The Importance of Protein

Protein is one of the basic building blocks of the body so it is an essential part of your diet and can influence your strength but probably not your energy. Your muscles are built with protein and in fact protein is made up of 20 amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and 9 are essential, they cannot be created and must be eaten meaning the other 11 amino acids can be created by our body.

Many times we here that you need to eat steak for energy but in actual fact as we learned earlier carbohydrates are the body's favored energy source. I always think of muscles as being made out of protein but really muscles are mostly water and protein so if you think about how people tend to diet they will cut out things like steak and carbohydrates so the body is not getting as much protein and carbohydrates as it needs to burn for energy so it will tend to burn protein and fat in equal parts to get energy. This is great for losing weight and good for losing fat but it is really bad to lose muscle. One of the ways to stop your body from burning muscle for energy is to do a fair amount of exercise, especially weight training to increase your muscle mass on a consistent basis.

So what kind of foods contain protein and how much do we need? Full proteins are found in steak chicken and fish and non-full proteins (those without all of the essential amino acids) are contained in lentils, beans, corn, peanuts. A can of Tuna has 20-25 grams of protein and if you look around you can probably get about 80 grams of protein a day comfortably. Some bodybuilders will eat 250-500 grams of protein a day but realistically if you have protein in a couple or three of your meals you are doing pretty good. One of the things to think about is that water is needed for your body to break down protein so if you are increasing your protein intake drink more water to gelp take the load off of your kidneys. Here are a couple links to protein resources here and here

Bill Nadraszky is a lifetime fitness and exercise junkie. Main website for more information is 30 days to fitness

---

Protective Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 appear to reduce the risk of heart attack. A... Read More

Sugar, America?s Drug of Choice

Many people use sugar as medicine. Sugar tends to change... Read More

Poor Dental Hygiene May Account for Poor Health

Bright white teeth and fresh breath does not necessarily... Read More

Adding to Your Level of Health is the Key

Here is a continuation of the light and darkness metaphor:... Read More

How You Can Support Your Immune System

Media coverage of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) has incited... Read More

Getting More Minerals From Your Fruits and Vegetables

Before the thirties, people knew the importance of mineral. Their... Read More

How Much Water Should You Drink Per Day?

I'm always amazed at how many people seem to know... Read More

Food thats Good for a Healthy Heart

Here's a conundrum: While experts agree that high cholesterol and... Read More

MSG: If Its Safe, Why Do They Disguise It On Labels?

Monosodium glutamate, commonly known as MSG, was thought of as... Read More

Sports Nutrition Made Simple

Following these simple nutrition guidelines will allow you to lose... Read More

Nutritional Myths that Just Wont Die: Protein!

When it comes to the topic of sports nutrition there... Read More

The History of Ambrotose® Complex

Ambrotose® - the Nutritional Alphabet of the "Sweet Language of... Read More

Physical Health is Attainable Through Proper Nutrition and Exercise

Obesity is epidemic in this country for both children and... Read More

Improve Your Health With Fiber!

Your fiber intake is a critical factor in weight loss... Read More

You Are What You Eat, Do You Dig Your Grave With Your Tongue? Boost Your Immune System

I know that the headline is a oldie, but it... Read More

Food for Potential Energy

FOOD (Macro-nutrients)One of the most important aspects of hill walking... Read More

Good Fat Diet or How to Choose the Best Foods for Your Family?

Some fats are good for you. Your body can't function... Read More

Unchaining Yourself from an Unhealthy Food Addiction

The cry of "I have no willpower!" often emerges from... Read More

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is a product of apple juice fermentation.... Read More

Immunity and the Immune System

Since the 1930's the western diet has dramatically changed. This... Read More

Healthy Eating

Recently I found the book : "Eating and health according... Read More

Mangos: Treat Your Skin and Your Taste Buds

Mango is my favorite fruit next to pineapples. They're sweet,... Read More

Death, Aging, Rejuvenation (Part 2)

DeathDeath. Why it happens? Why do we die? Why do... Read More

What is a Healthy Eating Plan?

Healthy eating is important for everyone, from babies to the... Read More

Is Organic Really Better for You?

I had finally come to a place in my life... Read More

Blueberries: Healthy and Easy on the Tummy After WLS

All of my life I believed the best way to... Read More

The Benefits of Iodine

Initially discovered as a new element in 1811 by Barnard... Read More

Meal Planning: Your Ticket to Freedom

It's 5:30 p.m. and you're heading home after a long,... Read More

Homeostasis and Complementary Therapies

The word 'homeostasis' is made up of two Greek words:... Read More

How to Pick a Trainer ?

Quick Overview- I think the most important thing for people... Read More

Bye Bye Holidays and Holiday Eating

Bye Bye HolidaysHoping everyone had a fun, fantastic, exciting and... Read More

Ocular Nutrition and Eye Health Food

Understanding ocular nutrition and eye health can be one of... Read More

What on Earth is an Enzyme?

Enzymes are the workers in our body that make everything... Read More