EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PROTEIN AND MENTAL HEALTH

It’s no secret that protein’s pretty essential when it comes to looking after our bodies, but what about our brains?

With Mental Health Awareness Week in full swing here in the UK, we wanted to fill you in on all the brain benefits of a protein-packed diet. So, without further ado, here’s everything you need to know about protein and mental health.

How does protein impact our mental health?

It’d be impossible to talk about mental health without mentioning dopamine and serotonin, the two feel-good chemicals your body uses to manage your mood. If you start running low on either of these nifty neurotransmitters, you might develop some nasty symptoms, including low mood, fatigue, and lack of motivation. 

The good news is that, by consuming A* amino acids like tyrosine and tryptophan, you can help your body produce more neurotransmitters that are sure to get your brain back on track. And if you read our post on why protein’s great for glowing skin, you’ll know that the best place to find these amino acids is in plant and animal protein products.

So, if you’re looking to give your brain a boost, why not switch up your diet to include more protein-packed meals and snacks?

How much protein do I need?

Great question!

Everyone’s recommended protein intake will be slightly different, but Harvard Medical School says that multiplying your weight in pounds by 0.36 will give you a rough idea of how many grams of protein to eat each day.

Of course, there are loads of factors that affect how much protein your body needs to perform at its best, so remember to take your results with a pinch of salt (maybe not literally though…)

How can I add more protein to my diet?

If you don’t think you’re getting enough protein, don’t panic! Here are some of our top tips for boosting your plant-based protein intake.

• Don’t skip breakfast. We know it’s easier said than done but making time for breakfast is a great way to squeeze more protein into your diet. Blend protein powder into your morning juice or smoothie, or crumble one of our chocolatey protein bars into a warm bowl of porridge for an extra protein punch
• Stock up on veggies. Believe it or not, some veggies are absolutely packed with protein and make the perfect accompaniment to any plant-based lunch or dinner. If you want to add a Mediterranean twist to your midweek meal, why not try whipping up some spinach with toasted pine nuts and fried garlic? Delish
• Unleash your inner baker. Get creative in the kitchen by transforming one of our yummy protein bars into a delicious, protein-packed desser Not sure where to start? Our Instagram is full of baking inspo to get your creative juices flowing
• Sit back and unwrap. If you’re searching for an excuse to snack, we’ve got you covered. Our protein bars contain a whopping 15 grams of protein (and less than 1 gram of sugar), so why not keep one on you in case you fancy a cheeky midday snack?