In Order to get the most out of your workouts and achieve outstanding results whether it be building muscle, fat loss or all around general fitness, an adequate amount of protein is a must. The body needs protein and amino acids to build and maintain muscles and repair muscle damage that occurs during exercise and working out.
Protein is often called the building block of muscle. It is made up of chains of amino acids, some of which our bodies manufacture and others it cannot manufacture and must get from the foods we eat.
Several studies have been done on protein and exercise, and the results suggested that protein supplements could improve the muscle growth that resulted from strength training and aid in burning fat, especially if a liquid protein supplement with at least 10 grams of protein is taken immediately after exercise with some carbohydrates (usually as a protein shake).
Today there are enough high quality protein powders available, making it easy to get the protein you need. Although there are no studies that say one type of protein is better than another, soy has an added benefit: it lowers cholesterol.
In order to achieve optimum results you must combine a good workout program with a balanced diet program that includes a good high quality protein supplement. Using protein powder shakes will make it easy for you to consume and adequate amount of protein each day. Along with fat and carbohydrates, protein is a “macronutrient,” meaning that the body needs relatively large amounts of it. But unlike fat and carbohydrates, the body doesn’t store protein and therefore has no reservoir to draw on when it needs a new supply.
The amount of protein you should consume depends on age, size and activity level. The standard method used by nutritionists to estimate our minimum daily protein requirement is to multiply the body weight in kilograms by .8, or weight in pounds by .37. This is the number of grams of protein that should be the daily minimum. According to this method, a person weighing 150 pounds should eat 55 grams of protein per day, a 200-pound person should get 74 grams and a 250-pound person, 92 grams.
Meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, legumes and nuts all have substantial amounts of protein and should be considered being included in your diet.
So remember, make sure you support your weight loss and fitness efforts by consuming enough protein. Taking a protein supplement after your workout can enhance your efforts to burn fat and build muscle.
