Protein is the basic material of life. In fact, the word “protein” comes from an ancient Greek root meaning “primary” or “first.” The body could not grow or function without it. Since the human body can manufacture only twelve of the twenty-two amino acids that are essential for life, the remaining nine must be provided by eating food. However, the contemporary American diet rarely contains protein in sufficient quantity to maintain and repair cell and skin health.
If I were to poll my patients and students about what food they crave, I can assure you the answer would never be a grilled salmon filet. Most of my patients tell me their first choice when hunger strikes is a latte and brioche or rice cake and diet soda. At a fast-food restaurant, their usual order consists of French fries and a salad with nonfat dressing—and their faces show it. Sadly, an ongoing lack of protein is first noticeable in the face, as the features become soft and doughy. The sharp definition, contoured cheekbones, and that great jawline all become blurred. When the protein supply is depleted, the body is forced to feed upon itself. This causes both tissue and muscle to break down.
Once you know what to look for, you can immediately spot a person who eats a high-carb, low-protein diet. You can see it in women and men as early as their twenties. So remember, the lack of protein in your diet translates into highly visible changes in your face and body—and these changes are not improvements. The first critical step is to ensure that you consume adequate protein throughout the day.
Are you getting enough of the right protein in your daily diet?
It s true! Protein forever number one. Thanks dear doctor.
I’m one of those that when I need protein, I crave a steak. I don’t do well without protein. I have celiac disease and I’m still somewhat anemic from it. If I start my day with a bowl of cereal, I feel weak the entire day. Even if I have protein at lunch, I will not feel right. It’s only when I have eggs in the morning that I can get through the day.
Soft and Doughy looking ….like in flour products. The dont want to be a doughgirl.
What are the best sources of protein for a vegetarian?
Hi,
Vegetarians have options! Some excellent choices include: quinoa, beans of all sorts, tempeh, tofu, raw nuts, seeds, avocado, greek yogurt, kefir and selected cheeses.
Organic, low-fat milk, nuts (such as almonds and walnuts), lentils, chickpeas and low-fat cottage cheese are all great vegetarian protein options.
Those eggs in the picture look so great. How do you get the yolks to be so yellow? Mine always seem to have that ugly green coating no matter how I do it, and I have tried numerous ways!
Put eggs in water and bring to a boil. As soon as the water comes to a full boil, turn off burner and set your timer for 10 minutes. The eggs will continue to cook but won’t over cook. After ten minutes run under cold water to stop from cooking. Hope it works for you! When I do it this way, the yolk tastes buttery. I love it. Yah! protein!
Dr. Perricone,
How do you feel about also getting some protein from a protein shake throughout the day (ie. soy milk mixed with whey or soy protein powder) in addition to from food sources?
Due to a stomach restriction (about 8mm) I can no longer “eat” protien I have turned into the dough girl help I dont know what to do. Am thinking of having a surgery to try to open it back up but that is scary too… I’m lost………
We recommend you talk to your doctor about acceptable foods for your diet that can help you stay fit.
I love eggs, but I honestly don’t feel any better when I eat them. I hardly eat protein (because it’s not in the budget) so eggs are my primary source of protein. So you would think that my body would crave eggs, or at least function better after I’ve eaten them. I hear from others that eggs make us feel better, but that doesn’t work for me, even though I love eggs. I do have deep facial wrinkles & wonder if I was able to afford other sources of protein would my wrinkles lessen. I have diverticulosis & must be careful about eating beans and lentils.
We recommend trying to incorporate other forms of protein into your diet to help keep skin firm and toned. Budget-friendly forms include: almonds, tofu, grilled chicken, turkey breast and canned seafood like mackerel, salmon and anchovies.
I love salmon and try to eat it every day otherwise
Ihae been feeling tired and fatigued. I have veen on Weight Watchers for five weeks. I do feel better since starting this program because Iknow I’m getting more protein. I know I need to strive for moreprotein.
What do you eat when your kidney transplant can’t get rid of the protein….Is there another food that I can substitute for protein?? My Doctor can’t answer this…he just said to lay off the protein if you want to extend the life of your kidney transplant.
I sure miss my salmon, sardines and cheese.
That is tough Mary. Good luck in your recovery. Have you asked your Dr. about what complex carbohydrates you can substitute?