Eating an adequate amount of protein is important for all diets and lifestyles. Whether you are trying to lose weight, gain weight, feel fuller at meals & throughout the day, or just upkeep a good health!
Protein can be found in variety of foods and supplements. Protein in meats, poultry, fish, eggs & soybeans are known as complete proteins. A complete protein contains all of the amino acids that our bodies that to make a new protein. Incomplete proteins are also found throughout in food we eat. This means they are lacking at least one of the nine essential amino acids that our body can not make on its on. But, these are still important in diet as they can be eaten in combination with other foods to create a healthy, balanced diet. Sources of incomplete protein include legumes, nuts, whole grains, and vegetables.
There are many different ways to meet your daily protein intake. See below for some simple tips to get the most out of the protein you are eating:
- Spread Out Protein Between Meals & Snacks: Distributing protein intake evenly between meals and snacks throughout the day maximizes our bodies ability to digest, absorb & use all the protein we are eating.
- Eat Protein With Carbs: Carbs, fats & proteins are all macronutrients & they work well together in our bodies. It is especially important to pair carbs & proteins after aerobic exercise for muscle repair and to restore energy.
- Take In Protein Soon After Exercise: Our muscles need to repair & grow after a workout, within one hour after exercise intake protein to aid recovery.
- Choose Lean Meats: Beware of what type of meat you are buying when selecting proteins. Look at the packaging for lean meat/fat ratio.
- Include Fish In Your Diet: Fish gives our body protein as well as omega-3's; a healthy-unsaturated fat.
- Use Protein Powder or Supplements: Sometimes we just can not get enough protein from real food sources. Adding protein powder into your regime is not a bad idea, just make sure your powder is a clean source and not full of additives.
Protein is essential. Contact us at Genesis Personal Fitness if you would like to learn more!
