Inside Gen Zs protein craze What experts suggest you should eat to meet your goals

Gen Z has finally passed the avocado toast and pushed the dangerously low-calorie “Girl Dinner” trend to the sidelines.Protein is having a cultural moment, and macros matter most.If you’ve ever opened TikTok, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered a fitness influencer filming a “What I eat in a day” or attempting the somewhat more challenging “100 grams of protein daily” challenge.

The new wellness routine seems to shift the focus from getting skinny to getting strong.But, it comes at a price — expensive meals and hours of meal-prepping.Protein vloggers often break down their favorite smoothies, packed with powders, Greek yogurt, and fiberous fruits and veggies.

For lunch, they’ll opt for grilled chicken, ground turkey bowls, maybe some eggs for good measure.Vegetarians and vegans chime in with their versions, swapping the carnivorous assortment for beans, tofu, and chickpeas.

For dessert? Maybe they’ll indulge in a protein bar.Then, there was Patrick Schwarzenegger’s infamous “White Lotus” character obsessing over his protein intake and his brother’s near-fatal episode with his beloved blender.

Protein, in a sense, has become a bonding ritual for health-conscious people, the spotlight being on young men looking to “make gains” and Gen Z women concerned about their iron levels.According to Katelyn Bedford, Holistic Nutritionist and founder of Wellness the Right Way, some social media theories on protein intake are backed by science, but others find themselves at the center of debate.

She cites discussions on clean protein, protein supplements, the whey versus plant protein debate, and collagen, of course.“Social media has evolved to more science-backed tips,” Bedford explained.

“There’s an increased focus on longevity and aging well, and protein plays a central role in preserving lean mass.”Bedford noted that the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for protein is 46 grams per day for women and 56 for men.However...