulnerable to infections. Now you know that when you are sick, your body needs a sufficient amount of protein to defend itself and recover faster!

I always keep a high-protein snack, like beef sticks or clean protein bars, in my bag when I am feeling sick, so that I make sure that I am eating enough protein throughout the day.

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Overall, protein keeps your muscles strong, your energy levels steady, and your immune system strong. It is one of the most important nutrients that your body needs every day! So, from now on, try to incorporate more protein into your diet in some fun ways!