Health professionals agree that protein is essential for every person, every day. Protein becomes even more vital to your health and fitness when you start working out. While most people know protein is important, they often don’t understand why. Here is what to know about protein for your fitness journey.
Protein 101
Proteins are made up of amino acids. Together they are the main building blocks of muscles, bones, skin, tissues, and organs. Quite simply, your body needs protein to stay healthy and function properly.
Protein sources include:
- Animal-based protein (lean meats, eggs, fish)
- Plant-based protein (beans, lentils, tofu, quinoa)
The main differences between animal and plant proteins involve their amino acid contents. Animal sources offer a complete protein profile, while plant proteins are missing one or more of the essential amino acids.
Although animal protein products usually offer a comprehensive protein base, not all provide the same advantages. When choosing animal proteins, selecting foods low in saturated fats, such as fish, poultry, and lean meats, are best for your overall wellness.
Top 3 Benefits of Protein
Protein has been shown to have multiple benefits, not just in the gym but throughout life. For example, protein helps maintain muscle strength and muscle mass to help you maintain independence and high quality of life.
These are three of the most valuable ways protein supports wellness.
Boosts Metabolism
Protein can increase metabolism. This aids in burning calories efficiently, which is needed for anyone trying to change their body composition. Convincing evidence shows high protein intake significantly boosts metabolism and promotes energy levels.
Controls Appetite
Published studies suggest that some high-protein diets may encourage weight loss and help control your appetite. A high-protein diet helps battle hunger, helps you eat fewer calories, and improves the function of weight-regulating hormones.
In other words, protein helps with satiety (making you feel full longer), especially when compared to carbohydrates or fat. In fact, scientists found that increased protein consumption leads to greater satiety, weight loss, fat mass loss, and the preservation of lean mass.
Supports Fitness and Exercise
Eating protein helps to both prevent muscle breakdown and build muscle. Combining regular activity with eating protein before and after exercise is a perfect strategy to promote muscle growth, help speed up recovery, protect you from fatigue, and prepare you for your next workout.
There are extra benefits to protein consumption as we age. That’s because we lose muscle when we get older, and research shows boosting protein intake may help increase strength and lean body mass.
Pre Workout
As a fitness enthusiast, you are likely searching for ways to improve your routine in the gym. There is no shortage of research showing that pre-workout protein consumption can help boost your overall exercise performance.
Post Workout
During a workout, your body uses its stored energy sources. After you exercise, you need to restore those nutrients. Reports from medical experts tell us that eating foods high in protein after your workout delivers the necessary amino acids to repair muscles and help muscle recovery after exercise.
Plus, protein after an injury can help speed up your recovery. When you focus on protein-rich foods such as eggs, tuna, lean meats, and yogurt, you support the healing of muscle tissue.
A Simple Way to Get Your Daily Protein
High-protein meals need not be complicated or boring. Spice up that lean chicken breast, or add a marinade to your salmon. Take time to explore healthy, everyday protein-rich meals or single items to support your wellness and fitness journey.
If you are a vegetarian, getting protein and a complete amino acid profile can also be challenging. Protein shakes to the rescue!
The Scoop on Protein Powders & Supplements
Protein powders are incredibly convenient for active individuals and athletes constantly on the go. The good news is that scientific data reveals protein supplements can significantly improve muscle size and strength. However, not all protein products are created equal.
At Fit Body Boot Camp (FBBC), we recommended Trulean products. Trulean formulas include all-natural ingredients backed up by sound scientific research, with zero sugars or artificial ingredients. Every product is gluten-free, soy-free, sugar-free, great tasting, and designed to support your fitness journey.
A Final Word
Protein is essential to your fitness success because it provides the amino acids your body needs to build, strengthen, and repair muscle. If your fitness journey is focused on weight loss, improving your metabolic health, or gaining muscle mass and strength, make sure you’re eating enough protein.
However, protein is only one part of your fitness journey. The quality of your workout routine is also critical. That’s where Fit Body Boot Camp comes in.
We have professionally designed workouts led by nationally certified coaches. Our signature 30-minute Afterburn workouts combine High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) with Active Rest Training.
At Fit Body Boot Camp (FBBC), our small group classes offer exceptional support:
- Our results-driven sessions give you the best workout to build muscle, burn fat, tone your body, and stay injury free
- We welcome all fitness levels in a community-driven atmosphere
- Our boot camp sessions combine science, coaching, and technology to reach your desired outcomes
Of course, we want to ensure that you are comfortable before you buy, so we offer FREE Fat-Burning Workouts to get you started.
Visit your local Fit Body Boot Camp today and see the difference for yourself! Contact us now and join us in result-focused nutrition plans and full-body workouts!
