3 Summer Protein Hacks
We are finally here! The thick of summer is what we dream about all year!
This time of year, we often pack our days with activities and extend our nights longer than the rest of the year. It can be difficult to maintain healthy habits!
One of the best ways to stay on track? Focus on PROTEIN.
Planning your protein can help to boost energy, reduce hunger, and avoid that mid-afternoon “slump”:
Here are a few of my favorite summer protein hacks:
1. Jumpstart your day with a protein-focused breakfast
Starting your day with protein provides a number of health benefits.
A protein-focused breakfast can:
Boost energy and focus
Improve metabolism
Increase daytime fat burning
Lower hunger throughout the day
My favorite protein-focused choices include:
Poached eggs on sautéed greens
A veggie omelet
Smoked, wild-caught salmon and avocado on a toasted cauliflower thin
A quality protein shake meal replacement
Our Vegan Vanilla Protein Shake Mix is a client favorite. I mix it with unsweetened almond milk, blend in some spinach, and add a pinch of cinnamon.
2. Add a mid-afternoon protein shake
This is a tip I’ve been sharing with patients for years.
I call it “stacking the deck” - focusing on eating the right foods earlier in the day for better well-being later on.
Start with a protein-focused breakfast, followed by a solid plan for lunch, and a scheduled protein shake mid-afternoon.
Adding a small protein shake in the afternoon has several benefits:
It helps to keep energy stable and avoid the mid-afternoon “slump”
It stabilizes blood sugars to reduce hunger/cravings
It promotes improved metabolism
Plan the shake for around 3 p.m., or about 30 minutes before your usual slump time. No need to over-do it. Keep it under 250 calories, with 15-20 grams of protein.
One heaping scoop of Whey Chocolate Protein Shake Mix often does the trick.
3. Add post-workout Collagen Protein
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. Its job is to provide structure and support for your skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, intestinal lining, and more.
When we age, the amount of collagen in our body decreases, contributing to wrinkles and thin skin, less flexibility, joint pain, and decreased muscle mass.
You may already be aware of the proven benefits of collagen supplements for skin health, but did you know that collagen supplements also reduce joint pain and promote improved muscle mass?
Instead of mixing collagen into your morning coffee, consider shifting your collagen supplement to after your workout. When collagen peptides are consumed within an hour of a workout, they send signals that trigger muscle tissue to grow and repair—thus boosting your workout benefits.
Our non-GMO, hormone-free Collagen Protein Powder provides 12.5g collagen peptides per scoop. It’s tasteless and mixes easily into any beverage.
You can shop my entire line of protein shakes and collagen protein HERE.
Are you ready for a fresh perspective on your health? As a board-certified Integrative & Functional Medicine physician, I can help you “think outside of the box” and dig deeper with a variety of laboratory testing to help uncover the underlying root causes of your symptoms and create a plan personalized for you that goes beyond the prescription pad to incorporate diet/lifestyle change, nutritional supplements, holistic therapies, health coaching and more! Contact us to schedule an appointment or learn more.