Have you
ever heard some dude at the gym bragging about how much protein he takes? Or observed a guy holding up some poor girls' workout trying to impress her by describing the massive
amounts of muscle he’s about to start piling on?
Is it really that important to ensure you’re getting protein, or is it just for “bodybuilders” and bodybuilder wannabes?
Yes, you need it. No, it’s not just for bodybuilders. Here’s why:
Proteins have various functions; they can help in digestion, aid in muscle recovery/repair, help with vision, etc. Proteins are composed of small molecules called amino acids, and there are twenty-two standard amino acids: 14 of these can be created within the body by using other compounds, but eight of them must be obtained directly from food and are known as “essential amino acids.” Each protein is composed of various amino acids put together in varying order with almost limitless combinations.
Basically, protein and
amino acids are the building blocks of muscle. If you’ve ever wanted to “tone
up” or “get bigger”, proteins and amino acids have played, or will play an
important role in achieving this.Is it really that important to ensure you’re getting protein, or is it just for “bodybuilders” and bodybuilder wannabes?
Yes, you need it. No, it’s not just for bodybuilders. Here’s why:
Proteins have various functions; they can help in digestion, aid in muscle recovery/repair, help with vision, etc. Proteins are composed of small molecules called amino acids, and there are twenty-two standard amino acids: 14 of these can be created within the body by using other compounds, but eight of them must be obtained directly from food and are known as “essential amino acids.” Each protein is composed of various amino acids put together in varying order with almost limitless combinations.
Whey protein is an abundant source of branched chain amino acids, which are
used to fuel muscles and stimulate protein synthesis. It's important to ingest protein soon after your workout because recovery is a key
component to any exercise routine. We’re not designed to build lean muscle tissue during the
process of exerting ourselves (Training breaks muscles down, its rest that
allows the body to repair itself given the proper materials to do). This is why
you should schedule recovery days just as diligently as you schedule your
workouts.
Ok so maybe you’re thinking, “Sounds good, how do I get that goodness in me?!” (to borrow a line from Brian Regan). Powered form is the easiest and most convenient way to ingest it. However, there are plenty of food options to meet just about anyone's preferences: Red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, almonds, quinoa, black beans, etc, etc are great sources of protein.
You can take protein any time of the day, but it's especially important to do so following your workout. For most people, 25 to 30 grams at a time is plenty.
Your body needs protein, so make sure you're feeding it properly!
Ok so maybe you’re thinking, “Sounds good, how do I get that goodness in me?!” (to borrow a line from Brian Regan). Powered form is the easiest and most convenient way to ingest it. However, there are plenty of food options to meet just about anyone's preferences: Red meat, chicken, fish, eggs, milk, almonds, quinoa, black beans, etc, etc are great sources of protein.
You can take protein any time of the day, but it's especially important to do so following your workout. For most people, 25 to 30 grams at a time is plenty.
Your body needs protein, so make sure you're feeding it properly!
