NIFS Healthy Living Blog

Protein is one of the essential macronutrients the body needs. Because the body cannot produce it on its own, we must acquire protein through our diet. It plays a critical role in muscle repair, immunity, and satiety—making it an important part of daily nutrition.

Muscle Repair

Exercise breaks down muscle tissue, creating microscopic tears. Amino acids from the protein you consume help repair and rebuild this tissue, leading to stronger muscles over time. Without adequate protein intake, the repair process becomes inefficient and may limit muscle growth.

Immunity

Your immune system depends heavily on protein. Immune cells—such as white blood cells and antibodies—are built using amino acids. Without enough protein, your body produces fewer of these protective cells, increasing your susceptibility to illness.

Satiation

Protein also helps regulate appetite. When you’re hungry, your body releases the hormone ghrelin, signaling the need to eat. Eating protein reduces ghrelin levels and increases hormones like GLP-1 and peptide YY, which promote fullness.

Protein also has a higher thermic effect than carbohydrates or fats, meaning your body burns more calories digesting it. This can help reduce cravings and prevent overeating.

Snack Ideas

Getting enough protein isn’t always easy—especially with fast-paced schedules. Here are some convenient, protein-rich snack and meal ideas to help you meet your goals.

• Greek yogurt parfait: Combine Greek yogurt, berries, and granola for a quick, portable option that supports your nutrition needs.
• Tuna options: A tuna wrap or tuna with whole-grain crackers provides a lean, high-quality protein source that fuels a busy day.

Vegetarian Options

For those following a vegetarian diet, a quinoa bowl is an excellent base. Quinoa is a complete protein, offering all essential amino acids. Lentil soup or lentil salad are also great plant-based sources of protein and fiber.

Athletes

Athletes engaged in intense training need consistent protein intake for proper recovery. A classic chicken-and-rice meal offers lean protein and complex carbohydrates for sustained energy. When time is limited, a high-quality protein shake can be a convenient way to meet daily needs. Visit a local nutrition store to find a mix that aligns with your goals.

While meeting nutrition needs can be challenging, ensuring your body gets enough protein is essential for performance, recovery, and overall wellbeing. Incorporating protein-rich foods into your daily routine can support muscle repair, strengthen your immune system, and help maintain a balanced, satisfying diet.

As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, finding motivation to get to the gym can be tough. Between an increase in sickness, schedule changes, and chilly weather, it’s easy to lose your fitness rhythm. But sticking with your exercise routine during this time of year can actually help you feel better. Regular movement can boost your immunity, improve your mood, and increase your overall energy levels.

Boosted Immunity

As flu season starts to roll around, everyone starts to look for ways to stay healthy. What if I told you that getting into the gym can help? Exercising regularly can improve body functions and blood flow. This improvement helps the body’s ability to create immune cells to help fight infection. By increasing blood flow, you can also help get the immune cells moving around the body more efficiently, which leads to a more effective immune system.

Improved Mood

Shorter days and colder temperatures are often accompanied by a drop in motivation and mood. This change is commonly referred to as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Regular exercise can help combat these winter blues by boosting the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Physical activity releases endorphins, sometimes called the “hope molecule,” which play a big role in improving mood and reducing stress. Even a short walk or light workout can help lift your spirits and make the darker months feel a little brighter.

Increased Energy

Exposure to the sun can help increase energy within the body through multiple mechanisms, but due to shorter days and colder weather, it can be difficult to find time outside. By staying active, you can help fight this drop in energy. Regular physical activity can increase the efficiency of the heart and lungs, which helps the body deliver oxygen and nutrients to its cells, leading to more efficient energy expenditure overall. On a cellular level, physical activity can also be associated with an increase in mitochondria, which leads to more energy production.

Tips for Staying Active

Finding the motivation to stay active as the seasons change can be difficult, so here are a few tips to help keep you moving:

Set Goals

It’s hard to find motivation to do anything if you don’t know where to start. It’s easier to keep going when you know you’re working on something. By setting goals, you give yourself a target and direction for your fitness journey which can help improve motivation and consistency. When creating your goals, use the S.M.A.R.T. method.

• S = Specific: Define exactly what you want to achieve.

• M = Measurable: Track your progress so you can see how far you’ve come.

• A = Achievable: Keep goals realistic to avoid burnout or frustration.

• R = Relevant: Make sure your goals align with your personal fitness priorities.

• T = Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline to stay accountable and consistent.

Start small to help you gain momentum. Then, as you progress, your goals can progress as well. If you are struggling to set goals, ask a Health Fitness Specialist about scheduling a Strategy Session to help get you started.

Create a Plan

By creating a structured schedule and workout plan, you can remove some of the stress of staying active. Planning your workouts and schedule can create a routine to ensure you stay active. Whether that plan includes a full, 60-minute workout, or just something as basic as walking on the treadmill, a plan will help you stay consistent with your physical activity. If you struggle with creating your own plan, speak to a Health Fitness Specialist here at NIFS about an Exercise Prescription or Personal Training.

Find a Workout Buddy

When working out alone, it’s easy to convince yourself that you can skip the gym. Having a workout partner can create some accountability to help motivate you to stay consistent. Try to find someone with similar goals that you enjoy being around and helping each other stay active as winter approaches. If you can’t find someone to work out with, try joining a fitness class. Here at NIFS we offer a wide variety of classes to all members for free. Ask a Health Fitness Specialist about our Class Schedule and how to sign up.

Although it can be a challenge to stay active as the weather changes, your body and mind will thank you for keeping up the effort. By setting goals, creating a plan, and surrounding yourself with support, you can build consistency that carries you through every season.