• November 4, 2025
• Ken Roche

Is Your Body Secretly Screaming for Protein?

Ever find yourself daydreaming about a juicy burger, a big spoon of peanut butter, or Greek yogurt with all the toppings—like, outta nowhere? That sudden craving? Yeah, it might not be random. Your body could be sending you a protein SOS.

And no, this isn’t just about bulking up or getting “shredded.” Protein’s got a lot more going on, especially if you’re over 40 and trying to avoid that slow slide into the “Why am I always tired?” zone.

Let’s unpack what’s really going on when your body starts giving you the nudge for more protein.

• Muscle’s Melting Off – Protein is literally what keeps your muscle on your body. No fuel = your body raids the muscle bank.
• You’re Living in a Fog – Protein keeps your blood sugar more stable. Without it, you may get hit with mid-afternoon brain drain.
• Metabolism Is on a Coffee Break – Less protein = less muscle = slower metabolism.
• Ouch All the Time – Joints, muscles, tendons—they all need protein to repair.
• Your Glam Squad Is on Strike – Hair thinning? Nails breaking? Skin feeling blah? Protein powers collagen and keratin production.
• Sugar Cravings That Won’t Quit – When protein’s low, your body looks for a quick fix.

You don’t have to eat like a caveman—or a rabbit. Whether you’re carnivore-ish, vegetarian, or just vibing with your food choices, the goal’s the same: get enough protein.

Animal-Based Protein

• Complete proteins with all 9 essential amino acids
• Extras like iron, B12, and omega-3s
• Examples: eggs, Greek yogurt, chicken, fish, lean beef

Plant-Based Protein

• Can be complete if you pair ’em right (lentils + rice = dream team)
• Brings fiber, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory benefits
• Examples: tofu, tempeh, hemp seeds, beans, quinoa, nuts

So, How Much Protein Do You Actually Need?

Simple rule: Take your goal weight and eat that many grams in protein daily. If you want to weigh 150 lbs, aim for 150g of protein, divided throughout the day.

• Breakfast: 3 scrambled eggs + avocado toast or protein smoothie with nut butter, oats, and frozen berries
• Lunch: Grilled chicken salad with seeds or a hearty lentil-quinoa bowl
• Snack: Greek yogurt, hard-boiled eggs, cottage cheese, or a decent protein bar (read those labels!)
• Dinner: Baked salmon, tofu stir-fry, or grass-fed beef with roasted veggies

Pro tip: Your body can use around 30–50g protein per meal max. Don’t save it all for dinner—spread it out like jam on toast.

What Happens When You Get Enough?

• You build and keep muscle (so key for metabolism and staying strong)
• Clearer mind, steadier energy—no more “where’s my coffee?” crashes
• Faster recovery = fewer random aches
• Hair, skin, and nails start glowing like you’ve been on a spa retreat
• You’re full longer, crave less junk
• Bone density and blood pressure may improve too

Final Thought: Feed the Machine

This isn’t about diets or macros or being “perfect.” It’s about giving your body what it actually needs to function. Want to age like a badass, feel strong doing basic things, and stop snacking like a trash panda at midnight?

Start tomorrow. Add some eggs to breakfast. Throw lentils in your soup. Shake up some protein post-workout. Doesn’t need to be complicated—just consistent.

Your future self—the one with more muscle, better skin, less joint pain, and fewer mood swings—is already cheering you on.

Sources

• Peter Attia’s Protein Research: https://peterattiamd.com/category/nutritional-biochemistry/protein/
• The Lyon Protocol – Dr. Gabrielle Lyon: https://drgabriellelyon.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/The-Lyon-Protocol-Dr.-Gabrielle-Lyon.pdf
• Healthline: 10 Reasons to Eat More Protein: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/10-reasons-to-eat-more-protein
• HelloLingo Protein Guide: https://www.hellolingo.com/blog/protein-benefits
• Piedmont Health: Why Protein Matters: https://www.piedmont.org/living-real-change/why-is-protein-important-in-your-diet
• InsideTracker: Protein = More Than Just a Macronutrient: https://blog.insidetracker.com/protein-more-than-just-a-macronutrient