Protein is one of our Foundational Five—simple habits that drive long-term health. This quick guide covers the key protein sources and portions I coach every member to know for strength, recovery, and metabolic support.
At Clay, we believe long-term health begins with mastering the basics. That’s why I work closely with each Clay Member to build habits around what we call The Foundational Five: Protein, Steps & Movement, Hydration, Sleep, and Metabolic Reset. These are the core behaviors that support energy, resilience, and performance—no matter your starting point or health goals. Each one is simple, powerful, and fully within your control.
Protein Portion Guide
Why Protein Matters
Protein is essential because it provides amino acids that stimulate muscle protein synthesis, driving muscle repair and growth, which are critical for maintaining strength, metabolic health, and resilience against aging and physical stress.
Written by Andrew Browning, Coaching Director @ Clay Health & Care Andrew Browning is a performance coach and educator with nearly two decades of experience in training, teaching, and behavior change. As Clay’s Coaching Director, he combines deep knowledge in exercise physiology, metabolic health, and recovery with a passion for helping people build sustainable habits that fuel performance at every level.
Reviewed by Dr. Allen Gorman, Medical Director @ Clay Health & Care Dr. Allen Gorman is a physician-scientist with a focus on metabolism, aging, and cellular repair. His clinical and research work spans two decades, with a passion for translating complex science into actionable health strategies.