The Importance of Protein
There are literally hundreds of different products on the market to day that claim that they can make you fit. Few of these products deliver noticeable results with the exception of one, protein. It is critical to all athletes.
Without the proper amount of protein in your diet, your body will not have the materials to rebuild itself after you tear it down in a workout. There are many schools of thought as to how much protein you need. I have heard anything from 1 to 2 grams per pound of body weight. In my opinion, 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight is purely wasteful. It is a number that protein manufacturers themselves probably came up with to sell more protein. I suggest that you get about.75 grams per pound of body weight every day. That means that the average 200 pound man should consume 150 grams of protein every day. Try to take this protein at regular intervals every day for maximum efficiency. Eating a good source of protein every 3 hours should do it. Sources of protein could include natural food like eggs, chicken breast, nuts, etc or could mean consuming a protein shake. Protein shakes are the most convenient way to get your protein but try to throw in some natural sources as well. As far as the type of protein goes, whey is the best all around product because it digests easily and quickly. Soy and cassein proteins are also good but Soy has been linked to increased levels of estrogen and cassein is a slow digesting protein that is best for late night snacks where you want to have a slow release of protein over a long time.
Protein is the foundation of any good nutritional diet. So be sure to add your protein in and do it consistently and you are sure to see stellar results. Good luck to you and I hope you reach your athletic goals.
Without the proper amount of protein in your diet, your body will not have the materials to rebuild itself after you tear it down in a workout. There are many schools of thought as to how much protein you need. I have heard anything from 1 to 2 grams per pound of body weight. In my opinion, 2 grams of protein per pound of body weight is purely wasteful. It is a number that protein manufacturers themselves probably came up with to sell more protein. I suggest that you get about.75 grams per pound of body weight every day. That means that the average 200 pound man should consume 150 grams of protein every day. Try to take this protein at regular intervals every day for maximum efficiency. Eating a good source of protein every 3 hours should do it. Sources of protein could include natural food like eggs, chicken breast, nuts, etc or could mean consuming a protein shake. Protein shakes are the most convenient way to get your protein but try to throw in some natural sources as well. As far as the type of protein goes, whey is the best all around product because it digests easily and quickly. Soy and cassein proteins are also good but Soy has been linked to increased levels of estrogen and cassein is a slow digesting protein that is best for late night snacks where you want to have a slow release of protein over a long time.
Protein is the foundation of any good nutritional diet. So be sure to add your protein in and do it consistently and you are sure to see stellar results. Good luck to you and I hope you reach your athletic goals.
