Protein Obsession: What You Need to Know

0:00It's April 2nd. This is Birmingham News Today, AI-powered stories from your city. Americans are straight-up obsessed with protein these days, and grocery stores are loaded with it everywhere. Think protein pancakes, coffee, candy, ice cream, even pop tarts. Nutrition expert Lizzy Davis from the University of Alabama at Birmingham says you can't stroll down an aisle without spotting the word protein, plastered on stuff. Here this week, Davis broke down why it's blowing up. Folks want muscle maintenance, especially Jim rats and older people watching their strengths. Protein keeps you full longer, too. Plus, new U.S. dietary guidelines doubled the daily wreck from 0.8 grams per kilogram of body weight to 1.2 to 1.6 grams. Most adults already hit around 1 gram per kilogram anyway, beating old targets without trying. Food industry jumps on trends like health, convenience, and grab-and-go-eats, pumping out ready-to-eat options that match what people crave.

1:02But not every protein product is created equal, Davis warns. Skip the process junk and go for whole foods like beans, lentils, poultry, eggs, or red meat. For quick snacks, grab hummus with carrots, peanut butter on whole grain crackers, beef or turkey sticks, or tuna pouches. They pack protein plus fiber. Without the extras, heads up, though, more protein ain't always better. Your body doesn't store the surplus, it turns it into energy or fat if you're already fueled up, which can pack on pounds over time. Everyone's needs differ based on health history, so chat with a doctor or dietitian to dial it in right.