Why Protein Is Important in Your Diet

It can be tricky to make sure that you consume the correct number of vitamins and minerals from daily food. While many of us watch calories, carbs, or sugars, others pay attention to macros and fats. However, there's another essential piece to consider: protein. If you are looking for a convenient and satisfying meal replacement option packed with protein, rich with nutrition, and full of flavor, look no further than Plexus Lean™.

Why Your Body Needs Daily Protein

Think of protein as the foundation for healthy muscles. Often referred to as the building blocks of a healthy body, proteins are found in every human cell. The structure is made from a chain of amino acids, which can help repair damaged cells and create new ones. Protein is crucial for keeping tissues healthy and bones strong. Because you don't store protein long-term, it's essential to make sure you consume it every day.

How Much Protein Do I Need?

There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to consuming protein. Every individual's needs are different, based on weight, activity, and other factors.

Benefits of Protein

Protein provides various benefits that make it worth reaching for every day.

Maintain lean muscles

Protein helps maintain lean muscle. Maintaining lean muscle mass is important for

strength, mobility, and a healthy metabolism as you age.

Manage weight

A diet high in protein can assist with weight maintenance. A slight increase can lead to a reduction in cravings and calorie intake.

Support muscles

Consuming protein is a great way to combat muscle deterioration as you age. While muscles weaken over time, protein can help maintain lean muscle.

Satisfy hunger

Everyone has fallen victim to cravings and snacking, which is fine occasionally. However, if you find yourself unable to resist the urge to binge, consider adding more protein to your meals to help curb your appetite.

If you are having a hard time getting enough protein, you are not alone. Although it can come from many different sources, animal protein is typically what people think of. For some, consuming animal products, such as meat or dairy, is not an option. Whether it’s a dietary restriction or a personal choice, it can be challenging to figure out how to incorporate protein into your lifestyle.

A simple way to add protein to your day is with Plexus Lean™ – a healthy meal replacement shake packed with vitamins, minerals, and 21 grams of powerful protein. While most diets are high in sugar, fat, and carbohydrates, Plexus Lean™ is gluten free with no artificial sweeteners or preservatives, and it’s available in two favorite flavors – chocolate and vanilla. We also offer Lean Vegan, which uses a blend of plant proteins, including almond protein.

Not only will you feel good physically while enjoying this shake, but you can also feel good mentally knowing that every purchase helps support our Nourish One® Initiative. We have partnered with Feeding America®, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization, so with every sip, you can take comfort in knowing that you are helping people in need. When you nourish your body with Plexus Lean™, you also nourish the body of someone facing hunger. Through the Nourish One® Initiative, Plexus Worldwide® donates the equivalent of 10 meals* for every bag sold in the U.S. to Feeding America®.

What Else Can Protein Do for You?

Protein provides many benefits for overall health. If you are looking to lose weight or just adopt a healthier lifestyle, you will want to incorporate protein into your daily routine.

Gut Health

Since calories from protein are burned in the gastrointestinal tract, be sure to balance protein with fiber to promote a healthy gut. Large amounts of animal protein can be hard on the gut, so balancing protein with digestive enzymes is essential. Plexus Lean™ contains polydextrose, a prebiotic fiber. Polydextrose helps support your digestive health and gut microbiome.

Weight Loss

When it comes to losing weight, a diet high in protein has been proven to support healthy eating habits. Although there are other factors for weight loss, including calorie reduction and increased activity, increasing protein intake and lowering carb consumption can help you feel your best. Protein does a great job at creating a feeling of fullness, therefore cutting down the urge to take in more calories. As food travels into the small intestine, the body releases hormones that trigger fullness.

As you shed unwanted pounds, there’s also the likelihood that your bones and muscles will be affected. When protein is part of the weight loss journey, you are more likely to preserve the precious connective tissues that keep everything connected. Protein can assist in building lean muscles.

Overall Wellness

Protein lives in every part of the body. Beyond bones and muscles, it can also be found in hair, skin, and practically anywhere there’s tissue. It’s responsible for the chemical reactions that carry oxygen to the blood. While most people can easily consume the bare minimum, often, that’s not enough. A diet deficient in protein will not provide your body with the support it needs to function at its best.

Types of Protein

Protein can come from either plants or animals. Although animal proteins are popular and accessible, they can also be detrimental to your health. Keep an eye out for how the item was prepared or if it’s heavily processed and contains unnecessary additives.

There are also different types of proteins that target specific areas of the human body. These proteins are called collagen. Types I and III collagen support healthy skin, hair, and nails, which can be found in our Multi-Action Collagen Complex®. Type I collagen works hard to promote healthy joints.

Plants can provide a tremendous amount of protein with minimal health risk. There are a variety of legumes that can be a quick and easy way to incorporate protein into your lifestyle. Whole grains, nuts, and seeds are simple sources of protein that can deliver an extra dose throughout your day.

Increasing your protein intake will support your Health and Happiness and promote muscular tissue. A little bit goes a long way, so make sure you pair your protein with nutritious fiber. You can't go wrong with Plexus Lean™ for a delicious meal replacement designed to satisfy your hunger. We believe everyone deserves healthy eating options that are simple and support your overall well-being.

*Every bag of Plexus Lean sold contributes a donation equivalent to 10 meals to Feeding America®, providing at least 1.5 million meals annually. $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America® on behalf of local member food banks.