Protein supplies the amino acids your brain needs to produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin, which helps regulate moods. Put simply, you need protein for happiness. However, when it comes to protein, your body uses only what it needs and stores the extra as body fat. Eating large amounts of protein, especially from animal foods, can increase your saturated fat (bad fat) and cholesterol intake. It can also cause you to crowd out other important foods, such as grains, fruits, and vegetables, creating a nutritional imbalance. When your body digests protein, it produces toxic by-products. The kidneys filter these toxins out. So eating too much protein strains your kidneys. Also, consumption of excess protein requires more water to excrete urea, a waste product formed when protein turns to body fat. This increases the chances for dehydration and increases the need to urinate. Athletes need only slightly more protein than the recommended dietary allowance (RDA). Generally, non athletes need around 1/2 gram per pound of body weight, and most athletes need 1/2 to 3/4 gram of protein per pound of body weight.
Keep in mind the following protein contents of common foods:
- A 3 to 4 ounce serving of lean meat, poultry, or fish contains about 25 to 35 grams of protein
- 1 cup of cooked beans or lentils contains about 18 grams of protein
- 1 cup of low-fat or fat-free milk contains 8 grams of protein
- 1 cup of low-fat yogurt contains about 10 grams of protein
- 1 cup of low-fat cottage cheese contains about 28 grams of protein
- 2 tablespoons of peanut butter contain about 7 grams of protein
- 2 ounces of low-fat cheese contain 14 to 16 grams of protein
- 1 serving of vegetables contains 1 to 3 grams of protein
- 1 serving of grain foods generally contains 3 to 6 grams of protein