Protein: The Buzzword That's Taking Over
Protein has undergone a massive makeover. It's no longer just for bodybuilders. Now, everyone from nutritionists to the latest TikTok stars is jumping on the protein bandwagon. It's so popular, in fact, that it feels like the food pyramid has been flipped upside down, with protein taking the top spot.
But here's where it gets controversial... Protein is everywhere, even in 2026, alongside other trends. Experts say protein is essential for things like tissue repair, skin health, and muscle growth. Biochemist Jessie Inchauspé, known as the Glucose Goddess, even suggests we need roughly a gram of protein per pound of body weight.
My Two-Week Protein Experiment
I decided to try a high-protein diet for two weeks to see what all the fuss was about. I aimed for about 75 to 90 grams of protein daily. Here’s what happened:
Days 1-5: The Chicken Phase
Week one was easy. I started with eggs on toast and looked forward to chicken dinners. But by day five, I was tired of chicken and treated myself to a beef burger (about 20g of protein) and a profiterole (which wasn't exactly protein-rich).
Days 5-10: The Solid Feeling
I realized I was getting a bit… solid and bored. I switched to different protein sources like salmon, prawns, chickpeas, and feta. I even made a Malaysian curry with cockles. High-protein diets don't have to be boring; you can still have color and fiber!
Days 10-14: The Benefits Emerge
With more variety, the diet became enjoyable. I felt full between meals, had more energy, slept through the night, and didn't have any new breakouts. I was eating less throughout the day, but more efficiently, which meant that I didn’t randomly get hungry at 11 p.m. and raid the fridge for snacks. Nor did I have to battle that 2 p.m. slump by shoving gummy candy into my mouth—in fact,the slump never arrived.
The Downsides
I wasn't working out much during this time, which felt odd. There were also times when I just wanted pasta or a salad, and not another protein-packed meal.
The Verdict
I'm sticking to a semi-high protein diet, but not as strictly. And I should probably exercise more. One thing at a time.
What do you think? Did this experiment change your perception of protein? Share your thoughts in the comments!
