The Great Protein Panic with Dr. Stuart Phillips

It’s hard to escape the protein craze! From protein bars and powders to even protein water, it seems like every food is getting a high-protein makeover. But how much protein do we actually need, and how much of this is just hype?

This week on Healthy Habits, Happy Homes, we sit down with Dr. Stuart Phillips, professor at McMaster University’s School of Medicine and expert in exercise, aging, and nutrition, to unpack the great protein panic. We explore what sparked the obsession, what the science actually says about our protein needs, and whether we’re getting caught up in the hype. We wrap up with realistic protein goals and practical tips for maintaining a balanced, healthy diet.

Read the article mentioned in the episode here: https://theconversation.com/2025-was-the-year-protein-jumped-the-shark-272614

About Dr. Stuart Phillips

Dr. Stuart Phillips is a Distinguished University Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and a member of the School of Medicine at McMaster University. He is a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health. Dr. Phillips’ work centers on the interaction of exercise/physical activity, aging, and nutrition in skeletal muscle and body composition. Dr. Phillips is a fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences (FCAHS), the American College of Sports Medicine (FACSM), the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (FCSEP) and the Royal Society of Canada (FRSC).