Live Well, Age Well

How to Increase Protein Intake Without Eating All Day Many people discover something surprising when they calculate their protein needs. They’re often 20–40 grams short of their daily protein target. The good news is that closing that gap usually doesn’t require drastic diet changes. A few small adjustments can make a meaningful difference. If you're unsure how much protein you need, start with our guide on Daily Protein Intake: How Much Protein Do You Really Need Per Day? 👉Daily Protein Intake Guide Why Most People Miss Their Protein Goal The biggest protein gap usually happens earlier in the day. A typical eating pattern might look like this: Breakfast → 8–10gLunch → 15–20gDinner → 35–40g Instead of concentrating protein at dinner, spreading it across meals helps the body use it more effectively. A better distribution might look like: Breakfast → 25gLunch → 25gDinner → 30gSnack → 10–20g Simple Ways to Increase Protein Intake Add Protein to Breakfast Breakfast is often the lowest protein meal. Good options include: eggs yogurt smoothies with plant protein oats with nuts or seeds Upgrade Your Lunch Adding protein-rich ingredients can make lunch more balanced. Examples: lentils tofu chickpeas quinoa lean protein sources Use Smart Snacks Snacks are often the easiest place to increase protein intake. Options include: Greek yogurt nuts or seeds smoothies clean plant-based protein bars Convenient options can help close the protein gap on busy days. The Bottom Line Reaching your protein goal doesn't require complicated meal planning. Most people simply need to distribute protein more evenly across the day. If you haven't calculated your protein needs yet, start with our Daily Protein Intake Guide. Many people find they fall short of their daily protein goal. A clean plant-based protein bar can be a convenient way to close that gap between meals. Looking for more? Explore our nutrition guides: Daily Protein Intake · Protein Needs After 40 · Best Plant-Based Protein Sources · Protein Timing · How Much Protein to Build Muscle

There is a common belief that getting stronger — and staying strong — requires extreme effort. Long workouts. Perfect nutrition. Maximum intensity. It doesn't. Real strength is built through consistency. Not occasional heroic effort — through repeated, deliberate action, day after day. And here's the principle at the center of it all: Planning creates consistency. Consistency builds strength. Why Motivation Fails and Planning Wins One of the biggest mistakes people make with their health is relying on motivation. Motivation is real. But it fluctuates — daily, sometimes hourly. The problem with building your routine on motivation is that motivation depends on how you feel. And how you feel changes. Planning removes that variable. When your walk, workout, or intentional meal is already on your calendar — already decided — the question disappears. You don't have to feel motivated. You simply follow the plan. Behavioral research supports this consistently: implementation intentions (deciding in advance when, where, and how you'll act) significantly increase follow-through on health behaviors compared to motivation alone. (Gollwitzer, American Psychologist, 1999) The Power of Small, Repeated Actions Consistency doesn't require a perfect starting point. It requires a starting point. Maybe that's a 10-minute walk. Maybe it's stretching in the morning. Maybe it's replacing one poor nutrition choice with something better. None of it looks impressive in the moment. All of it compounds over time. Research on habit formation shows that small behaviors repeated consistently create structural changes in the brain — new neural pathways that make those behaviors progressively easier and more automatic. (Lally et al., European Journal of Social Psychology, 2010) That 10-minute walk today isn't just a 10-minute walk. It's a vote for the person who walks tomorrow. Strength Is Built Through Repetition — Not Intensity The strongest people aren't always the most intense. They're the most consistent. The ones who keep showing up. Day after day. Week after week. Year after year. And the science of aging confirms it: regular moderate physical activity — not extreme training — is the most reliable predictor of long-term strength, mobility, and metabolic health in adults over 40. (ScienceDirect, 2025) A 20-minute walk three days a week, done consistently for a year, does more than the perfect workout program you abandoned after three weeks. Show up imperfectly. Show up consistently. That's the standard. Find Movement You'll Still Be Doing in Five Years Consistency becomes significantly easier when you actually enjoy what you're doing. Not everyone needs to love the gym. Not every workout needs to be structured. Walking. Cycling. Yoga. Hiking. Swimming. Gardening. The best routine isn't the most intense one. It's the one you'll still be doing five years from now. Because longevity is built on the right habits — not the hardest ones. Fuel Your Consistency Staying active consistently also means fueling consistently. Quality nutrition supports steady energy, muscle maintenance, and recovery — all of which make it easier to keep showing up. But most protein bars undermine that effort. Sugar spikes. Bloating. Ingredients that work against the very habits you're building. Research confirms that high added sugar intake can increase fatigue and impair mental clarity — making it harder to stay consistent. (Ohio State Health, 2025) We built Five Plus Protein as the opposite of that. Clean, plant-based protein. Steady energy. Easy digestion. Fuel that supports the routine — not the one that breaks it. ► Explore the variety box — reliable fuel for consistent people. fiveplusprotein.com The Principle That Carries You Forward Planning creates consistency. Consistency builds strength. Strength in your body. Strength in your habits. Strength in your identity. You are not building for this Friday. You are building for the next decade. Show up today. Then again tomorrow. That's all it takes. This post is part of the No Excuses Series. Read the full series: The complete series: Part 1: Start Where You Are · Part 2: Stop Negotiating With Yourself · Part 3: The Identity Shift · Part 4: Consistency Builds Strength · Part 5: Focus on What You Can Do · Part 6: Do What You Enjoy · Part 7: Why Movement Matters More Than You Think · Part 8: How We Fuel Our Lives · Part 9: Is Eating Healthy Worth the Cost?· Part 10: One Day at a Time · Part 11: You Don't Have to Do This Alone Joel — Founder, Five Plus Protein Sources & Citations •        Gollwitzer, P.M. — Implementation Intentions (American Psychologist, 1999) •        Lally, P. et al. — How Habits Are Formed (European Journal of Social Psychology, 2010) •        ScienceDirect — Physical Activity and Healthy Aging (sciencedirect.com, 2025) •        Ohio State Health & Discovery — Can Sugar Intake Affect the Way I Age? (health.osu.edu, 2025)  

In Part 1, we talked about starting where you are. Most of what keeps us stuck isn't reality — it's excuses rooted in fear. Fear of failing. Fear of not finishing. Fear of discovering we're not who we thought we were. So, we wait. We plan. We tell ourselves we'll start when the time is right. But there's another layer. One that's harder to see — and more dangerous. The Excuse Is the Seed. Negotiation Is What Waters It. Most people don't wake up and decide not to take care of themselves. They negotiate. "I'll start Monday." "I'll do it when work calms down." "I deserve a break today." "I'll eat better after this trip." These sound reasonable. Responsible, even. But here's the truth: every negotiation is a delay disguised as logic. And delays compound. Why Negotiation Is So Dangerous Negotiation feels productive. It gives the illusion of control. But every time you negotiate, you train your brain to believe: Action is optional. Commitments are flexible. Consistency is negotiable. And that excuses are facts. Once that pattern takes root, everything becomes harder — eating well, staying active, aging with intention. You stop fighting habits. You start fighting your own internal lawyer. The research on this is clear. Behavioral science consistently shows that decision fatigue — the mental drain from making repeated choices — erodes willpower over time. The more you negotiate, the more negotiation becomes the default. (National Academy of Sciences, 2011) The Shift: From Motivation to Non-Negotiables Here's the good news. You don't need more motivation. You need fewer decisions. People who stay consistent don't feel more inspired. They remove the conversation entirely. They decide in advance: "I move my body every day. Even if it's short." "I eat protein first." "I don't skip twice." These aren't grand promises. They're anchors. And anchors don't care how you feel today. Small Standards Beat Big Goals This is where many people get it wrong. They aim for perfection. Perfect eating. Ideal workouts. Total lifestyle overhauls. That approach is fragile — because it depends on everything going right. Instead, aim for standards you can keep even on your worst day. A walk counts. A clean snack counts. Showing up imperfectly still counts. Studies on habit formation confirm that small, repeated behaviors — not large sporadic efforts — are what create lasting change. Consistency over intensity, every time. (Clear, Atomic Habits, 2018) Where Nutrition Fits In One of the easiest negotiations people make is around food. "I'll eat better when life slows down." "I just need something quick right now." When the convenient option is also the clean option, the negotiation disappears. That's why we built Five Plus Protein — not as a supplement, but as a reliable default you can trust on busy, imperfect days. Clean ingredients. No sugar crash. No bloating. Protein your body can actually use. Remove the decision. Keep the standard. ► Start with our sampler — remove the guesswork, keep the commitment. fiveplusprotein.com Coming Next Part 3 is about something more personal — how the way you speak to yourself shapes who you become. It's not self-help language. It's identity science. And it might be the most important post in this series. This post is part of the No Excuses Series. Read the full series: Part 1: Start Where You Are · Part 2: Stop Negotiating With Yourself · Part 3: The Identity Shift · Part 4: Consistency Builds Strength · Part 5: Focus on What You Can Do · Part 6: Do What You Enjoy · Part 7: Why Movement Matters More Than You Think · Part 8: How We Fuel Our Lives · Part 9: Is Eating Healthy Worth the Cost?· Part 10: One Day at a Time · Part 11: You Don't Have to Do This Alone Joel — Founder, Five Plus Protein Sources & Citations •        National Academy of Sciences — Decision Fatigue and Willpower (PNAS, 2011) •        James Clear — Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits (2018) •        American Psychological Association — The Science of Willpower (apa.org)

You've probably grabbed a protein bar at some point thinking you were doing something good for yourself. Maybe it was after a workout, during a busy afternoon, or when you needed something quick between meetings. And hey, protein is important, we're not here to argue that. But here's the thing: protein alone isn't enough. If you're someone who thinks about the long game, about how you'll feel in 10, 20, or 30 years, then you already know that what you put in your body today matters. That is exactly why we don't just stop at protein with our LAST Bars. We pack turmeric, ginger and cinnamon into our bars, and no, it's not because they taste good (though they definitely help with that too). It's because these ingredients are powerhouses for your long-term health. Let's talk about why. The Inflammation Problem Nobody's Talking About Here's something that doesn't get enough attention: chronic inflammation is one of the biggest threats to your longevity. We're not talking about the kind of inflammation you get when you stub your toe or pull a muscle. That's acute inflammation, your body's natural healing response. It shows up, does its job, and leaves. Chronic inflammation is different. It's low-grade, sneaky, and sticks around for months or even years. You might not even feel it happening. But inside your body? It's quietly contributing to everything from joint pain and fatigue to more serious concerns like heart disease, cognitive decline, and metabolic issues. The culprits? Stress, poor sleep, processed foods, environmental toxins, basically, modern life. And while you can't control everything, you can control what you eat. That's where anti-inflammatory ingredients come in. And turmeric, ginger and cinnamon? They're three of the most researched, most effective options nature has to offer. Turmeric: The Golden Anti-Inflammatory Powerhouse Let's start with turmeric, that vibrant golden spice you've probably seen in everything from lattes to supplements these days. But this isn't some trendy wellness fad. Turmeric has been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years, and modern science is finally catching up to explain why. The magic lies in curcumin, the active compound in turmeric. Curcumin is a potent anti-inflammatory that works at the molecular level. Studies have shown it can help: Reduce markers of inflammation in the body Support joint health and mobility Promote healthy brain function as you age Support cardiovascular health over time But make no mistake, not all turmeric is created equal. Here's something most people don't know: curcumin on its own is notoriously hard for your body to absorb. That's why we're intentional about how we formulate our bars. When curcumin is paired with the other whole-food ingredients we use (and the natural fats and fiber that come along for the ride), your body can better use what you're putting into it. No hype. No fluff. Just ingredients that actually work. Ginger: Your Gut's Best Friend Now let's talk about ginger, turmeric's perfect partner. Ginger has been used for centuries to soothe upset stomachs, and there's solid science to back it up. But its benefits go way beyond settling nausea after a bumpy car ride. Ginger is a serious anti-inflammatory in its own right. It contains compounds called gingerols that have been shown to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. But here's what we really love about ginger: it's incredible for gut health. Why does that matter? Because your gut is basically command central for your entire body. When your digestive system is happy, everything else tends to fall into place, your energy, your immune function, even your mood. And let's be honest: most protein bars are notorious for causing digestive issues. You know what we're talking about. The bloating. The discomfort. That heavy feeling that makes you wonder if the protein was even worth it. That's not what we're about. LAST Bars are designed to be easy to digest. We use plant-based ingredients that work with your body, not against it. And ginger plays a key role in that. It helps support smooth digestion so you can fuel up without the unpleasant aftermath. Cinnamon: The Underrated Longevity Ingredient (Especially for Blood Sugar) Cinnamon doesn’t always get the spotlight like turmeric and ginger, but it absolutely deserves a seat at the table. It’s one of those “small daily habit” ingredients that can make a big difference over time, especially if you care about steady energy and aging well. One of cinnamon’s most talked-about benefits is blood sugar stability. In plain English: it can help support a healthier glucose response, which matters because those sharp blood sugar swings can leave you feeling drained, snacky, and foggy (and over the long run, they’re not doing your metabolism any favors either). Here’s why we love cinnamon in the context of LAST Bars: Supports steadier energy by helping reduce the “spike and crash” cycle Supports whole-food anti-inflammatory habits that actually feel doable day-to-day Fits the longevity mission because metabolic health and healthy aging go hand-in-hand (they’re basically inseparable) But make no mistake: we’re not tossing cinnamon in for a cozy flavor vibe. It’s in there because it supports the kind of everyday consistency your future self will thank you for. And that's the whole point of LAST Bars. We're not just making a convenient snack. We're creating something for people who are thinking about the long haul, who want to feel good today and tomorrow. Why LAST Bars Are Different Let's be real for a second. The protein bar market is crowded. Really crowded. And most of what's out there is... fine. It'll give you protein. It might taste okay. But is it actually good for you in a meaningful way? We built LAST Bars because we wanted something better. Something that goes beyond just checking the "protein" box. Here's what makes them different: Plant-based ingredients that are gentle on your system Turmeric and ginger in every bar: not for flavor gimmicks, but for real functional benefits Easy to digest so you don't have to deal with bloating or discomfort Designed for longevity: because we care about how you feel in 20 years, not just 20 minutes We're not interested in making a bar that just gets you through your workout. We want to make something that supports your health journey for the long run. Eating for Your Future Self Here's a question worth sitting with: What do you want your health to look like in 10 years? In 20? The choices you make now: even the small ones, like what kind of protein bar you grab: add up over time. Chronic inflammation doesn't happen overnight, and neither does longevity. Both are the result of daily habits, compounded over years. That's why we're so intentional about what goes into every LAST Bar. Every ingredient has a purpose.  They're there because they genuinely support your body's ability to thrive: not just today, but for the long haul. Ready to Try Something That Actually Works? If you're tired of protein bars that leave you bloated, or if you're looking for something that does more than just deliver grams of protein, we made LAST Bars for you. They're plant-based. They're easy on your stomach. And they're packed with anti-inflammatory ingredients that support your long-term health. Not sure which flavor to start with? Our Lemon Ginger LAST Bar is a fan favorite that really lets the ginger shine. Or if you want to try a little bit of everything, grab a Discovery Box and find your go-to. Because you deserve a protein bar that's thinking about your future as much as you are. Here's to aging well...one bar at a time, Bridget Grover PA-C

Why sugar alcohols have a bad reputation Sugar alcohols are a category of sweeteners commonly used to reduce added sugar. Some of the most common ones include: Maltitol Sorbitol Xylitol Erythritol These are often used in large amounts to make products taste sweet without sugar. The issue? Many of these are poorly absorbed in the gut, especially when consumed in higher doses. Research shows that sugar alcohols like maltitol and sorbitol can pull water into the intestines and ferment in the colon, which is why they’re linked to bloating, gas, and digestive distress — particularly for people with sensitive digestion. That’s the experience many people remember. And it’s valid. But here’s where things get misleading.

Move More. Live Better. No Gym Required. Most people believe burning calories requires a sweaty workout, a gym membership, or a rigid routine. But your body actually burns a surprising amount of energy through everyday movement. And when you learn how to use that to your advantage, you can support your metabolism, energy, and long-term health — without adding a single workout to your schedule. This is where two simple but powerful concepts come in: NEAT and NEPA. Key Takeaways: Everyday movement burns real calories.NEAT and NEPA help you burn up to 300+ extra calories a day through simple daily activities—no workouts required. Small movements improve long-term health.Consistent, low-intensity movement supports metabolism, energy, weight management, and healthy aging. Clean protein supports better movement.High-quality, easy-to-digest protein fuels stable energy, making it easier to stay active throughout the day. What Is NEAT? Non-Exercise Activity Thermogenesis (NEAT) refers to the calories you burn doing anything that isn’t sleeping, eating, or intentional exercise. This includes everyday actions like: Walking to the kitchen Taking the stairs Standing instead of sitting Carrying groceries Cleaning Typing or even fidgeting Individually, these movements seem insignificant.Together, they can dramatically increase your daily calorie burn. Research shows NEAT can vary by 300 calories or more per day between two people of similar size — simply because one moves more throughout daily life. Levine et al., 2002 (PubMed PMID: 12468415) What Is NEPA? Non-Exercise Physical Activity (NEPA) is the actual movement that creates NEAT. It includes all physical activity that isn’t structured exercise — the real-life motion your body performs throughout the day. This includes things like: Walking your dog Stretching Gardening Playing with your kids Light movement while running errands You’ve been doing NEPA your entire life — you just may not have had a name for it. NEAT vs. NEPA — Quick Clarity Movement → Energy NEPA = the movement you perform throughout the day(walking, standing, stretching, carrying) NEAT = the calories burned as a result of that movement Movement creates burn. NEPA creates NEAT. Why Increasing NEAT & NEPA Matters Living an active life doesn’t require intense workouts or long training plans. Your body thrives on natural, organic movement spread throughout the day. Benefits of increasing NEAT and NEPA include: Improved metabolic health More stable energy Better weight management Reduced long-term inflammation Positive effects on longevity Small movements compound. And once you become aware of how many opportunities you have to move, you naturally begin making choices that support long-term health. Simple NEAT & NEPA Habits You Can Add Today These aren’t workouts — they’re habits: Take the long way to the kitchen Add a 5-minute walk between meetings Stand for part of your workday Park farther away Take the stairs when possible Set a reminder to move every hour Consistency beats intensity.Habits drive transformation. Why Quality Protein Matters When You Move More Increasing NEAT and NEPA is powerful — but it works best when your nutrition supports energy, digestion, and inflammation balance. This is where premium protein becomes essential. Most protein bars on the market are filled with: Added sugar Artificial sweeteners Chalky textures Ingredients that cause bloating or inflammation Those ingredients sabotage energy — making you less likely to move throughout the day. Five Plus Protein was created for the opposite effect. Our bars are: Vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free High in fiber for satiety and digestive support Made with anti-inflammatory ingredients like turmeric, cinnamon, cacao, and ginger Designed for stable energy without sugar crashes Crafted to be easy to digest, so you feel light and energized Premium bars fuel premium movement.And premium movement supports better aging. The Bottom Line If you want a simple, sustainable way to burn more calories and improve long-term health: Move more throughout your day using NEAT and NEPA Choose a high-quality protein source that supports energy, digestion, and inflammation management Five Plus Protein was built for people who take an intentional approach to aging, movement, and wellness. When NEAT, NEPA, and clean premium protein work together, each day becomes a step toward aging well — one choice at a time. Click here to explore the bars: Premium fuel for daily movement — and aging well. References Levine, J.A., et al. Non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT). Best Practice & Research Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2002. PubMed PMID: 12468415 Cinti, S. Non-exercise Activity Thermogenesis. Endotext. MDText.com, Inc.

The desire for a long, healthy life is universal. But beyond wishing for longevity, what tangible steps can we take to not only live longer—but to thrive as we age? Part of the answer lies in the fascinating concept of Blue Zones.

There’s a moment, very likely around 3 p.m., when energy dips, hunger whispers, and the brain conspires to raid any snack drawer in sight. Most often, that moment leads to a sugar spike, followed by a crash, followed by regret and a groan. What if that moment could instead be a turning point? What if that snack could nourish, sustain, and yes, delight?

Staying at the top of your game on the pickleball court requires more than just a killer dink shot; it demands smart fueling. That's where Five Plus Protein bars come in—the perfect partner for every pickleball enthusiast. After a few intense games, your body needs to refuel and recover, and our bars are designed for exactly that. Each bar is packed with plant-based protein to support muscle repair, so you can get back on the court feeling strong and ready for your next match. And unlike other bars that can be hard on your stomach, our easy-to-digest ingredients and high fiber content mean you won't experience any of that "heavy" feeling. Our bars are non-GMO, vegan, and gluten-free, so you can feel good about what you're putting into your body. Plus, with no added sugar, you get a steady energy release without the crash, keeping your focus sharp and your reflexes quick. The anti-inflammatory properties of our ingredients also help your body recover faster, so you can play longer and harder. So, whether you're playing a casual game or competing in a tournament, Five Plus Protein bars provide the clean, delicious fuel you need to perform at your best. Click here to see the original article at OpenPlayPost.com with discount code.

If someone told you that a protein bar could change your life, you’d probably raise an eyebrow, right? Because let’s be honest—most of us have been down the road of gritty, chalky “health” bars that taste like cardboard wrapped in plastic. They promise you fuel, energy, and health, but what you often end up with is sugar spikes, bloating, and regret.    But then there’s Five Plus Protein—a brand born not from a boardroom brainstorming session, but from one man’s very real frustration with the so-called “healthy” protein bars on the market. That man is Joel Montesano, the founder and CEO, and his story is one you’ll want to lean in for. Because once you hear it, you might just look at your next protein bar in a whole new way.

Sugar isn’t just in candy or soda—it’s lurking in yogurt, pasta sauce, even your “healthy” granola. It can sneak in as syrup, cane juice or fructose. Too much sugar and your energy throws tantrums. Your cells start protesting with inflammation. It’s like inviting sugar to sneak into your brain’s VIP section and nobody wants that rave.

Oklahomans Joel and Lynda Montesano are passionate about fitness and fueling their bodies with the highest quality foods available. We sat down with the husband-and-wife duo responsible for Five Plus Protein to learn more about their business, and what they feel sets their protein bars ahead of the competitors. Have you always been health conscious?  Joel: Exercising and fitness have always been a part of my life. I saw Rocky Balboa drinking raw eggs in the movies, and that is when my journey with protein started. Since then, I have used protein supplements like powders and bars. As I’ve gotten older, I realized that many protein bars contain ingredients that aren’t necessarily the best for our bodies. Just because it is called a protein bar does not mean it is healthy. Is that how your business came about?  Joel: Yes. I became frustrated with the sugar crashes that would occur after eating bars that were high in sugar. At the same time, I was learning how natural ingredients like turmeric, cacao and cinnamon have positive effects on inflammation. I learned that many of the protein bars available not only were high in sugar but contained ingredients that create or encourage inflammation. After trying virtually every protein bar on the market, we thought it was time to make our own. Read the full article here.

Let’s be honest—snacking has a reputation problem. It’s been painted as the villain in every “how to get healthy” guide, the reason jeans don’t fit, the sneaky little culprit behind sluggish afternoons. But here’s the truth: snacking isn’t the enemy. Bad snacking is. We’ve all been there—it’s 3 p.m., your energy is tanking, and suddenly that vending machine granola bar (the one that tastes suspiciously like sweetened cardboard) starts looking like a gourmet option. Or maybe you’ve reached for a doughnut in desperation, knowing full well the sugar high will come crashing down before you even finish the email you’re working on. It’s not your fault—your body’s just asking for fuel. Here’s where things get interesting. What if there was a snack that didn’t leave you with the dreaded crash? What if, instead of guilt, it left you feeling like you’d just done something smart for yourself? What if a bar—yes, a humble bar—could actually be the hero of your day? Read the full article on EWellness Magazine.

Looking for a healthy snack that invigorates? Meet the Lemon Ginger Protein Bar! This isn't your average bar. Packed with zesty lemon and spicy ginger, it's a refreshing and unique treat. Plus, it's non-GMO, has no added sugar, is vegan, gluten-free, and high in fiber. Need a morning boost, post-workout fuel, or a healthy snack? This bar has you covered. Not only does it taste great, but it also provides protein for muscle recovery and keeps you full. The lemon and ginger combo even aids digestion and boosts immunity. Ready to experience the power of lemon and ginger? Grab your Lemon Ginger LAST Protein Bar - 12 Count today!