The Surprising Protein Lesson We Can Learn from Rabbits

If you have ever tried to be super healthy by loading up only protein, you are not alone. Funny enough, early explorers in North America tried the same thing when there was food scarcity. They survived on wild, such as rabbits, because it was all they could find. What they did not realise was that the rabbit meat is extremely lean. It has almost no fat or carbs. And, therefore, within weeks, many of them became weak and sick even though they were eating. 

This story may sound dramatic, but it says something very important about how our metabolism works. Protein, indeed is essential for us, but it can't do the job of keeping us 'healthy' alone. 

Why your Body Needs Protein, But Not Only Protein

Protein helps your repair tissue, build muscle, create hormones and support immunity. But to actually use protein, you need carbohydrates and fats. These nutrients help your body break down the protein and convert it into energy. The energy can then later be used if 

• We are training hard frequently
• We are injured, sick or are recovering from surgery
• We are older
• We are losing protein for some other reasons (e.g. chronic physical stress)

So, how much Protein do you actually Need?

Most people eating a regular healthy diet already get enough for their basic protein turnover and to avoid malnutrition. But, depending on your lifestyle, you may need more than you think.

For sedentary, generally healthy adults, about 0.8 g of protein per kg of body mass is enough to cover basic daily requirements. This translates to about

• 55g of protein per day for a 150 lb (68 kg) person; and
• 72 g of protein per day for a 200 lb (90 kg) person.

One easy way to measure protein intake without apps or calculators is the hand portion method. One palm of cooked high-protein food (such as tofu, chicken, and fish) gives roughly 20-30 grams of protein. Most people do well with one to two palm-sized portions per meal, depending on their goals.

But, can you Eat Too Much Protein?

Surprisingly, it is very difficult for healthy people to overeat protein. It is filling, and after a few weeks of a vey high protein intake, you'd be probably be happy never to see a chicken breast again.

For another, research has not shown real harm from moderately high protein intake when the rest of your nutrition is balanced. The real issue is only eating protein and ignoring fats/carbs, which is exactly what made those explorers sick. 

Bringing it Back to Your Everyday Life

Think of protein as a tool that works best under the right conditions. When you pair it with enough rest, movement, and balanced meals, it supports everything from muscle recovery to better skin and steadier energy. 

If you find it hard to get your protein through meals alone, a clean supplement can help you fill the gap. At Akya, we keep this in mind while formulating our products so that they can support your routine without complicating it.