why starting your day off with protein *matters*

i’m sure you’ve heard the age old saying "breakfast is the most important meal of the day"—well, there's some truth to that, especially if you start your day with a protein-filled meal.

as you may know, protein is an essential nutrient that our bodies need for many functions, including building and repairing tissues and producing hormones and enzymes. but! did you know that starting your day with a protein-filled meal can also have some pretty impressive benefits?

first off, eating protein in the morning can help you feel fuller and more satisfied for longer. you know that feeling when you eat a big bowl of cereal or a piece of toast for breakfast, and then a couple of hours (sometimes 30 minutes lol) later, you're already hungry again? this is because carbohydrates and fats digest quickly, but protein takes longer to digest, meaning it stays in your stomach longer and keeps you feeling full. this fact can help prevent overeating throughout the day, which, in the long, can lead to weight gain.

but that's not all—eating protein in the morning can also help boost your metabolism. protein requires more energy to digest than carbohydrates or fats, meaning your body burns more calories to digest protein-rich foods. this increased metabolic rate can help you burn more calories throughout the day, even when you're not exercising.

another benefit of starting your day with protein is that it can help maintain muscle mass. (!!!) this is a big deal! as we age, our bodies naturally lose muscle mass, but eating a protein-rich breakfast can help slow down this process. protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, meaning that it can help maintain muscle mass and strength, especially when combined with regular exercise.

and! if all that wasn't enough, eating protein in the morning can also improve cognitive function. hello smarty pants! protein contains amino acids, which are important building blocks for neurotransmitters in your brain. so, by eating a protein-filled breakfast, you can help improve your memory and concentration.

and, if that all that hasn’t convinced you yet, starting your day with a protein-filled meal can help regulate your blood sugar levels. when you eat carbohydrates, your body converts them into glucose, which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels. however, eating protein alongside carbohydrates can help slow down the absorption of glucose into your bloodstream, preventing a spike in blood sugar levels.

so, there you have it—some pretty good reasons to start your day with a protein-filled meal. some great sources of protein include eggs, greek yogurt, cottage cheese, nuts, and lean meats. by incorporating protein into your breakfast, you can set yourself up for a healthy and productive day.

now go get ‘em tiger!!