Puzzled by the hype around protein products? Who really needs protein supplements? What are the best options?

I caught up with the team on TVNZ’s Breakfast to help explain!

My key message is “Food is always going to come first. When you eat meat, fish, chicken, eggs, nuts, seeds, legumes - you are going to get other nutrients with them. This is what we are designed to eat. Spend your money on whole foods first and top up with the least processed version of a protein supplement if needed - which can be helpful depending on age, stage and lifestyle (for example, if you are really active or in the perimenopausal stage of life when daily protein recommendations increase)”.

Related: for more info on protein, see my post Protein - how much do you need? which includes a handy downloadable chart to guide you on how much protein is in different animal and plant based sources.

This downloadable chart will help you work out approx:

1. how much protein you are currently eating

2. how much more protein you might need

3. where to get protein from!

Need some inspiration?

I've got you covered with protein-packed tasty meal ideas from breakfast to dessert, and everything in between!

Breakfast
🍳 Mushroom and Spinach Omelette
🍏 Apple Crumble Breakfast Smoothie  

Lunch
🥣 Super Tasty Tempeh Bowl
🎣 Tuna Nicoise Salad

Dinner
🍲 My Mum’s Fish Pie
🥗 One Pot Mexican Quinoa

Dessert / Snack
🫐 Blueberry Snow
🍌 Protein Packed Banana Split

As always, if you would like nutrition advice that is tailored to you and your lifestyle, please reach out to the team at Mission Nutrition, they would love to help you. Our nutritionists and dietitians can meet you via telehealth video or phone consult no matter where you are located, or face-to-face consults are available in Auckland and Christchurch.