Yes, protein is having a major wellness moment. You may wonder if it's a passing fad, or if it is meant for other people (the gym-bro crowd) but not you.

While there are certainly those who are taking it to extremes, protein is essential for women in midlife – probably more than you were used to getting. Here are some reasons why:

1. Protein helps maintain muscle mass. Muscle wasting accelerates with peri/menopause, and its important to work against this, through strength training, and eating adequate protein.
2. Muscle mass, supported by protein and strength training, is important to support bone density, metabolism, and general strength and well-being in midlife and beyond.
3. Protein is slower to digest, and thus help even out blood sugar (especially when paired with fiber), counteracting insulin resistance that increases in peri/ menopause.
4. It also increases satiety, helping us manage a decreased metabolism.
5. Protein also supports neurotransmitter synthesis (for mood and mental clarity) and cell regeneration.

Use the Protein Calculator at the top of the page to figure out how many grams you show be aiming for each day. Remember, this is a guideline meant to support you – not be another metric for perfection.