Rethinking Protein: Ayurveda’s Take on Nourishing Your Body
For years, we’ve been told that protein is king. High-protein diets, protein powders, grams per pound of body weight—nutrition advice often feels like a numbers game. But Ayurveda? Ayurveda sees things differently.
Instead of obsessing over grams, Ayurveda looks at how food nourishes us. It considers digestion, balance, and what the body actually needs at different stages of life. So if you’re wondering, Am I getting enough protein?—let’s zoom out and take a more holistic view.
Forget the Numbers. Focus on Nourishment.
The mainstream approach to protein is pretty straightforward: eat more of it. But Ayurveda teaches that it’s not just about how much you eat—it’s about how well your body processes and uses it.
If you’ve ever forced yourself to choke down a chalky protein shake, felt bloated after a heavy meal, or wondered why you’re still tired despite eating “enough,” this concept makes a lot of sense. Protein is only useful if your body can break it down and absorb it properly.
Why We’re All Obsessed with Protein (Hint: Sugar Plays a Role)
One reason protein gets so much attention is because of the way our modern diet has shifted over the years. We now consume 50 times more sugar than people did 50 years ago. That’s a wild statistic. Refined sugar is hiding in everything—snacks, drinks, even so-called “healthy” foods.
All that sugar disrupts our digestion, messes with our energy levels, and leaves our bodies craving balance. For many, that leads to a hunger for protein—not necessarily because we need more of it, but because we need better nourishment overall.
So before we even dive into protein, it’s worth asking: Is your diet truly balanced, or is sugar throwing everything off?
Protein in Ayurveda: The Earth and Water Connection
In Ayurveda, protein-rich foods are linked to the earth and water elements—they provide grounding, stability, and strength. This is why we naturally crave more of these foods during times of stress or transition (hello, perimenopause and menopause!).
But not all proteins digest the same way. Some are light and easy on the system, while others are dense and heavy. The goal isn’t to eat as much protein as possible—it’s to find the right kinds that your body can break down and use effectively.
The Best Protein Sources for Midlife and Beyond
If you’re navigating your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you might notice your body changing. Maybe you feel more fatigued, your digestion is sluggish, or you’re dealing with more joint pain. Ayurveda sees this as a natural shift into the Vata stage of life, where lightness and dryness increase in the body.
To balance that, Ayurveda encourages grounding foods—foods that feel nourishing, stabilizing, and easy to digest. Here are some great options:
Plant-Based Proteins (Great for Vegetarians)
• Lentils & beans – Always cooked well and paired with warming spices
• Chia seeds & flaxseeds – Rich in protein, fiber, and healthy fats
• Tahini & almond butter – Easier to digest than peanut butter
• Heirloom whole grains – Like farro, amaranth, and quinoa
Dairy & Animal Proteins (If They Work for You)
• Grass-fed dairy – Greek yogurt, ghee, high-quality milk
• Bone broth & slow-cooked meats – The Ayurvedic way to eat animal protein
• Wild-caught fish & pasture-raised poultry – Less inflammatory than conventionally raised meats
The key? Prioritize digestibility. If a protein source makes you feel bloated, sluggish, or uncomfortable, it might not be the right one for you.
The Protein Powder Dilemma: Yay or Nay?
Ayurveda isn’t big on protein powders, but let’s be real—sometimes they’re convenient. If you do use them, keep it simple: choose one with minimal ingredients and pair it with good fats (like chia seeds) to aid digestion.
Kate shared her own experience with grass-fed whey protein, which transformed her brittle nails into strong, healthy ones. That’s a sign that her body is actually absorbing the nutrients! If you’re curious, try it for a few weeks and see if you notice a difference in your nails, hair, and energy.
Listen to Your Body, Not the Trends
The biggest takeaway? Your body knows what it needs. If you’re constantly exhausted, craving sweets, or feeling ungrounded, protein might be part of the solution—but so is tuning into your body’s signals.
Instead of fixating on grams, focus on grounding, nourishing foods and watch how your body responds. Ayurveda isn’t about restriction or rules—it’s about creating balance and eating in a way that makes you feel good.
And if you want to dive deeper, be sure to listen to the full episode of Everyday Ayurveda with Kate for more insights!
