Protein is one of the most important macronutrients, as it is the building block of life and plays a vital role in ensuring that the human body functions efficiently throughout the day. Gone are the days where a protein-rich diet was consumed only by fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders. With new research indicating that proteins can help increase one’s immunity and fight off illnesses, more people are now making smart changes to their meals and diets to include a fair amount of protein in every meal.
The Indian Diet:
One of the major problems in the Indian diet is the fact that it is loaded with carbohydrates that come in the form of rice, bread, chapatis, potatoes, etc and only a negligible amount of protein is consumed with every meal. According to the WHO, an individual should consume 0.83 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, and this can be extremely challenging for the average Indian, as most of their meals are rich in carbohydrates.
Adding protein to every meal:
While many may think that incorporating a fair amount of protein into their diets can be challenging, the same couldn’t be farther from the truth. If you're a vegetarian, then lentils, legumes, cottage cheese are excellent sources of protein and while they may be high in carbohydrates, they pack a fair amount of protein per serving. If you are a non-vegetarian, then you can include eggs, chicken breast, and other lean meats that will give you a good serving of protein per serving.
Making smart choices:
Eliminating unhealthy snacks and replacing them with healthier options such as HYP Protein cookies will not only keep you feeling satiated longer, but will help curb your hunger pangs, while also giving you a healthy amount of protein per serving. You can opt for a protein cookie as an accompaniment to your evening cup of tea or coffee, without having to compromise on taste as well.
People often find it challenging to meet their daily protein needs, but it's the small changes that can go a long way in ensuring that you hit your daily protein goals.