They keep telling me to eat protein. Is it really that important?

"If you're going on a diet, eat protein."

"If you're going to work out, eat protein."

"Protein is important."

...don't you hear that a lot?

But, in the first place,

Is protein really that important?

Today, I'm going to answer that question.

What is protein, anyway?

Protein is a necessary nutrient for building our bodies.

It is involved in various parts of the body, not just muscles, but also hair, nails, skin, and more.

That's why protein isn't something that's "only needed by people who work out."

It's something everyone needs.

It's a nutrient that I especially want people who are dieting to be conscious of consuming.

Why is protein important while dieting?

When it comes to dieting,

"I should just reduce the amount I eat"

is what we tend to think, right?

I used to be like that too.

Just reduce the amount I eat, and if the weight drops, it's all good.

But if you do that, you might lose not just fat, but muscle as well.

If you only look at the scale, you might think, "I lost weight!" but,

when you look in the mirror,

"My body looks kind of saggy"

is a possibility.

Having experienced a 20kg weight loss myself, I really think that losing weight and toning your body beautifully are two different things.

That's exactly why, while dieting, it's important to think not just about "what to cut back on,"

but also "what to make sure I eat."

Which is better, animal or plant-based?

Protein can be broadly divided into animal protein and plant protein.

Animal protein comes from meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, etc.

Plant protein can be obtained from soy products like natto, tofu, and soy milk, as well as beans.

"So, which one should I eat?"

you might wonder, but I don't think you need to lean toward one or the other.

Combine both animal and plant sources in your daily meals.

That level of awareness is enough.

For example,

Natto for breakfast.

Chicken for lunch.

Fish and tofu for dinner.

I make an effort to get it from a variety of foods like that.

My recent breakfast is "natto rice"

Lately, natto rice has become a staple for my breakfast.

Natto provides plant protein, and eating it with rice keeps me full longer.

Above all, I hate spending the whole morning feeling hungry.

There was a time when I thought, "I'm on a diet, so I'll keep breakfast light," or

"I'll try not to eat as much as possible."

But it's different now.

Eat a proper breakfast and move well.

This is my style now.

Eating natto rice in the morning, then going to the gym or going for a run.

Not "I have to move because I ate," but

eat, move, and eat again.

That's how I continue my diet and exercise without strain.

Just because you're on a diet doesn't mean that enduring hunger is the right answer.

Especially now that I'm in my 40s, rather than just losing weight,

I value eating properly and building a body that can move.

What about protein powder?

I make sure to take protein powder after I work out.

Protein after a workout is almost a habit.

I get protein from things like natto at breakfast, and supplement with protein powder after training.

However,

I don't think "if I drink protein powder, I'll lose weight."

It's strictly based on my regular meals, and I use it to supplement what's missing.

Protein powder is a convenient way to get protein easily.

But that doesn't mean you should only drink protein powder.

Meat, fish, eggs, natto, tofu, yogurt, etc.

First, get your protein from your daily meals.

Then, incorporate protein powder if necessary.

That's how I think about it.

Dieting in your 40s isn't just about "reducing"

Just like when I was young,

"Just don't eat"

"Only think about losing weight"

I think it's a waste to diet like that.

Once you're in your 40s,

don't just lose weight, but reduce body fat while protecting your muscles as much as possible.

And, work out to tone your body.

For that reason, too, protein is an important presence.

Of course, just eating protein won't make you lose weight.

Exercise, sleep, and the overall balance of your diet are also important.

But,

if you are someone who says, "I'm on a diet, but I haven't really been conscious of protein,"

please start by reviewing your regular meals.

Protein is not magic for losing weight.

But,

it is a nutrient you want to be conscious of so that you don't end up looking "aged" or "saggy" after you lose weight.

That's what I think.

The reason why people say "eat protein."

Do you understand a little better now?

You don't have to think about it in a complicated way.

Starting with today's meal,

try checking, "Am I getting enough protein?"

And, don't be afraid to eat,

eat properly, and move well.

I think this is also important for dieting in your 40s.