Big buzz, lean plate: Awareness about protein up, but intake still lags in Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Protein is everywhere in the city's diet talk — but not on enough plates. Even as awareness rises about the importance of protein intake, consistent consumption remains low.To fill this gap, Karnataka Poultry Farmers and Breeders Association (KPFBA), which represents poultry farmers and breeders, recently launched an awareness campaign ahead of World Protein Day, which falls on Friday (Feb 27).
"Protein deficiency is a problem across the country and even in our state. One gram per kilogram of body weight is the recommended protein intake, but we do not see a conscious shift towards nutritional consumption among consumers. Nobody measures their nutrition before consumption. Chicken is the best source of lean protein and egg is a cheaper source of protein...we want people to understand that," said Sreejith S, KPFBA executive secretary.He pointed out that even among regular meat eaters, intake is often irregular. "Some people eat a lot of meat on one or two days of the week, and that does not work in the long term. Hence, we want to create awareness beyond the source. We want vegetarians and non-vegetarians to fulfil their daily requirements through a variety of sources." When TOI checked whether Bengaluru's dieticians and nutritionists had observed similar patterns, they said that while awareness has increased about the importance of protein consumption, this has not translated into consistent consumption."There are more people talking about protein in the city now, and we are seeing an increased addition of eggs, paneer, Greek yoghurt, sprouts, and even protein supplements to diets. A lot of it is also fuelled by people being more fitness-oriented. However, many people are not consistent with meeting their daily requirements across all meals," said Aayesha Parveen, consultant nutritionist, Kinder Women's Hospital. Maintaining healthy ratioExperts said that this deficiency primarily exists because Indian diets are carbohydrate-heavy. "We also notice that for people staying in paying guest accommodations or hostels, or for those highly dependent on outside food regularly, meeting protein requirements becomes even more challenging," said Edwina Raj, head of services-clinical nutrition & dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital.She suggested adding at least one source of protein, such as paneer, dal, tofu, sprouts, meat, or egg, with every meal. However, she cautioned that protein does not work in silos. "Protein-fibre ratio should be maintained along with the consumption of healthy fats for good gut health. Protein also needs supporting nutrients and energy to spare its action for tissue and muscle building," she added.For those who struggle to meet their requirements through food, dietitians suggest plant-based or whey protein supplements as a practical add-on. They underlined that supplements are not only for gym-goers, but warned that powders should not replace regular meals or be consumed in excess.Cost, however, remains a sticking point for many consumers trying to increase their protein intake. "As a very active individual who works out every day and plays sports, I aim for about 2 grams of protein per kg of body weight, which comes to roughly 140 grams a day. If I break it down to eight eggs (about Rs 50), 500 grams of chicken (around Rs 100), and one scoop of whey protein (around Rs 85), it adds up to Rs 235 a day and over Rs 7,000 a month," said Chandu M, a resident of Basavanagudi.