Protein coffee. Protein cereal. Protein chips. Protein bars. Protein everything.
Somewhere along the way, the internet decided we all need to be thinking about protein 24/7. But how much do you actually need? Does the quality of your protein matter? And is every product with “20G PROTEIN!” slapped across the front automatically a good choice?
In Episode 4 of Season 2 of Stop Feeling Like Shit, Joe and Tiffany break down the protein conversation without turning your diet into a full-time math problem.
They’re talking about how your protein needs can change based on your age, body size, activity level, strength training, and goals; whether your body really “wastes” protein if you eat too much at once; why amino acids and leucine matter; and how animal and plant proteins compare.
Then they put some of today’s popular high-protein convenience foods to the test—bars, shakes, powders, meat sticks, and more—to look beyond the marketing and ask: Is this actually a good source of protein… or did someone just put the word PROTEIN on the package?
The takeaway? Protein does matter, and for many people, getting more can be beneficial. But you don't have to overcomplicate it.
Focus on getting enough throughout the day, prioritize quality, nutrient-dense sources when you can, and use shakes, bars, and other convenience foods when they genuinely make your life easier.
Because you don't need to turn eating into a math problem just because the internet discovered protein.