I’m all in on getting more protein in your diet, especially for us older runners. But when corporate marketers spot a rising trend, they’ll leverage their products anyway they can to attract unwary consumers. Starbucks Protein Cold Foam might as well be Ensure with coffee!
Adequate protein intake is important, I even included a whole chapter in my “Forever Runner Method” book on it.(Available for Paid Subscribers)
But there are 2 problems I see:
The reason to include more protein in your diet is to support your muscle growth.
If you, as an older runner, are doing bi-weekly strength training as you should, that protein is important for recovery and building new muscle. If you are a sedentary person, like most Americans, excess protein in your diet will just be converted to fat.
The fitness industry has glamped on to this as a way to market all sorts of protein bars and drinks. Providing a “quick fix” to your protein intake needs. I’m sure some may be good for you, but most I would put most in the category of processed foods that do more harm than good
So what’s the slow fix for us older runners?
Adopt a strength training routine that you can commit to.
Aim to get 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight. (ie. 150grams of protein if you weigh 150lbs)
Get your protein from whole food sources, either animal or vegetable.
It can be difficult to meet this goal on a daily basis for most of us.
No need to worry. Some days may be less, some more. Just do what you can to up your protein uptake and you’ll support your strength training and feel better and stronger as you age.
-Herb
“Run Better, Live Longer”
P.S. Are you tired of spammy Facebook groups? I’m launching a new private community exclusively for us older runners, the “Forever Running Club”! Current paid subscribers will be automatically enrolled. Stay tuned!