Weight loss: Dr Michael Mosley warns daily intake guidance of micronutrient is ‘too low’

Dr Michael Mosley knows all the ins and outs of the dieting world, but he believes the Government’s advice for our daily protein intake was “way too low”. Currently, the guidelines for protein consumption suggest eating around 50 grams per day, but the creator of The Fast 800 diet plan isn’t so sure.

“You need more protein after the age of 60 because your body is less able to absorb and utilise it,” he explained.

And eating enough of it is absolutely vital for growth and repair.

Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are chemical ‘building blocks’.

The body uses these amino acids to build and repair muscles and bones and to make hormones and enzymes.

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They can also be used as an energy source.

“If you don’t get enough protein in your diet, then you will develop cravings and overeat in a largely unconscious attempt to hit critical protein targets,” the author continued.

“They say that we need to consume around 15 to 20 percent of our daily calories in the form of protein.

“This amounts to around 100 grams of protein, if you are eating the normal 2,000 to 2,500 calories a day.”

As an example to highlight the importance of the micronutrient, he shared the findings of an experiment taken by two leading Australian academics, Prof David Raubenheimer and Prof Steve Simpson.

Speaking of his own experiences with low and high-protein diets, he continued: “When I eat eggs or fish for breakfast, I stay full until lunchtime.

“But if I eat the same number of calories in the form of cereal or toast, I am craving a snack by mid-morning.”

Eggs, fish, meat and tofu are all rich in protein and can help build muscles, enzymes and much of the infrastructure of our bodies.