Is it just for bodybuilders? Are supplements necessary? How much do I really need?
What Is Protein?
Proteins are molecules that our cells, and therefore our bodies, need to function properly. They are made up of amino acids and the combination of these amino acids determines the protein’s role e.g. enzyme, antibody, messenger, structural, transporter.
Spread your protein intake evenly throughout the day, this will also help you to feel full for longer.
Why Do I Need Protein?
There are 20 different types of amino acids. Our bodies are only capable of making 11, so we have to make sure that the remaining 9 are in our diet; these are referred to as essential amino acids.
For someone who is active, the key processes that proteins are needed for are:
Muscle Growth – growing muscles
Muscle Repair – recovery after training or during injury
Muscle Maintenance – during injury or periods of inactivity
Bone Health
How Much Protein Do I Need?
15-20% of your total daily calories
The Magic Number...0.3g/kg per meal/snack (1.5g/kg per day)
i.e. If you weigh 70kg you would need 21g protein per meal (105g/kg per day)
Most people following a western diet, even athletes, can meet their needs without taking supplements. Ensure your diet includes high quality proteins such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products like milk, yogurt and cottage cheese. If you follow a vegetarian or vegan diet you can still meet your protein needs by eating foods such as beans, lentils, nuts and tofu.
Should I eat it all at once?
No, you should have some with every meal or snack. Spread your protein intake evenly throughout the day, this will also help you to feel full for longer.
20g of protein could be:
1 pint milk
6 tbsp of yogurt
1 fillet or small tin of fish
3 eggs
1 large tin of baked beans
80g of nuts
1 small tub of cottage cheese
200g tofu
1 large tin of chickpeas
Half a chicken breast
Comments