Protein, Protein, and More Protein!

Protein

Over the past couple months I’ve been getting a lot of questions regarding protein. Why take protein? How much do I need? Do women need protein? Whether you're new to working out or are a seasoned pro, a quality protein powder is a necessity! Simply put, protein is the single most important thing you must consume daily to build new muscle tissue. Muscle wouldn't exist without it! 

While you can get your protein from food sources - and it's recommended that you do - protein powder is a great addition to ensure you get enough on a daily basis. Not to mention protein supplements are convenient and fast absorbing for before and after your workouts, so you can really take your results to the next level.

Getting the right protein is important, and there are a number of different types that you'll need to choose from to accomplish your goals.

Whey protein powder is a top quality and fast acting protein that's perfect immediately after your workout for optimal absorption.

Casein protein powder is a slowly digesting protein that can help provide a steady stream of amino acids to the muscles for longer durations. Casein is perfect to take right before bed, for all night recovery.

Egg and Rice protein powders are a fantastic option for anyone who's a vegetarian or who is lactose intolerant – if either of those are a concern for you it's definitely something you'll want to consider.

Once you know what type of protein you want to use, the next step is to identify the nutritional values within that specific protein.

First, you should always check the calories per serving. Both weight loss and muscle gains boil down to your calorie intake, so you'll want to be sure the protein you choose aligns with your goals. Generally protein powders are divided into lean, meal replacement and weight gainers.

Next, make sure the grams of protein per serving are adequate for your goal. A good general rule of thumb is to consume 1 gram of protein for every pound of body weight. Be sure to spread this amount throughout the day as your body can only absorb 35-40 g per sitting. 

Another important thing to look at when picking your protein supplement is the carbohydrate and fat content. In addition to calories and protein, these should also be accounted for in your daily nutrition plan.

Finally, consider taste. Since you should definitely enjoy the healthy foods you eat, make sure to choose a flavor that you think will appeal to your taste buds. My personal favorite is chocolate because it is a health option for my nagging sweet tooth!

If you have any questions regarding your protein intake or any exercise/nutrition needs please feel free to contact me anytime! Looking forward to helping everyone reach their health and fitness goals!

For more health information, please visit us at Southwest Age Intervention Institute.