A Women’s Health article reported that “a third of women between the ages of 20 and don’t get their RDA (Required Daily Amount) of protein.” Mark Long, most widely known for his appearances on MTV’s “The Challenge,” assembled a team of doctors and health experts to launch a protein supplement to carry on-the-go called Pocket Protein. With two formulations – one for women and one for men – the 2 ounce foil pack is small enough to pack in a 3-1-1 baggy when traveling by plane or fit in a purse. Co-creators Mark Long and Dr. Lyttleton Stewart granted an exclusive interview to discuss their new product and nutritional benefits of protein for women.
What are the main health benefits of protein in a woman’s diet?
Women naturally have more fat as a percentage of body weight, due to evolutionary needs and gender roles. Dietary protein intake serves to benefit woman in the following remarkable ways. It increases our body’s ability to maintain lean muscle mass as we manage or lose weight in normal diets. More lean muscle mass equals less fat. It increases your ‘mobilization’ hormone (glucagon) which decreases your body’s ability to store fat. This also helps your body burn more fat for energy, as metabolism is increased. Protein intake makes you fuller, longer- so you naturally eat less. Protein also sends several signals to your brain telling it ‘I’m Full!’ The collagenic component, through collagen production stimulation, improves skin, bone and joint health.
Do protein requirements change as a woman ages?
Generally this is true. Age plays an important role in determining calorie needs. As adults age, they tend to require fewer calories. For example, a 55 year-old woman requires fewer calories than a 25 year-old woman. Also, the more you exercise- the more calories your body needs. However, as a part of the natural aging process, our intestinal absorption efficiencies decline. This means that the protein that we do intake, is not being absorbed as completely. So, consuming high grade, lean protein becomes very important i.e. choosing beans, legumes or Pocket Protein as a part of a daily dietary regimen
Will adding too much protein make a woman more masculine?
No. Adding protein ONLY with a comprehensive strength training regimen (think athletes and weight lifters) may add muscle mass considered to be masculine. To the contrary, Pocket Protein has a collagenic base, which over time, will improve delicate skin and help prevent bone mass deficiency.
Is Pocket Protein FDA approved? How was it tested?
Pocket Protein is a dietary supplement. No OTC (Over The Counter) supplement is subject to ‘FDA Approval.’ That term only applies to ‘legend’ or ‘prescription’ drugs and devices/machines. However, the processes by which Pocket Protein is sourced and manufactured are strictly enforced by FDA inspectors and undergo multiple high level audits to ensure 100% government compliance. The processes are conducted with strict supervisory guidelines and the raw materials are ‘Quality Assurance’ tested multiple times.
Did your Pocket Protein development process include input from women (i.e. doctors, scientists, nutritionists)?
Yes. We have female PhD chemists and Physicians that have been integrated in the review process. We have a female pediatrician that is involved in the development of our new ‘KIDZ’ formula- coming soon.
How many calories are in 1 serving of Pocket Protein?
60 Calories. 0 Carbs. 0 Fat. 0 Sugar. No Caffeine. No Lactose. No Gluten. No Stimulants.
How did you decide on what is an appropriate portion of Pocket Protein for women?
Pocket Protein is an ‘add-on’ high grade, heart healthy pure liquid protein supplement. This frames the concept of “Protein Pairing,” where you can add Pocket Protein to any snack throughout the day and stay full, stay healthy, and stay balanced. Women are so busy and on the go 7 days a week with kids, activities, jobs and families- it is very difficult to get 35% of their daily caloric intake – in high grade, lean and heart healthy protein. Everywhere you go, the options are carbs and fats. Pocket Protein solves that problem and keeps women fuller- longer, healthier and looking younger, anywhere, everyday.
Can Pocket Protein alone serve as a meal substitute?
No. Protein is arguably the most important of three necessary macronutrients that the body needs to function daily; but is not a full meal replacement- nor should it be. The FDA defines ‘meal replacement’ as containing a specified percentage of all 3 macronutrients including fat, carbs and protein. Pocket Protein has 0 carbs, 0 fat, 0 sugar, is caffeine free, lactose free and gluten free.
For a woman on the go, what would you suggest they carry to pair with Pocket Protein on a typical work day?
That is easy: virtually any snack! Apples, yogurt, bananas, muffins, a bagel, a granola bar, a cookie, baked chips, pretzels. Add Pocket Protein…stay full! Anywhere. Anytime!
How exactly will the collagen content in Pocket Protein make you look and feel younger?
The hydrolyzed collagenic protein (a component of Pocket Protein) – over time – stimulates the body’s production of more collagen which reduces wrinkles and enhances joint and bone health. Oral collagen is the number one supplement for skin care in Europe. It is the primary ingredient of all high end skin care cosmetics. What do you think plastic surgeons do? Add collagen to make women look younger!
Pocket Protein is available for purchase online via www.PocketProtein.com and on Amazon.com. For more information also visit the Pocket Protein Facebook page and follow Pocket Protein on Twitter (@PocketProtein).
