Protein: the fuel forgotten after 40

From the forties on, the body maintains muscle mass less easily. Less muscle means less energy spent at rest, a changing shape, and often a diffuse tiredness.

Why it matters more than before

Protein is the material the body uses to maintain that muscle. It satisfies for longer than anything else and smooths the energy swings between meals.

Where to find it, simply

• Animal: eggs, fish, poultry, meat, fromage blanc, Greek yoghurt.
• Plant: lentils, chickpeas, kidney beans, tofu, tempeh.
• Supporting: nuts, seeds, cheeses — useful, but rarely enough on their own.

The real difficulty isn't the amount

It's the distribution. Many women eat most of their protein in the evening and almost none in the morning. Spreading it across three meals changes afternoon hunger far more than increasing the total.

A useful question in front of your plate: where is my protein?

And if you have a health question

Some situations — ongoing treatment, kidney monitoring, a specific condition — need medical advice before changing intake. Speak to your doctor: my support comes alongside, never instead.

⟳ Draft — written for Selena to review before publication.