It’s hard to say if it was the cottage cheese wrap or the chicken pizza that brought protein back into the spotlight, but either way, we’re not mad about it. And, apparently you aren’t either! As of July 2024, more than 14 million cups of cottage cheese have been logged by MyFitnessPal users around the world. 

Understanding why protein is so essential can help you make more informed food choices. In this deep dive, we’ll cover all the ways protein impacts your body. You’ll learn how to decide what your personal protein goal should be and how to achieve it through a balanced diet. 

Aside from water (which makes up 55-60% of the body), protein takes up the second most space, accounting for 18 to 19% of your body weight (1, 2). Protein is one of the body’s most important nutrients, present within every cell and working nonstop to keep metabolic health, immune function, bone health, and of course, l...