Along with carbohydrates and fats, protein is one of the three key foodstuffs that the body needs. It is the building block of lean muscle and it is an essential part of any exercise regime. Here we explore all you need to know about protein.
How much protein do I need?
When using protein to aid in your weight loss you should be eating at least 1 gram of protein per kg of body weight daily. This volume of protein intake is an average and will be adjusted by your nutrition coach to take into account your body fat content and your daily activity levels. Most people will struggle to achieve this level of intake without using appropriate nutritional supplements, however.
What are some healthy sources of protein?
The main sources of protein are fish, poultry, dairy, eggs and other meats. There are also many protein-rich plants including legumes, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. Vegetarian diets can be protein-rich when they are managed correctly.
How does protein help with weight loss?
After a high-protein meal, fat is burned more effectively by the body. If you eat fatty foods following exercise then your body will burn this fat for energy instead of burning your fat supplies. By withholding the fat from your diet and eating high-levels of protein instead of fats and sugars your body will be able to build muscle and burn fat at the same time.
Do I need protein powder?
Protein powder is not necessary as long as you are eating enough protein in your diet. Your nutrition coach can teach you to supply your body with the right amount of natural protein. Protein powders are good if you are short on time and in need of a quick fix to get your protein intake up.
Which protein powder should I use?
Protein powders are much the same but some have less protein than others. You should choose a powder with a good protein ratio of around 25g in every 30g. This means that there is only minimal amounts of other unwanted substances. You should also choose protein powder with as little sugar as possible so you can make your weight loss more effective.
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