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Why Protein Matters (Even If You’re Not a Bodybuilder)

  • Writer: Dr Susan Baxter
    Dr Susan Baxter
  • Aug 29, 2023
  • 2 min read

Updated: May 1

Or: how to stop feeling weak, foggy, or like your body’s slowly giving up on you.




Let’s get this straight—protein isn’t just for people lifting heavy things and drinking blender shakes that smell like feet. It’s for you, me, your mum, your barista, and your future self who still wants to climb stairs without swearing.

Muscle isn’t just “tone” or aesthetics. It’s your body’s power plant. It’s what keeps your metabolism humming, your bones supported, your balance sharp, and your independence intact as you age. Lose it, and you’ll feel it—in your joints, in your posture, in your energy levels, and even your mood.

Here’s the kicker:

If you’re not eating enough protein (and honestly, most people aren’t), your body will start breaking down muscle to compensate. Yes—your own body will cannibalize your strength if it doesn’t get what it needs. That means you could be eating plenty of calories and still losing muscle mass, especially if you’re over 30 and not paying attention.

Protein isn’t just food—it’s your metabolic sidekick.

Unlike carbs or fat, your body doesn’t store protein for later. You’ve got to keep feeding it in real time, ideally every 4–5 hours. Bonus? Digesting protein actually burns more energy than carbs or fat—so it gently boosts your metabolism, too.

Real talk: If you’re tired all the time, struggling to recover after workouts, or feeling like your body composition is going sideways… lack of protein is probably part of the story.


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Choose your next step:

Easy Protein Wins That Don’t Feel Like a Science Project

No, you don’t need to eat sad boiled chicken every day. Try these:


Eggs. Scrambled, poached, on toast, in fried rice. Cheap and brilliant.


Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Add fruit, or eat it straight from the tub like a boss.


Tofu, tempeh, beans, and lentils—especially if you’re plant-based.


Chicken, fish, lean beef—classic, but still solid.


Whey or vegan protein shakes. Great backup when you’re short on time or appetite.


Leftovers with purpose: throw last night’s protein into a wrap, salad, or bowl.




Want it to actually work for your life (not just your macros)?

This is where I come in. I help real people (read: not fitness robots) get enough protein, fuel their bodies, and still have room for life’s good stuff. It’s nutrition that works for your energy, your goals, your body—not some cookie-cutter plan from a sweaty influencer.

If you’re done guessing what to eat and just want to feel strong, steady, and human again… let’s chat. I’d love to help.


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