So I hate to admit it, but I'm someone who can be pretty easily influenced.

And so I've become a bit of a sucker for the add protein to everything trend.

I can be lured by the promise of an extra 10 grams in my cereal or a snack bar with added protein.

And it's easier to find than ever,

because now there's protein being added to all kinds of unexpected things.

Just the other day, Starbucks announced that you can now buy protein lattes.

You can add protein-infused foam to your drinks.

That's Anahad O'Connor, a health columnist who writes about nutrition here at The Post.

So you go to the supermarket, there's protein pancakes and waffles and muffins.

He and I sat down recently to discuss this diet trend.

Because despite my constant protein chasing, I hadn't really stopped to think about why added protein

is everywhere, or how much we really need.

Anahad says I'm not alone.

A lot of people have bought into this protein mania, and they might just be getting it wrong.

Research has shown the benefits of eating protein, but I think, and most experts have told me this, that we're going overboard.

From the newsroom of the Washington Post, this is Post reports. I'm Colby Eckowitz. It's Tuesday, November 4th.

Today, we do a deep dive into the protein craze.

Anahad breaks down how much protein we actually need to eat, and the best ways to incorporate

this important nutrient into our diets.

Anahad, thanks so much for joining me today.

Thanks for having me.

So Anahad, I'm so interested in this fixation on protein because I have a fixation myself.

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