California Longevity Doctor Peter Attia Consumes 10 Venison Jerky Sticks a Day to Combat Age-Related Muscle Loss
Dr. Peter Attia, a well-known longevity doctor practicing in California, has revealed that he consumes up to 10 venison jerky sticks a day in order to meet his daily protein target. As we age, it becomes crucial to maintain muscle mass, and Attia believes that eating enough protein can help combat age-related muscle loss. However, it is important to note that highly processed red meats like jerky have been associated with health risks.
Attia, who authored the 2023 New York Times bestseller “Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity,” is considered a guru by many individuals interested in longevity. In a recent Q&A episode of his podcast “The Drive,” he disclosed his goal of consuming 150 to 180 grams of protein per day, with five to 10 venison jerky sticks contributing to that intake. In addition to his dietary choices, Attia also takes nine daily supplements to further enhance his longevity.
The consumption of enough protein is essential for maintaining muscle mass, which tends to decline as we age. Individuals with higher muscle mass are at a lower risk of heart disease, diabetes, and dementia. Conversely, having excess fat and low muscle mass has been linked to various health issues.
Despite the potential benefits, it is necessary to acknowledge the downsides of consuming excessive amounts of jerky. Attia emphasized that he has the luxury of being able to control his diet since he spends most of his days at home. While he prefers eating jerky sticks over consuming protein shakes, it is worth noting that a pack of 24 sugar-free pepper venison jerky sticks costs $102 and each stick provides 10 grams of protein along with 380 milligrams of sodium.
Although certain brands of jerky contain artificial additives, Attia invested in Maui Nui, which claims to use all-natural ingredients. Furthermore, venison is considered a lean red meat compared to others and contains lower levels of saturated fat. It is also a good source of iron, vitamins B6 and B12, and potassium, among other essential vitamins and minerals.
It is crucial to recognize that different individuals require different amounts of protein based on factors such as size, age, activity levels, and body composition. While a high-protein diet is generally recommended for weight loss, Attia stated that aiming for 0.6 to 0.7 grams of protein per pound of bodyweight is sufficient for individuals with adequate muscle mass and a significant amount of body fat to lose.
Interestingly, Attia recommends that individuals under 50 years old focus on building as much muscle as possible since muscle loss begins to occur from around the age of 35. Resistance training and maintaining adequate protein intake can help prevent frailty and ensure physical robustness as people age.
While Dr. Peter Attia’s dietary choices and protein consumption strategy may spark interest among those interested in longevity, it is important to consult with healthcare professionals and consider individual needs before adopting any extreme dietary approaches.
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