When it comes to working out, especially in weightlifting and body building, people always bring up protein as the holy grail of their workout. And protein does play an important role in healthy eating combined with well-planned workouts. In order to get it right with your protein intake, here are some things you may want to know about protein power:
Protein’s role in muscle growth
Why do you want to eat protein when you’re trying to grow those muscles? Simply put, when you work out, your muscles fibers get tiny tears. With protein, you’re actively repairing those tears, so it makes sense to get enough protein so that you’re toning up and gaining muscle, thanks to your workout efforts.
However, getting an excessive amount of protein doesn’t automatically mean more muscle growth, so get enough protein, but don’t worry about overdoing it. Excess protein can also be stored as fat, so keep this in mind if you want to lose weight. You want to avoid just eating proteins as this can cause issues with your digestive system.
Protein comes in different shapes and forms
The good thing about striving for enough protein in your life is that there are different forms of protein. You can find liquid protein gels, protein from plant-based sources, meats of different varieties, and more. So, if you’re striving to get more protein in your diet, you have a variety to choose from.
From fish to cottage cheese, beef, eggs, and chicken, you can find plenty of animal-based options for your protein consumption. If you want to switch things up for a balanced protein intake, you could also get some from quinoa, chickpeas, or tempeh.
A look at protein needs
Different individuals need different amounts of protein. The person who sits at their desk all day doesn’t need the same amount as someone who has an active lifestyle including weightlifting routines. If you’re someone with a more sedentary lifestyle, 0.36 grams per pound of body weight is what you’d want to get. But if you work out with weights, you’re looking at 0.72 (or more) per pound of body weight.
Protein and other foods
While you need to get enough protein, don’t skip out on other foods that can provide you with valuable nutrients that are also good for your health. Combining protein with vegetables and healthy fats can be useful for your overall health and figure. If you’re actively trying to bulk up, adding in some healthy carbs could be beneficial for your fitness goals.
On the flip side, cutting back on the carbs and consuming more vegetables and greens with your protein can help you reach your goals of becoming lean and mean. If you’re not sure about how to come up with the best meal plan for your fitness goals, working with a nutritionist to come up with one could help you hit the mark with your efforts.
Get protein as a vegan
People who highlight the importance of protein often deem animal-based protein as the only way to reach your goals. However, protein can come from a variety of sources and as someone who may be living the vegan lifestyle, you are still able to get enough protein through various plant-based options. No matter your diet or healthy eating choices, protein is available through different sources, so you can always get the nutritional value you need, no matter what.
In Conclusion
Do you want to build muscle or lose weight? Protein is an important part of your diet, along with the right kinds of exercise routines. The tips above can help you to determine the best way to get your protein and how much protein that you should be getting.
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