The Protein Obsession

Everywhere you turn, you see ads and hear about protein shakes and protein bars and how they are being or can be used for weight loss. But do we really need all of these artificial sources of protein? If you are not a body builder, serious athlete, or someone who needs to gain weight, then the answer is no.

It is a well-known fact that protein is an essential nutrient for overall health. However, we don’t necessarily need as much as we might think we do. Protein deficiency is very rare, according to the CDC. It is possible to get all of the protein your body needs through a balanced diet, like GOLO suggests. Consuming too much protein is common though, and because of the fact that protein isn’t stored in the body for later use means that if you eat more than you need, it can be converted to fat.

Have you ever looked at the label of a protein bar or shake? If you do, you will see a laundry list of ingredients that your body does not recognize and will not be able to process. Take a look at the ingredients from a popular protein shake brand:

Water, Protein Blend (Milk Protein Concentrate, Calcium Caseinate, Whey Protein Concentrate), Cocoa Powder (processed with alkali), Contains 1% or less of the following: High Oleic Sunflower Oil, Inulin, Cellulose Gel and Cellulose Gum, Magnesium Phosphate, DATEM, Salt, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Acesulfame Potassium, Carrageenan, Vitamin and Mineral Blend (Sodium Ascorbate [Vitamin C], dl-alpha Tocopheryl Acetate [Vitamin E], Zinc Amino Acid Chelate, Biotin, Vitamin A Palmitate, Niacinamide, Potassium Iodide, Copper Amino Acid Chelate, Calcium D-Pantothenate, Chromium Chloride, Cyanocobalamin [Vitamin B12], Phytonadione [Vitamin K], Sodium Molybdate, Sodium Selenite, Folic Acid, Cholecalciferol [Vitamin D3], Pyridoxine Hydrochloride [Vitamin B6], Thiamine Mononitrate [Vitamin B1], Riboflavin [Vitamin B2]), Ferric Orthophosphate, Manganese Sulfate, Tripotassium Phosphate, Dipotassium Phosphate, Sodium Polyphosphate. CONTAINS: MILK.

The same brand also has bars that include:

PROTEIN BLEND (SOY PROTEIN ISOLATE, WHEY PROTEIN HYDROLYSATE, WHEY PROTEIN CONCENTRATE), GLYCERIN, HYDROLYZED GELATIN, SUGAR, PARTIALLY DEFATTED PEANUT FLOUR, PEANUT BUTTER (PEANUTS), WATER, PALM KERNEL OIL, INULIN, COCOA POWDER, CONTAINS 2% OR LESS OF: TAPIOCA STARCH, NATURAL FLAVORS, WHEY POWDER, NONFAT DRY MILK, PEANUT OIL, SALT, SOY LECITHIN, STEVIOL GLYCOSIDES (STEVIA LEAF EXTRACT). CONTAINS: MILK, PEANUTS, SOY.

The problem is not only the artificial ingredients in these shakes and bars, but the fact that it is synthetic protein. It’s not protein that is naturally occurring, such as meat and dairy. The protein powders and blends that are used are highly processed and are often heated to the point that the protein is denatured, which means your body has no use for it. This can also result in higher levels of acidity and toxicity in the body, which can lead to plenty of unwanted illnesses and diseases.

With GOLO, you have a huge variety of protein options such as red meat, fish, dairy products, nuts and seeds. Even plant foods like peas, broccoli and spinach. We recommend 6 protein servings a day, spread out through your three meals. That is more than enough to sustain you, and it is naturally occurring protein, the type that your body recognizes and can use!

Resources:

Do You Really Need that Protein Shake? - Fitbit Blog

Is Protein Powder Healthy? How To Find The Best Type For You (mindbodygreen.com)

5 Protein Deficiency Symptoms to Know | Livestrong.com

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