Are We Eating Too Much Protein — Or Not Enough? (aka: Dr. Black checks her bias!)

Protein is everywhere right now. Protein soda. Protein chips. Protein pancakes. We’ve gone from worrying about fat to obsessing over protein—and the messaging is all over the place. So the real question is: are we eating too much… or not enough?

In this episode, I break down what protein actually does in the body, how scientists determine how much we need, and why the old 0.8 g/kg recommendation isn’t the whole story. I also take a hard look at my own plant-forward bias and examine whether animal protein really is “higher quality” — and whether that actually matters for long-term health.

You’ll hear where higher protein intake makes sense (especially for older adults and people strength training), where it likely doesn’t, and why the source of your protein may matter just as much as the amount.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What the current evidence says about optimal daily protein intake
 • Why 0.8 g/kg prevents deficiency but may not support optimal function
 • How protein needs change with age, illness, and resistance training
 • Whether animal protein is truly “higher quality” than plant protein
 • Why the overall food package matters more than protein grams alone

By the end, you’ll understand how to personalize your protein intake in a way that supports strength, longevity, and metabolic health — without falling for marketing hype.

Listen now at:
 https://www.eatgreenswithdrblack.com/protein/

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I am happy to answer general questions related to the information presented on this podcast.  Be advised that I will never offer specific medical advice via this website, even if your child is an established patient in my practice. If you have concerns about your child’s health or growth, please contact their doctor.

Thanks for listening and don't forget to Eat Your Greens!