Did you know your body can’t repair itself without enough protein?
When you’re recovering from an injury or surgery, your body is like a construction site. The workers are there (your cells), the plans are drawn (your treatment plan), but without the right building blocks, progress stalls. Protein is one of the most critical nutrients for healing because it provides the raw materials your body needs to repair tissues, reduce inflammation, and restore strength.
Why Protein Matters for Recovery
- Tissue Repair: Protein supplies the amino acids your muscles, ligaments, and skin need to rebuild after damage.
- Stronger Immune Defense: Adequate protein supports your immune system, lowering the risk of post-surgical infections.
- Faster Healing: Without enough protein, wounds and injuries take longer to mend, which can delay your return to normal activities.
- Better Outcomes: Studies show that patients with higher protein intake experience fewer complications and regain function more quickly.
How Much Protein Do You Need?
A good target is 20–30 grams of protein at every meal. That’s not just for athletes, it’s essential for anyone recovering from an injury or procedure.
Examples of 20–30g Protein Sources:
- 3 eggs + Greek yogurt parfait
- 4–5 oz grilled chicken breast
- 1 cup cooked lentils or black beans
- Salmon fillet with quinoa
- Protein smoothie (whey, pea, or collagen protein)
Think of every meal as an opportunity to feed your recovery. Small Shift = Faster Recovery, Stronger Outcome.
Prioritizing protein isn’t about overhauling your entire diet; it’s about making one smart shift that accelerates your healing. When your body has the building blocks it needs, you’ll notice the difference in energy, mobility, and recovery speed.
Next Step: Nutrition is never one-size-fits-all. Our Nurse Health Coach can help you design a personalized plan to optimize protein intake for your recovery.
Schedule a Nurse Health Coaching session today and give your body the fuel it needs to heal strong.