The Tamesis
Have food groups ever gone through a rebrand like Protein? Once synonymous with gym staples like egg whites and mixed chicken, this macronutrient has become a favorite for everyone from nutritionists to Gen Alpha TikTokers to moms making protein shakes for their toddlers. The protein craze has accelerated so fast that, in fact, the food pyramid has been turned upside down, with, you guessed it, protein at the top.
Even in 2026, with other terms like “fiber boom” and “ear seeds” vying for people’s attention, we can’t seem to escape this one word. It turns out the proof is in the (protein) pudding: According to experts, protein is critical for tissue repair, skin benefits, healthy aging, hormone balance, muscle regeneration and staying fuller longer. “Most of us don’t eat enough protein,” says biochemist Jessie Inchauspé, also known as the “Glucose Goddess.” “We need about one gram of protein per pound of body weight.”
All of this sounds very convincing. However, before I start spreading the word and gathering disciples, I like to try it myself (see also: Drink 2.5 Liters of Water and Really Fall in Love with Aloe Vera). To that end, at the start of the new year, I decided to go on a high-protein diet for two weeks to see how it went. Although I don’t count or measure protein content religiously, I aim for about 75 to 90 grams of protein per day. Here’s the thing.
Day one to day five
The first week is the easiest. I don’t need convincing to start the day with two eggs on buttered whole wheat toast with a sprinkle of cheese, I look forward to the evenings when I can eat chicken in all its forms (chicken with chili sauce and rice, lemon and herb chicken with butter bean refrieds, grilled chicken with green beans and more rice). However, by day five, I got tired of the chicken and decided to eat out, and as a reward I had one of the best beef burgers I’ve had in recent memory (probably 20 grams of protein), followed by a giant puff (not very “protein” to me, but it had dairy!).
Day 5 to Day 10
At this stage I noticed two things. One is that I don’t want any More chicken or eggs (especially the latter) starts to make me feel sick. What exactly are they?). The other is that I’m starting to feel a little…grounded. Like a human rock. And also very boring. I realized that perhaps I was approaching my high-protein diet in a rather unimaginative and uniform way.
So I started choosing meals based on other A variety of proteins like salmon, shrimp, chickpeas, feta, and lentils, with plenty of Greek yogurt on the side (you’ll never see me spooning in cheese, no matter how good it is for you). One time, I made a Malaysian curry stuffed with cockles (an underrated source of protein). I realized that eating high in protein doesn’t require eating like someone stuck in the atmosphere. A high-protein diet also requires lots of color and fiber! Thank God.
Day 10 to 14
Now that I change the types of food on my plate, my high-protein diet is not only easier, but more enjoyable. I also started to notice some benefits, such as: Never, literally neverfeeling hungry between meals; having plenty of energy at the end of the workday; sleeping through the night; and not noticing any new breakthroughs. I eat less throughout the day, but more efficiently, which means I’m not suddenly hungry at 11pm and digging through the fridge for a snack. I also didn’t have to fight the 2pm slump by stuffing jelly beans into my mouth – in fact, the slump never came.
