3 Signs You’re Not Eating Enough Protein

Photo by José Ignacio Pompé on Unsplash

We all know that our bodies need protein to function and stay healthy, which is why our diet should include plenty of protein-rich food such as chicken, meat, dairy, or fish. In case you’re not sure whether or not you’re consuming enough protein on a daily basis, here are a few symptoms that are often related to protein deficiency.

You Can’t Build Muscle

Most athletes know that not eating enough protein can lead to muscle loss because protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle mass. So in case you’re working out regularly and you still struggle to build muscle, that’s probably a sign to up your protein intake.

You’re Often Hungry

There are a few reasons why you might want to eat more than usual, and lack of protein is one of them. Protein plays an important role in the regulation of appetite, so we usually feel hungry more often if we don’t eat enough protein-rich foods.

Hair and Nails

Unfortunately, severe protein deficiency can also lead to hair and nail problems. Weak and brittle nails or hair loss are also some of the symptoms related to protein deficiency.

You’re Often Sick

Eating enough protein is also very important for powering our immune system and fighting infections and illnesses. That’s why we’re more likely to get sick if we don’t get plenty of protein from the food we eat.