How Protein Transformed My Life: A 25-Year-Old Startup Founder

As a 25-year-old founder of a burgeoning startup, life can get pretty hectic. Between all the meetings, pitch decks, and late-night coding sessions, I barely had time to notice the persistent aches and pains in my bones. Honestly, I thought it was just part of the hustle, something every entrepreneur deals with silently. But then, I stumbled upon a game-changing realization—protein intake.

How Protein Transformed My Life

Little did I know that my constant joint aches were not merely due to stress or long hours. They were a sign my body was lacking in something fundamental. That's right, protein. 

"It was like flipping a switch. I went from enduring everyday discomfort to feeling energized and pain-free. All it took was a tweak in my diet."

For years, my meals were mostly on-the-go, a mix of convenience and whatever was quick to whip up. Rarely did I think about balanced nutrition or what my body might actually need to function optimally. It turns out, that my bones and joints were craving more protein, a nutrient often overlooked in the fast-paced lifestyle of a startup founder.  

Protein strengthens your muscles and bones.

It helps repair tissues and reduce inflammation.

Boosts energy levels and overall wellness. 

Once I made the conscious decision to integrate more protein into my diet, the effects were almost immediate. Not only did my joint pains subside, but I also felt a surge of energy. It's incredible how something so simple yet essential can have such a profound impact on your well-being. If you're like me, constantly on the grind, don't neglect what your body needs to keep going strong.  

Why did I choose plant protein? 

I grew up in a family where meat was the centrepiece of every meal. Switching to plant-based protein felt like uncharted territory for me. However, as my startup scaled and the long work hours started taking a toll on my joints, I decided to explore new dietary avenues. The more I researched, the more I learned about the significant health benefits of plant proteins—specifically, their role in reducing inflammation and promoting overall joint health. 

Plant-based proteins like beans, lentils, and quinoa are not only rich in protein but also come packed with fibre, essential minerals, and antioxidants. It's this powerful combination that can combat inflammation and help alleviate joint aches. Initially, I was sceptical about whether these proteins could seriously make a difference. But the evidence was compelling, especially the studies showing improvements in self-reported functional status among osteoarthritis patients. 

Including varied sources of plant protein became a part of my daily routine. I found myself reaching for black beans and chickpeas in my salads, lentil soups for lunch, and even experimenting with different quinoa recipes. The difference was noticeable almost immediately. Not only did my bone aches lessen, but I also felt a consistent boost in my energy levels throughout the day. 

Embarking on this plant-based journey taught me a valuable lesson: your diet profoundly impacts your body’s functionality. By focusing on diverse and rich sources of plant protein, I managed to alleviate the bone aches that had once held me back. Nowadays, I approach my meals with more intention, mindful of the incredible natural resources available to support my joint health and overall energy levels.

Dual plant proteins are better on my gut

I use the combination protein of pea isolate and brown rice combined with adaptogens. The question is how do adaptogens help and what does a dual plant protein do for your body? Adaptogens help the body resist physical, chemical, and biological stressors by stabilizing and optimizing its physiological functions. They slowly build your body's resilience to stress, thereby boosting your ability to cope with anxiety, fatigue, and overall wellness.

Combining pea isolate and brown rice protein gives you a complete amino acid profile, meaning your body receives all the essential amino acids necessary for muscle repair, immune function, and overall health. Together, these plant proteins provide a high-quality alternative to whey or other animal-based proteins, especially if you're vegan or lactose intolerant. 

The surprising part is that the benefits didn't stop at joint relief. The boost in my protein intake also led to an unexpected surge in my overall energy and productivity. Gone were the days of afternoon crashes and lethargy; I felt more energized and ready to tackle the day's challenges. 

If you're a busy professional like me, struggling with bone aches or just looking to ramp up your energy levels, consider giving your diet a protein makeover. Trust me, it could be the change you've been searching for.

Authored by Muskan Sharma