It appears there are some people out there that think that drinking protein shakes is just for body builders and those looking to gain muscle size (hypertrophy). This couldn't be further from the truth, but I understand where it comes from. Its rather similar to the idea that many women have about lifting weights, thinking they will bulk up - instantaneously right (sarcasm). My previous post "I Don't Want to Look Like A Man" explains the misconceptions in that area. Bulking up is simply not that easy - many men are trying to bulk up without success for various reasons, but I will address that in future post.
Back to our regularly scheduled program.
Protein is a macronutrient, made up of amino acids required in a healthy diet and is in no way exclusive to body builders. Protein helps in the growth and recovery of your muscle tissue. You need this because your muscle tissue is the active tissue of the body which helps burn huge amounts of calories at rest, awake, at work, and all over the place. Consuming protein should be a important part of your diet, even if your goals are to increase muscle mass, get bigger, stronger, lose weight(fat) and for overall maintenance.
Protein powder can come in a variety of forms such as whey, soy, or egg. In addition you can get 100% whey protein or whey protein/carb mix which will taste better due to the carbs included. I personally like the soy version with carbohydrates - the 100% protein requires that you mix it with something in order to stomach it - but that is just me. What is a key thing to understand though is the amount of protein you intake must match up with your goals. In addition the type of training and overall total caloric intake. Gaining muscle mass doesn't just take place because of excessive protein intake. Take caution not to engage in a high protein diet as there are significant side effects. Your carbohydrate and fat intake are just as important. Excessive calories make you gain weight not excessive protein. Excessive protein will just make you sick.
A Few Benefits of Consuming a Protein Shakes:
- Consuming a protein shake is much more convenient than eating other solid protein sauces when in the gym or on the go.
- Reduce the severity of muscle soreness, by aiding in the recovery process.
- Increases your percentage of lean muscle. (more muscle less fat)
- To act as a healthy meal replacement, with out all the fat like in animal protein sources.
- Maintain a healthy and fit body.
The overall thing to recognize is that protein is for everyone - even grandma, she needs to keep her lean body mass as well. Protein is necessary for all athletes - grannies and mommies too. So DO NOT believe the hype and think that someone attempting to lose weight(fat) shouldn't consume a protein shakes, thinking that it only for body builders. Protein is a requirement. Protein shakes are just a convenient and sensible way to consume the necessary amount in our daily lives. Protein helps to make sure the weight you lose is fat and what you keep is muscle.
Remember that EDUCATION and SAFETY always leads to RESULTS.
Be Well.
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