Protein

 

It seems you can’t get away from it. The topic of protein. Not enough protein in your diet. Better eat more protein. Tired? You must not be getting enough protein!

            Don’t Americans devour slabs of meat every day? Loaded with protein. Not to mention cholesterol, fat and calories!

            I don’t eat red meat. I think it’s disgusting. Plus, it’s bad for the planet. And cows are so cute. So maybe I do need more protein? How much protein should I eat? 

When I researched this later, there is actually a complicated formula based on gender, age, activity level and weight. But this didn't come up in the discussion today post swim in the women’s locker room of the Kennedy High Pool. Protein Calculator

            “You need at least 50 grams of protein every day,” Protein Woman announced.

            “I know I don’t get that much,” her friend shakes her head. It’s such a problem.

            “If you don’t get enough protein, it can affect your immune system,” Protein Woman continues.

            “Really?” LS asks. “I never knew that.” I glance over at her; my naughty side wants out.

            “Do M&Ms have protein?” I interject into the conversation, thinking I was being funny.

But no. These Protein Women are serious!

            Not missing a beat, let alone crackin a smile, Protein Woman answers: “As a matter of fact, if you eat the peanut M&Ms, you get you some protein that way.”
            “Or, if you eat the peanut butter ones, you get even more!” her friend adds. “Mumm mum I love me those peanut butter M&Ms!” She shakes her head in imagined satisfaction as she pulls on her navy sweatshirt.

            “Me too!” I beam, pulling on a damp sock. “But they’re highly addictive!”

            “Oh, yeah, tell me about it!” Protein Friend agrees. “Once I get started on those, I can’t stop myself.”

            I remember a family gathering, maybe for a holiday, Christmas or Thanksgiving, when there was a bowl full of these peanut butter M&Ms on the coffee table.  My sister Laura and I were sitting on the sofa, grabbing handfuls of them. “I can’t stop eating these,” she said, munching happily.

            “I know,” I agreed, grabbing a handful myself.

            If only I’d known then that we were feeding our protein quota! We had permission to stuff our faces with candy! It was good for us!

            “I’m gonna go home and eat some right now!” I announced. “I’m feeling like I need to add more protein to my diet today!”

            “Mm mm mmmm!” Protein Woman hums. “We gonna go out to lunch today and git us some chicken tacos at Los Hermanos.”

            “That sounds delicious,” I slam my locker closed, grabbing my swim gear to follow them out, remember how when I worked at the Sylvan Learning Center in El Cerrito, the nerdy manager had a get to know you questionnaire for me. One of the questions was What is your favorite restaurant? I said the Vietnamese restaurant, Huong Tra.  He said Los Hermanos. I wonder if he knew he was helping meet his protein quota if he ate the chicken tacos?

            I’m getting hungry now writing this. I think it’s time for some 

peanut butter M&Ms! And Cheezits. Do these have protein in them too? Let me go take a look….

 

            Well, what do you know? They do! 3 grams of protein per serving. And the peanut butter M&Ms? 3 grams of protein per serving. Now I just have to eat 4 servings of each to get 48 grams of protein!

            Who needs red meat?

            “Enjoy your lunch,” LS calls out after the two women as they head out of the locker room.

            “Oh, we will!” Protein Woman chuckles as she waves goodbye.

            “You want some peanut butter M&Ms?” I ask LS. “I’ve got a bag at home.”

            “Oh, no thank you,” she declines softly.

            I know she doesn’t eat candy. But then I wonder, without peanut butter M&Ms is she getting enough protein?