In my last post, I told you why protein needs to be your absolute priority after 50. Especially for your breakfast. I explained how it protects your muscle and bone density, keeps you full, stabilizes your blood sugar, and sets the tone for your entire day.
But here’s something I didn’t tell you—something most people don’t know:
Even when you eat high-quality protein, your body might only be using half of it.
That’s right. You can eat a perfect chicken breast or a beautiful piece of steak, and your body will only convert about 45-50% of that protein into the 9 essential amino acids it actually needs to build and maintain muscle, bone, and everything else.
The rest? It doesn’t get used as efficiently. Some of it gets broken down for energy, some gets excreted, and yes—if you’re eating way more than your body needs and not using it through movement or exercise—some of it can even be stored as fat. (Though let me be clear: protein is much, much harder to store as fat than carbs or sugar. But it can happen if it’s not being used.)
And here’s the kicker: that 45-50% conversion rate? That’s the best case scenario —and you only get that from high-quality animal proteins like chicken, beef, and fish.
If you’re getting your protein from plant sources, dairy, cheese, or nuts, that number drops dramatically—sometimes as low as 15-25%.
So even if you think you’re eating enough protein, your body might not be getting what it actually needs to stay strong, healthy, and independent as you age.
Today, I want to talk about the nine essential amino acids, why they matter so much after 50, (or any age) and how I’ve been using a supplement for over a year and a half that’s made a huge difference in my energy, my workouts, and my ability to build muscle while losing fat.
What Are Essential Amino Acids (And Why Do You Need Them)?
Let me keep this simple, because I don’t like using fancy scientific terms that make you stop reading and go Google something.
Your body needs protein to build and repair muscle, maintain bone density, create enzymes and hormones, and basically keep everything running. But your body doesn’t actually use protein directly—it breaks protein down into amino acids, which are the actual building blocks your body uses.
There are 20 different amino acids your body needs. Your body can make 11 of them on its own. But there are 9 amino acids your body cannot make—you have to get them from food or supplements. These are called the essential amino acids .
If you don’t get all nine of these essential amino acids in the right amounts, your body can’t build muscle, repair tissue, or maintain bone density properly. It’s like trying to build a house but you’re missing some of the materials—the project just doesn’t get finished.
This is why eating high-quality protein is so important. Foods like chicken, beef, fish, and eggs contain all nine essential amino acids in good amounts. But as I mentioned earlier, even the best protein sources are only about 45-50% efficient at delivering those amino acids to your body.
And here’s what really matters for people over 50:
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at breaking down and using protein. Our digestion slows down. Our appetites often get smaller. Some of us are experimenting with intermittent fasting. Some of us just don’t feel like eating big meals anymore.
So we’re already fighting an uphill battle—we need more protein as we age, but we’re often eating less , and our bodies are getting less efficient at using what we do eat.
This is where a high-quality essential amino acid supplement can make a real difference.
Why I Started Taking Perfect Amino (And What It’s Done For Me)
I started taking a product called Perfect Amino right at the beginning of my weight loss journey in 2024. The company that makes it is called BodyHealth, and they have a whole range of products—multivitamins, creatine, sleep support, stress support—tons of stuff. I’ve been using several of their products for over a year and a half now, and I trust the brand completely.
But let me tell you why I started with Perfect Amino specifically.
I wanted to experiment with intermittent fasting. I’d heard great things about it, and I thought it might help me lose fat while keeping my muscle. But I had one big fear:
I like to work out first thing in the morning and the idea of going to the gym on a completely empty stomach—no food, no fuel—scared me. I was worried I wouldn’t have energy. I was worried I wouldn’t recover well. I was worried I’d lose muscle instead of building it.
That’s exactly what Perfect Amino solved for me.
Perfect Amino is pure essential amino acids in tablet form (or powder). One serving is five tablets. I take one serving in the morning when I wake up—whether I’m going to the gym or not. If I do go to the gym, I take another serving right after my workout ( with their creatine). Sometimes I’ll take a serving at dinner, too.
Here’s what makes it perfect for fasting: it has virtually no calories, so it doesn’t break a fast. But it gives my body exactly what it needs to protect my muscle, fuel my workout, and recover afterward.
And here’s what I noticed after I started taking it consistently:
I was building muscle more easily. My energy during and after workouts stayed strong—even on days when I hadn’t eaten yet. I felt like my body was actually using what I was giving it, instead of just spinning its wheels.
I’m 57 years old, and I’ve gained 10-15 pounds of muscle while losing 50 pounds of fat. I’m not saying Perfect Amino is the only reason—I’m also eating high-protein meals, lifting weights, and walking consistently. But I absolutely believe it’s been a key part of my success.
Why This Matters Even More As You Get Older
Here’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately:
A lot of people in their 60s, 70s, and 80s just don’t have big appetites anymore. They eat small meals throughout the day. They’re not hungry for a huge steak or three chicken breasts. And honestly, asking them to eat a ton of protein at every meal might feel overwhelming or just impossible.
But their bodies still need those essential amino acids to protect their muscles and bones. In fact, they need them more than ever.
This is where a supplement like Perfect Amino can be a game-changer.
If you’re someone who struggles to eat large meals, or you’re doing intermittent fasting, or you just don’t have much of an appetite—you can still give your body the building blocks it needs without forcing yourself to eat when you’re not hungry.
You’re not replacing food. You’re still eating high-quality protein for all the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients it provides. You’re still eating to feel full and satisfied so you’re not reaching for carbs and sugar.
But you’re also making sure your body is actually getting those nine essential amino acids it can’t make on its own—the ones that keep your muscles strong, your bones dense, and your body functioning the way it should.
And because Perfect Amino is so efficient—it delivers the amino acids directly without all the waste that comes from breaking down food—you’re giving your body exactly what it needs in the most usable form possible.
How I Use It (And How You Can Start)
Let me tell you exactly how I take Perfect Amino, because I think simplicity is key.
I prefer the tablets. One serving is five tablets, and I keep the bottle right on my kitchen counter so I see it every morning.
Here’s my routine:
In the morning: I take one serving (five tablets) as soon as I wake up, usually with a glass of water. If I’m heading to the gym, this gives my body what it needs without breaking my fast.
After my workout: If I’ve been to the gym, I take another serving when I get home, along with their creatine product (which I also love and have been using consistently).
Sometimes at dinner: Depending on the day and how much protein I’ve eaten, I’ll occasionally take another serving with dinner.
That’s it. It’s simple, it doesn’t upset my stomach, and it fits seamlessly into my day.
Now here’s something important: I have no problem eating plenty of protein throughout the day. I hit my protein goals consistently—roughly one gram of protein per pound of ideal body weight. But I still take Perfect Amino every single day.
Why? Because if you’re exercising—especially if you’re doing any kind of strength training or resistance work—your body needs those essential amino acids to build and repair muscle. And I don’t count Perfect Amino toward my daily protein intake. I see it as insurance that my body is getting exactly what it needs in the most efficient form possible, on top of the high-quality protein I’m already eating.
So don’t think this is only for people who struggle to eat enough protein or if your strength training a lot. If you’re over 50 and you’re serious about staying strong, building muscle, and protecting your health, I’d highly recommend adding a serving or two of this to your routine—whether you’re eating plenty of protein or not.
Now, if you’re thinking about trying it yourself, here’s what I’d recommend:
Start with one serving in the morning. See how your body responds. Everyone’s digestive system is a little different, and while it’s never bothered me, it’s always smart to start slow and pay attention to how you feel.
If it feels good, you can add another serving before or after exercise, or whenever it makes sense for your routine.
They also make Perfect Amino in powder form with different flavors, though I’ve never tried those myself. I like the tablets because they’re easy, portable, and I don’t have to think about mixing anything.
The Bottom Line
Look, I’m not here to sell you something you don’t need. But after using Perfect Amino for over a year and a half, and seeing the difference it’s made in my own transformation—losing 50 pounds of fat, gaining 10-15 pounds of muscle at 57 years old—I genuinely believe this is one of the best tools you can add to your routine if you’re serious about getting healthy after 50.
Your body needs those nine essential amino acids to build muscle, protect your bones, and stay strong as you age. And the reality is, even when you’re eating high-quality protein, your body is only converting about half of it into what it actually needs.
Perfect Amino gives you those amino acids directly, efficiently, and without any wasted calories or digestion issues. It doesn’t replace real food—you still need to eat protein for all the vitamins, minerals, and satisfaction it provides. But it makes sure your body is getting exactly what it needs to do the work you’re asking it to do. Look at this
If you want to check out the Perfect Amino products I use daily, along with the other BodyHealth supplements I trust, you can find them here: Click here for info
I’ve been using their products for over a year, and I stand behind them completely. Start with one serving in the morning for a few weeks, see how it feels, and go from there.
Your body will thank you.
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