In today’s health-obsessed culture, there’s a growing interest in how protein contributes to physical well-being—but what if we also considered it through a Catholic lens? The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that the human body is a temple of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and caring for our physical health is part of honoring God. That includes nourishing ourselves with the right foods—and one key nutrient rising to the forefront of that conversation is protein.
Why the focus on protein now? In an age of busy schedules and processed foods, many people struggle with fatigue, brittle nails, hair thinning, and even poor wound healing—issues that could be linked to insufficient protein intake. “Protein is an essential nutrient for so many bodily processes,” said Jessica Cording, RD, CDN, and author of The Little Book of Game-Changers, in a Women’s Health article. “It nurtures hair, skin, and nail health, builds and maintains tissues like muscles, supports connective tissue, and helps us feel full—and that’s just scratching the surface.”
So how do you know if you’re falling short? Experts point to several warning signs. According to Cording, one of the most common indicators is persistent hunger even after meals: “If someone is constantly hungry, I’m always going to check to make sure they have enough protein.” Other red flags include slow healing cuts, loss of muscle despite working out, hair shedding without a clear cause, and brittle nails—signs our bodies are not getting the amino acids they need to repair and thrive.
Understanding this helps us recognize that proper nutrition isn’t about vanity or trends—it’s about fulfilling our responsibility to care for the body God gave us. “Protein helps you to feel full, and if you’re not getting enough, you may end up hungry again pretty soon after you eat,” Cording added. And Dr. Gary Goldenberg, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, explained that protein plays a vital role even at the cellular level: “Hair follicles are constantly cycling through growth… Proteins are needed to support this constant turnover.”
What can we do, practically speaking, to meet our daily protein needs while living our faith? Registered dietitian Keri Gans recommends aiming for about 25 to 30 grams of protein per meal. “Don’t skimp on protein at breakfast,” she advised. Good options include eggs, cottage cheese, tofu, Greek yogurt, and smoked salmon. Even small choices—like mixing collagen into your morning coffee or pairing nuts with fruit—can help.
Catholics are called to live intentionally, whether in prayer or daily routines. This includes our relationship with food. Eating enough protein isn’t just a wellness tip—it’s a way of ensuring that we can serve others, perform our vocations, and steward our health for the glory of God.
In the words of St. Paul, “Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31). And sometimes, glorifying God might start with adding another egg to your breakfast plate.
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