Updated

Updated · iowafarmbureau.com · May 27

Dietitian Jessica Schroeder Urges 100 Grams of Protein, Prioritizing Real Meat Over Bars

Updated

Updated · iowafarmbureau.com · May 27

Dietitian Jessica Schroeder Urges 100 Grams of Protein, Prioritizing Real Meat Over Bars

Q: With 'protein-maxxing' trending, are we ignoring the massive fiber deficiency affecting 95% of Americans?

Yes. The evidence suggests the protein boom is overshadowing a much larger nutrition gap: fiber. Roughly 95% of Americans do not get enough fiber, while most already meet basic protein needs, even if some groups such as older adults, highly active people, or some women may benefit from more. Jessica Schroeder, the dietitian featured in the article, is right that protein matters for muscle, brain health, and aging, and that many clients could improve their intake. But she also warns against turning protein powders and bars into meal replacements and stresses balanced eating. That caution matters because “protein-maxxing” can crowd out foods that supply fiber, especially fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Fiber is not a minor issue. Most adults get only about 15 to 16 grams a day, far below the usual targets of about 25 to 38 grams. Low fiber intake is linked to constipation, poorer gut microbiome health, higher LDL cholesterol, worse blood sugar control, lower satiety, and higher risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and colorectal cancer. The practical takeaway is not to choose protein or fiber, but to stop treating protein as the only marker of a healthy diet. Whole-food protein sources are useful, but meals built around legumes, dairy, eggs, fish, lean meats, vegetables, fruit, nuts, seeds, and whole grains do a better job of covering both needs. For most people, the bigger missed opportunity is not more protein powder; it is more fiber-rich whole foods.

1 articles · Updated · iowafarmbureau.com · May 27

About 50 grams of protein is what the average female client consumes, Jessica Schroeder said, roughly half the daily amount suggested by protein researcher Donald Layman.
Schroeder recommends getting protein first from minimally processed animal foods such as pork chops, sirloin and turkey, saying whole foods deliver protein plus vitamins and minerals without extra artificial ingredients.
Protein powders and bars can help for convenience, she said, but they should not replace balanced meals because shakes are less filling than meals built around lean protein and vegetables.
Plant proteins add nutrients such as fiber and vitamin C, but many are considered incomplete or less bioavailable, making variety and individualized planning important for meeting protein needs.

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iowafarmbureau.com11d ago

Dietitian Jessica Schroeder: Prioritize Real Meat, Many Clients Lack Protein

Experts warn of protein deficiency, but data shows most Americans eat enough. Who really needs to be concerned?

Plant-based diets are linked to longer life, so why do new guidelines still prioritize 'higher quality' animal protein?

With 'protein-maxxing' trending, are we ignoring the massive fiber deficiency affecting 95% of Americans?

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1 total

iowafarmbureau.com11d ago

Dietitian Jessica Schroeder: Prioritize Real Meat, Many Clients Lack Protein

Dietitian Jessica Schroeder Urges 100 Grams of Protein, Prioritizing Real Meat Over Bars

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