You’d think to see floods of brawny, athletic, super-humans walking the halls of East with this sudden protein infatuation amongst students. Health trends are always changing and evolving but this one seems to have people hooked. 

A priority on fitness, especially among teens, began in the 2000s and really blew up starting around 2010 with the rise of social media. Fitness influencers have been emphasizing the importance of protein for building muscle and seeing results. However, when I went through my usual Saturday Starbucks run and saw the addition of a protein as an option for my Starbucks coldfoam, I decided that this whole thing has gotten completely out of hand. 

Protein is used to build muscle, repair tissue and serves as the foundation for enzymes, hormones, and immune system health. Although these are wonderful health benefits, not every item with a massive amount of protein included is ideal for results you may be looking for.

Walking through stores, there’s a protein push everywhere. In the popcorn I used to drench with butter and salt, in desserts we used to just eat for pleasure, and even in fun flavored drinks.

People can’t see past the fact that this is just another example of overconsumption. Companies are taking advantage of this easy sell and have loaded protein into their products to keep consumers buying.  

People have stopped listening to their bodies and their unique needs. Instead, the influence of random individuals on the internet who promote daily protein goals are controlling people’s grocery trips and daily meals. (caption: an endcap at target with new protein products photo by simplyfuel on instagram)

Protein isn’t a trend and these goals can be extremely unrealistic for some people’s lifestyles. Not everyone needs 120 grams of protein on a day of school and mundane activities. This post on X explains how many people are feeling about the protein we try to push down our throats, when we just don’t even have to.

I’m beginning to feel like people have forgotten that normal foods have protein too. Chicken, beans, nuts, eggs, yogurt; the list goes on. They don’t need the huge sticker screaming that it has protein because it’s not necessary. It’s natural and has been getting the job done without having to be turned to powder or smushed into a bar that lasts for like 15 years, or even infused into cold foam.

Maybe instead of chasing the next “high protein” label, focus more on a reliable balance within your own lifestyle. Eating real meals, enjoying simple foods. Understanding what’s best for your body, not blindly following a strangers’ on the internet.

Written by senior Ashley Gumm. Edited by staff writers for Oswego East’s online news magazine The Howl.